awning problems

[jpietruch]

I have a 2017 sprinter 33bh. This model has the awning over the slide. This is the third time I have had the fail. First time the motor head pulled out of the arm while we slept, the second was a factory defect(the shaft on the roll tube had rust 3/4 through the shaft). I suspect the shaft was cracked from the start. The third happened last weekend - the slave head sheared off the arm. The model is the solera XL which doesn't have arm adjusters to shed the rain, it is suppose to be auto drain - as the awning fills the awning will partially collapse to allow the rain to drain. I am first time buyer (bought the camper in 2017). The question I have is this, is there such a thing as an auto draining awning. Also are there any other sprinter bunkhouse owners or any other owners out that have this model of awning and are having a lot of problems with them. Thanks for your help.
Joe

[Big 417]

Yup, they're auto draining.....but it can take a lot of water to trip them. Which in my opinion could cause damage before it even dumps. Doesn't your lower arm brace have a knob and is adjustable? Or does the main support on the side of the trailer have 5 sets oh holes with spring loaded pins you can set different heights at?

[jpietruch]

No adjustment and no spring loaded pins just fixed positions. Yes it does take a lot of water to trigger the dump. That is why I believe the slave of the roller sheared off, too much water

[Big 417]

Any way to even use a bungee cord or strap to pull one side down a little?

[chuckster57]

Does your awning have the articulating arms with the “joint” you pull down on?

[Big 417]

Right, that's the other style I was thinking about. Had those on a different unit, and I did use to bungy the joint down.

[jpietruch]

Yes I can but it would be in the way walking around and I have 2 dogs that would always get caught in the cord. I would have to attach it to some kind of anchor on the ground.

[jpietruch]

Nope that is the problem, no way to do that