Wiktor Wise
Dometic awnings are a popular choice for RV owners, but like all awnings, they sometimes need to be replaced. This can be a dangerous task, so it's important to proceed with caution or seek professional help. While there is a wealth of information available online, including YouTube videos and forum posts, much of it is generic and not specific to the Dometic 9100 model. This guide will take you through the process of replacing a Dometic electric awning, from removing the old awning to installing the new fabric.
Characteristics and Values Table for Replacing a Dometic Electric Awning
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Model | Dometic 9100 |
| Tools and Materials | 2 six-foot ladders, razor knife, large flat-blade screwdriver, driver for zip screws, drill bit for rivet heads, drift pin, silicone spray, rivets and rivet tool, 2 sawhorses, etc. |
| Steps | 1. Open the awning and pin the tube. 2. Remove the awning tube from brackets. 3. Cut the fabric. 4. Remove zip screws and fabric. 5. Clean and widen the awning slot. 6. Mark awning tube slots. 7. Drill out rivets. 8. Remove old awning fabric. 9. Layout new fabric. 10. Feed new fabric into the channel. |
| Precautions | Understand the spring mechanism and tension. Ensure only a small amount of spring tension remains after manual unwinding. Be cautious of dangers and difficulties; consider hiring a professional. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Removing the old awning
To begin, open the awning all the way and pin the tube. This will ensure that the awning stays in place during the removal process. Next, remove the awning tube from the brackets and place it on sawhorses for support. Cut the fabric in half and remove the zip screws securing the fabric at the roofline. With the fabric removed, you can now focus on detaching the awning itself.
Drill out the rivets on the forward-facing cap, being careful to use a drill bit that is large enough to remove the rivet head. You may need to punch the rivet into the tube to dislodge it. Once the rivets are removed, you can take off the awning fabric. Be sure to mark the awning tube slots before removing the fabric to make it easier to reinstall the new fabric.
Finally, clean the awning slot and widen the forward end with a large screwdriver. This will help prevent the new fabric from catching when it is installed. With these steps completed, you should now have successfully removed the old awning and prepared the surface for the new awning installation.
Earthing at Home: Testing and Safety Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the new awning
Firstly, it is important to note that replacing an electric awning can be dangerous, so it may be a task to pay a professional to do. If you choose to proceed, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials, including a ladder, razor knife, screwdriver, drill, rivets, and a rivet tool.
Before installing the new awning fabric, it is important to inspect it for any defects and ensure it is the correct colour and size. Lay out the new fabric, colour side up, and identify the awning tube slots, marking them accordingly (e.g. A=awning, V=valance). It is also important to note the direction of the spring's installation, as this will determine the direction of the pre-tensioning.
The new fabric should be fed into the upper channel of the awning, with one person on a ladder at the front, feeding the material, one holding the fabric up to prevent binding, and a third pulling the fabric from the other side. Ensure the fabric is fed through smoothly and does not catch on any sharp edges.
Once the fabric is in place, the zip screws can be reattached, securing the fabric at the roofline. The awning tube can then be reattached to the brackets, ensuring it is securely in place. Finally, the pre-tensioning of the spring can be adjusted, if necessary, by winding it in the opposite direction to the FRTA turning direction.
Music Notes: Electric and Acoustic Harmony
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Installing the new awning
Before installing the new awning, it is important to understand the dangers and complexities of the task. It is recommended to have at least two or three people assisting with the installation. Additionally, make sure to refer to the Dometic manual for specific instructions and warnings related to your model.
Now, to install the new awning fabric, start by opening the awning fully and pinning the tube. Then, carefully remove the awning tube from the brackets and place it on sawhorses for support. Cut the old fabric in half and remove the zip screws securing it to the roofline. Clean the awning slot and use a large screwdriver to widen the forward end, filing any sharp edges to prevent the new fabric from catching.
Next, mark the awning tube slots for the awning and valance before removing the old fabric. Drill out the rivets on the forward-facing cap, using a drill bit large enough to remove the rivet head. Once the old fabric is completely removed, lay out the new fabric with the colour side up and inspect it for any issues.
Finally, feed the new awning fabric into the upper channel. This step is much easier with helpers; one person can climb a ladder to feed the material into the slot, while another holds up the fabric to prevent binding, and a third pulls the fabric from the other end. Once the new fabric is in place, secure it by inserting the retention "rope" through the awning rail and applying new butyl tape to the back of the rail.
Electric Lighters: Carry-On or Checked Baggage?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pre-tensioning the spring
When pre-tensioning the spring of a Dometic electric awning, it is important to understand the role of the tightening spring. The spring fights against the gas strut-powered extension arms to prevent the awning material from being slung away from the camper. It also assists the motor in overcoming the gas struts during retraction. Therefore, when pre-tensioning using the Top Casting, ensure that it is wound counter-clockwise, as observed when standing under the awning and facing the rear of the camper.
It is crucial to verify the amount of tension on the spring. There should still be some tension, but not excessive. You should be able to easily wiggle the FRTA with your hand while it is installed in the awning arm. If there is significant resistance, it indicates that the spring is under dangerous levels of tension.
Before applying tension to the spring, it is imperative to understand how the Top Casting installs and fits into the slots on the awning arm. Refer to the Dometic manual for detailed instructions and diagrams.
Additionally, when replacing the awning fabric, it is important to consider the number of winds or turns applied to the spring. This can vary depending on whether the awning is open or closed and its length. For example, if the awning is in the retracted position, the recommended number of winds is typically 9 or 10, depending on the awning's length.
Always exercise caution when working with electric awnings. Replacing the fabric on an RV awning can be a hazardous task, so consider seeking professional assistance if you are unsure about any steps in the process.
Electric Co-op Service Areas in New Hampshire
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safety precautions
Replacing a Dometic electric awning is a potentially hazardous task, so safety should be your top priority. Here are some crucial safety precautions to follow:
Prepare the necessary tools and supplies
Before starting the replacement process, ensure you have all the required tools and supplies ready. This includes items such as a ladder, razor knife, large flat-blade screwdriver, drill bits, rivets, and a rivet tool. Having everything within reach will help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth process.
Use caution when working on ladders
When using a ladder during the replacement, exercise extreme caution. Ensure the ladder is stable and securely positioned on level ground. Avoid overreaching while on the ladder, and always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot).
Understand spring tension and follow procedures
Working with the awning's spring tension can be dangerous if not done correctly. Understand how the spring is installed and always double-check that it is secure before applying tension. Verify the amount of spring tension by trying to wiggle the FRTA while it is secured in the awning arms. If there is excessive tension, do not proceed until it is released manually.
Secure the awning and valance tracks
Improperly secured awning and valance tracks can lead to accidents. Always ensure that these tracks are securely fastened and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Double-check that all installations and connections related to the tracks are correct before proceeding.
Read and follow instructions carefully
Before beginning any work, carefully read and understand all the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow each step meticulously to ensure a safe and successful installation. If you are unsure about any part of the process, seek clarification from the manual or consult a professional.
Test the awning before full extension or retraction
Once you have completed the replacement, do not immediately extend or retract the awning to its full capacity. Instead, test the awning's functionality by performing a partial extension and retraction. This way, you can catch any potential issues and ensure that the awning operates correctly without putting yourself or others at risk.
Activating Electricity in Your Apartment: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
