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So hard not to write something that will get me in trouble with my fellow moderators (I want to use a string of words that would make a flightline maintainer blush). Also hard to post this as it is very embarrassing to make such a stupid mistake. BUT...to not share my foibles (along with my triumphs) paints an inaccurate picture of the life of this imperfect DIY'er.
Today I started the process of replacing the awning fabrics on the 9100 series Dometic powered awnings on my 315RLTS. I watched YouTube videos, I read manuals, I was PREPARED. Nope. Instead of pinning the spring end of the awning (like I was supposed to do) I thought I was ready to catch the support as it was unbolted from the arm and then manually unwind the spring tension per a YouTube video I'd watched. (Note I take full responsibility for my actions. No one else is responsible for my stupidity.)
Well, that YouTube guy must have hands like vice grips, because after one turn the support end with the spring tension got away from me and slammed into the back of my hand. Thankfully I was smart enough to put on heavy protective gloves or I'd probably be in an Emergency Room with a crushed hand. As it is I've only got a really awesome bruise (yes, it hurts) and one slightly damaged ego.
The really fun part is that after the tube spun out of my hand it broke both of the supports (left and right) on the tube as it crashed to the ground. By "supports" I mean the part that gets bolted to the arms. Now I get to figure out how to replace these parts (or buy a new awning). All to save a few minutes because it was "too hard" to pin the tube.
The moral of this story? PIN THE (content edited to stay within forum rules) TUBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The picture below shows the slot on the outside and, when aligned, the slot on the inside where the pin must go through. It's not easy to align these holes, but do it anyway. Until it's pinned, DO NOT unbolt the spring end (left, or opposite side of the motor) side of the awning. Never. Ever. Unless you've got a grip that would send The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) to his knees.
It took hours and several adult beverages to work up the courage to write this post. I hope it saves someone from making the same mistake I made today.
When the new awnings are installed (it may be a bit) I'll post the results.
Howard
Today I started the process of replacing the awning fabrics on the 9100 series Dometic powered awnings on my 315RLTS. I watched YouTube videos, I read manuals, I was PREPARED. Nope. Instead of pinning the spring end of the awning (like I was supposed to do) I thought I was ready to catch the support as it was unbolted from the arm and then manually unwind the spring tension per a YouTube video I'd watched. (Note I take full responsibility for my actions. No one else is responsible for my stupidity.)
Well, that YouTube guy must have hands like vice grips, because after one turn the support end with the spring tension got away from me and slammed into the back of my hand. Thankfully I was smart enough to put on heavy protective gloves or I'd probably be in an Emergency Room with a crushed hand. As it is I've only got a really awesome bruise (yes, it hurts) and one slightly damaged ego.
The really fun part is that after the tube spun out of my hand it broke both of the supports (left and right) on the tube as it crashed to the ground. By "supports" I mean the part that gets bolted to the arms. Now I get to figure out how to replace these parts (or buy a new awning). All to save a few minutes because it was "too hard" to pin the tube.
The moral of this story? PIN THE (content edited to stay within forum rules) TUBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The picture below shows the slot on the outside and, when aligned, the slot on the inside where the pin must go through. It's not easy to align these holes, but do it anyway. Until it's pinned, DO NOT unbolt the spring end (left, or opposite side of the motor) side of the awning. Never. Ever. Unless you've got a grip that would send The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) to his knees.
It took hours and several adult beverages to work up the courage to write this post. I hope it saves someone from making the same mistake I made today.
When the new awnings are installed (it may be a bit) I'll post the results.
Howard
. Good to learn that you were not injured. I have more than a few scars to show for my decisions on similar short cuts. Also a good reminder to be careful with what you “learn” from YouTube vs the repair manual.
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