Help! What model awning on 2006 T 1950?? Broken rafter arm!

Nancy G. · 06-29-2011, 12:05 PM

We just opened our awning to let it dry after a rainy exit from our campsite and discovered that the gray little device that slides the rafter arm along the support arm is totally broken, snapped!! What could have precipitated that we can't imagine--everything seemed fine all weekend and at take down.....

I don't know if the part is available or can be repaired but our manual just says Dometic A&E Systems Model 8000, 8500, or 9000. It looks like the T-1950 has a 14' awning--which model would that be?? Any tips on repairs, other than checking with our local RV dealer would be appreciated. Thanks.

Gene · 06-29-2011, 06:01 PM

Would it be this part by any chance?

If so, it is a "SLIDER ASM $9.81" part number 830463

If you start at this link: RV Awning Repair Parts from A&E and Carefree - PPL Motor Homes

It will explaing how to find info on the roller tube and that page has a link to the parts catalog which is quite confusing but you can enter 830463 and it will take you to that part to drop into your shopping cart.

Quite possibly your local RV dealer has the same part.

Gene

**Sunline Fan** · 06-29-2011, 10:15 PM

You probably have the Dometic Sunchaser awning. I think this bracket should be the same between the Sunchaser and the 8500. The biggest noticeable difference between the Sunchaser and the 8500 is the 8500 has a scalloped edge on the awning flap, whereas the Sunchaser has a straight.

I think it's worth a shot to ask around at some RV dealers. Sure, they may have it in stock as a new part, but many also have scrap parts lying around from people who get complete new awnings (like from insurance jobs). Chances are, if the piece isn't broken already, you could find one on one of these scrap arms. If you don't get it for free, you could probably get it at a fraction of the cost.

I believe you should be able to replace it without losing the spring tension in the awning tube. You'll have to drill out some rivets though. Drill out both the rivet holding the foot on the bottom of the main arm and the rivet on this broken part. If the dealer lets you take the entire arm piece, then you won't have to drill out the rivet on the bad part. Just loosen the knob and slide the whole extension arm piece out. Replace with the new, slide in through the bottom of that main arm, and reattach the foot piece. Should be good to go.

pwb01 · 06-30-2011, 05:10 AM

I needed one myself for the same unit. I called Camping World parts and they found a store who had one in stock who then mailed it to me. I bought two and have one in my spare box. I believe PPL has them also.

The trickiest part about installing it was that it sets with a rivit rather than a bolt.

I found it broke because the one arm wasn't fully lowered by about an inch before rolling up the awning. I always make sure now that they are loose and all the way down.

Nancy G. · 07-11-2011, 10:14 AM

Thanks so much for your replies--I didn't know anyone was responding--it didn't show up as a new post and/or I didn't get a notice of replies like I used to......??????

That is the exact part that broke and I couldn't figure out how, but it makes sense now--we'll be more careful in the future. I think we'll bring it to Alpin Haus at Exit 16 and have them either replace the arm or just the part--it's worth it to us to have them do it.