Slide and Awning Electric problems

Not sure what you mean by "middle arm" and are you referring to the patio awning? What is your RV?

Tioga RVs are made by Fleetwood. If you check with them, they should be able to tell you who manufactured their slide mechanisms. Most slide manufacturers have online resources that can help with your issue. You could also hook up a car battery to give power to your electrical system to power the slide -- If it's in operating condition.

Hello, Joyce.

First thing time discuss is getting the same make and model, if possible, to prevent excessive fabrication work and so you do not have holes in your exterior wall. Other things tio consider are replacing the entire awning or maybe just a few components. If the arms are still on good condition, consider replacing the motor and aching fabric instead. This could save you a lot of time, money and headaches. If you can replace just the fabric and motor, you will need to remove the motor completely and get the measurement of the fabric length. Take them to your camper store so they can hemp make sure you get the correct replacements. There are several fabrics available you choose from and different brands and types of motors. Having the motor on hand and the length of the fabric will let them find exactly what you need.

To remove the motor, first thing to do is DISCONNECT the power to the awning. Pulling out the fuse will do this safely without having to shut off everything. If the awning is extended, this will make the removal easier. Either way, you will most likely need a ladder and a few basic hand tools to remove it. Depending on the brand and age, the screws will be a star patterns (torx) or cross tip phillips. There may be anywhere between 5 to 7 screws. Look for 2 or on the issue case to open it up, then a few more to be able to remove the disk motor. Take a picture of the wiring to make sue you know how to reconnect it on the new one. Once you have a new motor, reverse the order to reinstall.

Regarding the fabric, there will be a small screw on each end of the slide plate that need to be removed. On the awning arms, remove the cap on the opposite end of the motor assembly to be able to open the slide out area. If you have a 2nd person to help, it will be much easier. While one person pulls the fabric out from the mounting plate on the camper, the other person should also pull from the tube section, EVENLY. Installing the new one is simple, just reverse order again and slide ends while leaving excess rubber rib in tact. Once in position, insert the screws into the plate and cut off the excess rubber rib.

Loosen holding screws and unclip both arms
Flick the up/down lever then pull on black cord as you walk back away from RV
Slide both side arms up main arms, lock in place and then tension the awning and tighten lock screws
Release lock clips on main arms and slide them up [ halfway each side is probably best for your awning]
Support legs can be left attached to RV [safest] or can be separated and stand upright, using tent pegs into ground to secure or awning tie downs

If it's electric, you should verify you have power first. If not, check the support arms. Loosen the adjustment bolts a little and check for rust or bent areas on the support arms. If the arms look fine, then it could be a problem with the spring inside the awning. I'd suggest taking it to a shop for that.

It's advisable but on an already level surface I've opened my slides without lowering them many times.

Is the system electric or hydraulic? If electric, on the opposite side of the coach from the slide out there will be a place to insert a manual crank handle. It may be in a compartment or under the entry steps. It will be a hole about 1 to 1-1/2" in diameter. If you look inside you will see a solid shaft with a cross pin. You will slide the manual crank handle onto that shaft and begin to crank and the slide will either come in or go out depending on the direction you crank the handle.

Is the system electric or hydraulic? If electric, on the opposite side of the coach from the slide out there will be a place to insert a manual crank handle. It may be in a compartment or under the entry steps. It will be a hole about 1 to 1-1/2" in diameter. If you look inside you will see a solid shaft with a cross pin. You will slide the manual crank handle onto that shaft and begin to crank and the slide will either come in or go out depending on the direction you crank the handle.

Manual or electric. If electric press the switch located inside the unit. If manual, you will need to go to each arm and press the release clips to unlock the arms (usually black but may be a lift up lock). Next tank the long rod with a loop on one end and a 90 deg hook on the other. Toward the front of the coach at the top of the awning you will see a small lever on the awning. Use the loop end of the rod to pull the lever down. Take the other end of the rod and insert it into the black strap that should be barely hanging down and pull down as you back away. This should pull the awning out. Once pulled out all the way, go to each end of the awning. Close to the wall of the RV there should be an arm hanging down with a knob on the back of it. Grab the bottom of the arm and slide it out and clip it into the end of the extended awning arm. Push down on the lower arm to tighten the fabric and then tighten the knob. Once both ends have been tightened then on the lower arm there will be a pull out handle in the middle, pull it out to release the lock pin and lift the outer portion of the lower arm up to raise the awning to the desired height. Repeat for the other end. If it is raining or windy put the awning away. DO NOT LEAVE IT OUT! The wind will catch it like a kite and rip it off of your trailer. Rain will fill it up like a swimming pool and collapse the center tube and trap you inside of the RV.

Hi Ced,

I would syphon out the water and tighten the awning. If the fabric has stretched too much from the sagging, you may need to add a stabilizer or replace it.

I found a great eHow article that will walk you through the steps for both scenarios: http://www.ehow.com/how_12125906_fix-sagging-awning.html

Best of Luck!