Busted Awning Bracket

[MyronL]

Was backing into my backyard pad trailer canopy yesterday when I messed up. I was too close to the canopy’s front post, passenger side, and my trailer’s rear awning arm kissed the post. It was just enough to bust the awning’s cast aluminum lower bracket. Ouch!

Went immediately to the Carefree owner manual looking for a replacement part. None there, but on page 9 were listed publications available on line. Downloaded the Patio Awning Service Manual and searched its 14 pages. (Or is it 16 pages according to Adobe Reader?—just try printing individual pages.)

So now, can I order Bottom Bracket, part R009355, direct from Carefree of Colorado? Their website had no link that I could find. But, they did link to their dealers, where parts could be ordered.

It was the weekend, I am irritated enough and impatient to boot. I decided to do it myself. Here’s the results.

[cpaharley2008]

ouch, perhaps you can upload the manual here for others?

[MyronL]

Just tried uploading that PDF file of the Carefree service manual. Got message the file was too big, upload failed.

But anyone can simply go to the Carefree of Colorado - Recreational Vehicle Awnings website and download from there.

[MyronL]

For what it's worth: Found two ebay sellers, one had the bracket for $18.95 + $11.50 shipping, the other was offering two brackets, for $23.00 Plus $11 shipping. When Rocky Mountain RV (they're local) emailed me back saying they had the bracket in stock I drove right down and paid $20 + sales tax, for one bracket.

All that was then necessary was to file the carriage bolt holes square. Badda bing!

[Burloak]

Good job Myron! Its nice to know that a lot of the smaller vulnerable to loss/damage exterior parts on our trailers are low cost almost commoditized items common to the vast North America RV industry.. just need to poke around a bit and sometimes even be surprised what's available at fair prices from our local bricks & mortar (and local business tax paying) stores. Of course its very beneficial to be very handy with tools for the installation ;-)

[ruscal]

Myron,
You could have TIG welded it.
Remove bracket from trailer.
Grind off powder coating and V out the crack.
Weld.
Grind weld.
Drill holes round and file square for CC bolt.
Prime.
Paint.
Bolt back on trailer.
Shouldn't take more than 4 hours at $50.00.
Supplies $10.00.
TIG machine $3800.00.
$25.00 to buy a bracket doesn't sound too bad, but you didn't have any fun!
Russ

[Donna D.]

Russ, you forgot... the experience "priceless." Swear words.. FREE.

[MyronL]

Can't believe my ears

[Cypherian]

Originally Posted by ruscal

Myron,
You could have TIG welded it.
Remove bracket from trailer.
Grind off powder coating and V out the crack.
Weld.
Grind weld.
Drill holes round and file square for CC bolt.
Prime.
Paint.
Bolt back on trailer.
Shouldn't take more than 4 hours at $50.00.
Supplies $10.00.
TIG machine $3800.00.
$25.00 to buy a bracket doesn't sound too bad, but you didn't have any fun!
Russ

Don't forget it should be X Rayed or at least zyglo / dye penetration checked as well as hardness check should only cost you $125.00 bucks at a good testing place. LOL oh btw hope like hell it is not heat treated as that would have to be accomplished again no idea on price on that lol

Cypher

[tractors1]

Need to add enlarging the pad and canopy to avoid this happening again.....................

[Brian B-P]

I think the repair description is hilarious, especially for a part which appears to be made of pot metal. The hot rod solution would be to mill a replacement from billet aluminum.

[ruscal]

Brian,
I like the billet aluminum idea. Start out with a 10 pound block and turn out a spiffy lookin' 2 pound bracket and 8 pounds of glitter all over the shop floor. Plus it would take all day and provide more entertainment.
For pot metal you need to use one of those glue products that have "magic" and "miracle" in the name. Can't miss with those.
Russ

[Cypherian]

Originally Posted by ruscal

Brian,
I like the billet aluminum idea. Start out with a 10 pound block and turn out a spiffy lookin' 2 pound bracket and 8 pounds of glitter all over the shop floor. Plus it would take all day and provide more entertainment.
For pot metal you need to use one of those glue products that have "magic" and "miracle" in the name. Can't miss with those.
Russ

DUCT TAPE if you can not fix it with that then you have not used enough !!

Cypher :}