bent awning arm :(

[John in Santa Cruz]

just managed to mangle the forward arm on our '14 E21 'classic'... got the bent arm pieces off, but I'm not sure we can get replacement parts for them as I don't' believe Carefree makes this style of bent arm awning anymore, looks like their new stuff is all arm-less.

bonus points for putting a big ugly hole in the 'aircraft' door so I'm going to get to work with the local fiberglass boat repair folks.

[gbaglo]

As I recall, ETI bent the arms themselves, using a jig.

[John in Santa Cruz]

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

As I recall, ETI bent the arms themselves, using a jig.

indeed, previous correspoindance suggested, these awnings were a customized Fiesta, and that Escape bent the arms. Kathy at Carefree told me they were 'Hi-Low' arms, discontinued when we corresponded in 2018.

so I'll probably have to get something completely different bummer, I really liked this awning.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

indeed, previous correspondence suggested, these awnings were a customized Fiesta, and that Escape bent the arms. Kathy at Carefree told me they were 'Hi-Low' arms, discontinued when we corresponded in 2018.

so I'll probably have to get something completely different bummer, I really liked this awning.

They don't look that different than the current manual awning arms. Looking at mine, Escape could probably bend the bottom (if they still have the jig) and you could cut the top section to length (if needed).

[Ian and Sue]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

Ouch! I would try bending the arm back into shape, it doesn't have to be perfect to work right or look ok. Maybe screw some 2 x 4 blocks down to a bigger board and work it back into shape? Is it just the lower part that is damaged? If yes maybe a local metal shop could make you something.

[gbaglo]

Unfortunately, it does have to be pretty close to perfect for the one piece to slide into the other. My buddy's dog did a number on his awning arm. He was attached to the arm with a 50' rope and spotted a squirrel.

The arm didn't look anywhere near as bad as Johns.

[Bobbie54]

How did that happen?

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Ian and Sue

Ouch! I would try bending the arm back into shape,

I agree, nothing left to lose. I don't know what alloy it is but I'd try annealing it first then straightening it using blocks of wood, a mallet and elbow grease. The block of wood should be a snug fit inside. An anchor point such as a sturdy vice would also be a help.

Annealing it is simple. Scribble on it with felt pen, heat with a torch on the other side and when the felt pen marks fade then try working on it.

Ron

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I agree, nothing left to lose. I don't know what alloy it is but I'd try annealing it first then straightening it using blocks of wood, a mallet and elbow grease. The block of wood should be a snug fit inside. An anchor point such as a sturdy vice would also be a help.

Annealing it is simple. Scribble on it with felt pen, heat with a torch on the other side and when the felt pen marks fade then try working on it.

Ron

I agree would straighten the arm out . Doesn’t really look too bad . Pat

[John in Santa Cruz]

So, Escape will provide me with a new PAIR (sigh) of properly bent arms for about US$400, these are the complete arms, not just the lower slider part.

and I'm still trying to get ahold of the local Marine Repair place that was recommended locally for doing fiberglass repairs.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

So, Escape will provide me with a new PAIR (sigh) of properly bent arms for about US$400, these are the complete arms, not just the lower slider part.

Excellent news. You're a lucky guy, methinks.

[Ron in BC]

Lucky indeed for a part that's no longer being used in production. Not dirt cheap but seems pretty reasonable. Hope you won't ever need the spare one.

Ron

[John in Santa Cruz]

I think they are still using the Fiesta on some configurations, just with straight arms on the newer bodies... they apparently still have the bending jig handy as he did suggest my bend would be done to order.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

How did that happen?

[HABBERDABBER]

If I may pry, how did it happen?

[John in Santa Cruz]

I clipped a gate post when the sun got on my dirty right mirror and I started to turn too soon.

[HABBERDABBER]

I've had similar foibles. It all can be fixed.


One wishes they could go back in time, just in time, to redo. Alas, not possible in my part of the Universe.

[7th Heaven]

I had a bad arm issue though not as severe as yours.

You might want to contact a local welding or metal shop to see if they could bend it back into shape.

[John in Santa Cruz]

so nearly a month after I initially contacted escape and they gave me a quote, i asked them whats going on, still waiting for my bill, NOW they tell me they dont have the arms, and want me to order them from Carefree and ship to Escape for the bending.

yeeesh.