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Old 05-31-2022, 02:01 PM   #1
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problem getting awning open

I'm trying to open my manual awning for the first time. I pushed the upper arm lock to open, flipped both lower arm locks up and loosened the black knobs on both arms. Awning refuses to unfurl....what am I missing or doing incorrectly? It seems like the upper arm lock is holding the arms in place...
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Old 05-31-2022, 02:15 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by sofmerc View Post
I'm trying to open my manual awning for the first time. I pushed the upper arm lock to open, flipped both lower arm locks up and loosened the black knobs on both arms. Awning refuses to unfurl....what am I missing or doing incorrectly? It seems like the upper arm lock is holding the arms in place...
Are you sure the switch is set to open?

You have to push it until it almost points straight back.

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Old 05-31-2022, 02:16 PM   #3
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There is a good instructional video on the Escape website. Here is the link:
https://escapetrailer.com/videos-ori...ery-5f7bb3d-16

It sounds like you are doing everything correctly. That is, flip the lever at the end to open, then open the locks on each of the arms, then grab the black tab that should be sticking out somewhere along your awning, and pull. I do find it helpful to watch the video from time to time to help remind me, otherwise I sometimes run into trouble making sure I'm following the right steps in the right order.
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Old 05-31-2022, 02:20 PM   #4
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I’d pull the release lock lever back down and push it up again to make sure it’s really releasing.
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Old 05-31-2022, 02:22 PM   #5
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Should add, make sure, with a twisting tug, that the arms aren’t bound up. They can occasionally stick.
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Old 05-31-2022, 08:07 PM   #6
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Should add, make sure, with a twisting tug, that the arms aren’t bound up. They can occasionally stick.
I think the right arm was bound up a bit.. A lift and it released
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Old 05-31-2022, 08:40 PM   #7
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They get that way. The slide supports get so they don’t move too well in the track at times too. Clean them up and then spray some Tri-Flow lubricant on a heavy paper towel and wipe all the surfaces down. They will work better and the tri flow will not attract dirt like WD 40 or CRC 555. Once a year at the beginning of the season should do it for about 70 nights of camping.
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Old 05-31-2022, 09:38 PM   #8
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They get that way. The slide supports get so they don’t move too well in the track at times too. Clean them up and then spray some Tri-Flow lubricant on a heavy paper towel and wipe all the surfaces down. They will work better and the tri flow will not attract dirt like WD 40 or CRC 555. Once a year at the beginning of the season should do it for about 70 nights of camping.
Iowa Dave
Thanks for this.. I'll certainly lube it up... Trailer is a month old.... First time the awning has been open...
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Old 06-01-2022, 09:29 AM   #9
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Glad it is working! You may find it helpful to download the Escape technical "how-to's" onto a tablet or laptop that you take with you on trips. I got lucky last year when our heater quit and I didn't know what to check, but folks on the forum replied quickly and I was able to clean the sail switch and problem solved.

However, if we had been a bit more remote or the timing was a bit different we may have been stuck without a working heater. After that I downloaded all of their how-to videos and I've used them from things as simple as a reminder of ideal tire pressures, manual awning operation, etc. but most importantly is that I have them available 24/7 for reference.
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Old 06-01-2022, 09:35 AM   #10
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Thanks for this.. I'll certainly lube it up... Trailer is a month old.... First time the awning has been open...
Hi: softmerc... Just think. If it was to easy it might unfurl when your on the highway!!! Make sure it locks well when closed. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 06-01-2022, 11:30 AM   #11
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Sofmerc, You will probably want to pick up some straps to secure the awning arms while traveling like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-42503-1...33&sr=8-5&th=1
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Old 06-01-2022, 11:37 AM   #12
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Sofmerc, You will probably want to pick up some straps to secure the awning arms while traveling like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-42503-1...33&sr=8-5&th=1
Or, buy a roll of Velcro and make your own.
Just cut to length and have lots left over for other applications.
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Old 06-01-2022, 06:48 PM   #13
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Or, buy a roll of Velcro and make your own.
Just cut to length and have lots left over for other applications.
14/2 Solid Romex W/G Wire

This is what’s behind most residential walls, used for lights and outlets, I have it secured with this.

I use it to tie down just about everything in trucks and trailers-ladders, mowers, you name it.
I’ve tried many other ways but always go back to old school carpenter ways.
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Old 06-01-2022, 07:09 PM   #14
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14/2 Solid Romex W/G Wire
Huh? Do you understand the application?
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Awning lock.jpg   Awning strap 2.jpg  
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Old 06-01-2022, 08:48 PM   #15
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Huh? Do you understand the application?
Do you understand what he’s saying
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Old 06-01-2022, 09:29 PM   #16
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Huh? Do you understand the application?
Yes, but my bad, I assumed this would’ve been easy to comprehend…
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Old 06-01-2022, 10:12 PM   #17
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Yes, but my bad, I assumed this would’ve been easy to comprehend…
What? You wrap the awning arms in electrical wire to keep them from opening?
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Old 06-02-2022, 11:38 AM   #18
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I'm glad all we do now is push a button....... Donna's cabana beach boy is now a part of every new Escape with a power awning.....
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Old 06-02-2022, 12:07 PM   #19
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I’m fond of pushing a few buttons myself. Some folks don’t seem to enjoy it like I do. Glad to hear you are home again. Hope the new 19 is all you hoped it would be. How about some pics of the rig in action and of Noelia. She’s better looking than you.
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Old 06-02-2022, 12:28 PM   #20
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I'm still catching up with mail and bills, will post after going to get some beer, keeping your priorities are important.....
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