Quote:
Originally Posted by DocMike
Jamie,
After reading of someone's Awning deciding to extend while in transit I'm a bit gun shy.
Doc
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Doc,
That was me and the reason the awning deployed was Dometic issued incorrect installation instructions and OEMs followed the instructions. When Dometic issued the recall Forest River could not notify owners because, unlike Thor, they did not maintain adequate records of ownership or build sheets listing serial numbers for their coaches.
In the case of an awning there is only one motor which serves as a brake to prevent issues from happening. Schwintek slides on the other hand have 2 motors which both serve as brakes. The braking function is automatic and, I believe, the motors must be unplugged and removed to disengage the brake.
In my opinion, the chances of an awning failure are twice that of a slide failure (1 brake vs 2) so in preparation know how you can use a strap to keep the awning secure while traveling in the event it does fail. Me, I'll just extend my trip, call a mobile tech and open my wallet.
I am reminded of this issue whenever I walk behind my shed because I still have 13 feet of the 16 foot awning tube that I intend (some day) to use as a post for a bird feeder. The remaining/missing 3 feet of the tube (the end housing the motor) had to be cut off and turned in under the recall.
As a side note, the awning experience is one reason (there are others) that I keep my FMCA membership active. The first thing I do when the new Family Motor Coaching hits the mailbox is look at the recall corner. One this that I find consistent is that with common recalls (e.g. the Lippert steps) Thor is normally one or two months ahead of the other OEMs in issuing the recall notification.
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