Awning problems -- piston

[nachtmsk]

Hi,

Today I put out my awning and only one side stayed out. Looks like the piston, or whatever it's called is broken because it doesn't exert any force on the awning to stay out once it's extended. See photos -- outlined in red.
I'm wondering how easy a fix this is. Looked like the piston/hydraulic part is affixed with a rivet, so it's not so easy to replace. At least not something I can do.
Has anyone had something like this happen before?
Warranty expired about 5 months ago.
Thanks!
Mike

[Burgy]

I assume those are like the lifts on a hatchback. That the motor in the head unfurls the canvas while the hydraulic arm is always pushing out. Its possible that arm failed and it doesnt have pressure to push out.

Can you guide it out? push the assembly out just like the arm would have or does it stop?
And I would think its replaceable...at least I hope it is.

[nachtmsk]

Yes, I can guide it out, but it doesn't stay out. The 'lift' is the part that is broken. Like you said, it would be similar to a hatchback back, not staying open when you open it. I would think it replaceable also, because a whole new awning would be overkill -- not to mention extremely expensive.

[mark5w]

Here is an online source for the lift springs. Look for the number on yours and compare it to the replacement. Or call the manufacturer of the awning.

Replacement Springs

[nachtmsk]

Thanks Mark!

[Dayle1]

That is a Carefree awning. Had one on my '04 Cruiser and one of the gas struts failed the same way. Dealer replaced the strut under warranty. As I recall, they had to drill a hole thru one side of the arm in order to drill out the old rivet. These struts are pretty strong, like 80 or 100 lbs, so it wasn't a one person task, working over your head (or on a ladder) trying to line up the new strut and pin while fighting the other arm as well. Cost of a new strut plus labor is probably not that much, but I doubt CR would cover it. Carefree might offer some help, if not I'd ask the dealer to split the cost with you, you pay for the parts and he donate the labor.

One more point, these struts are different than most, they use an eyelet end rather than the typical ball end and may only be available from Carefree.

[DavisK]

Here is another site that sells gas struts, Gas Struts. They have them in lengths up to 36". I bought the stronger ones from them that I put on my bed when I reinforced it.