Awning Strap

[ditsjets7]

Hi all and Happy Memorial Day All! And thanks to all who have served our Country! Thank you for your service.

So two questions for you all today. I drive a 2003 31 foot coachman leprechaun. We spent the weekend in Vermont and now we are back in upstate New York safe and sound.

1. While retracting the spring loaded awning As we were packing up this morning the black nylon strap came out of the groove on the roller of the awning. The small plastic piece that was anchoring it also broke. Does anyone know what this part is called and where I might obtain it?

2.  Several times during my drive I noticed the smell of burning breaks. What was odd to me about this was that I was not applying the brakes during any point in time I smelled the smell.  Is it possible that I have a issue with my front calipers Sticking? Is there a way to service this issue short of replacing the calipers?

Thanks everyone!

Mike

 

[ArdraF]

The awning pull is called an awning strap.  They're relatively easy to replace.  We bought some at a trailer supply store and probably any place like Camping World carries them. If I recall correctly, they come in two different lengths so measure yours before going to find one.

Sorry I can't help with the brake question.

ArdraF

 

[ChasA]

A piece of 1/8" dowel or 1/8" aluminum rod could be glued into the loop on the end of the strap.
The brakes need to be inspected for possible binding and signs of burning. This is not something you should do yourself given the lack of knowledge shown in your question.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

You can get replacement "awning pull straps" at RV stores, Walmart RV dept, and various onine sources, e.g. Amazon, Ebay, etrailer, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-42505-Patio-Awning-Strap/dp/B00CKML4CE/

As for the burnt smell, yes it's possible it's a brake, though it could be other things as well. And decent brake shop can inspect and advise, though they like to do complete overhauls for even small problems. Many drivers lack a sufficiently educated nose to accurately detect what a smell is, though, so it could be most anything that gets hot. A slipping drive belt, for example.

 

[John From Detroit]

That "Small plastic" piece is a short length of screen door "Spline"

YOu can replace it with most anything the same diameter.  Need not be plastic. You can use a screw (just cut the head off) if you have one the right size..  No need to worry about metal on metal as the plastic piece goes INSIDE the nylon..  Put a dollop of glue (Goop works well) on it if you wish to make sure it doesn't slip out of the nylon. and cut to length.

 

[KandT]

Yep - When I had that chassis in a 2007 model and I had a both fronts sticking.  I confirmed by using an inexpensive heat "gun". You can snag one on amazon.  Of course, if I smelled the brakes sticking I would take it somewhere ASAP because they probably are.  I could just hear mine when I released the brakes still rubbing. 

Also, I had an F150 where the front calibers would stick every few years so I was already sensitive to Ford's doing this.  The fix wasn't much money and when ya need those brakes you don't want them to be hot!!  Brakes aren't like a loose radio knob. ;D ;D

 

[ditsjets7]

Thanks everyone! This is all so helpful!
Mike

 

[skydivemark]

I had a caliper dragging on our previous RV a few years back, got hot enough to melt the valve stem.