Awning Troubles

wingsandfingers

New Member
RV LIFE Pro
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
5
Location
SC
In May of 2023 we bought a BT Cruiser 5270 B+ RV. We used it twice before the first of November of that year. In November my mother-in- law fell and broke her shoulder and had to move in with us. We didn't use it again until October of 2024. While camping we decided to put the awning out. As I pushed the awning button, I had the door open so I could watch it. After just a few seconds I noticed it just didn't look right. The front side seemed to be lower than it should be. About that time, I heard a loud bang or pop and looked to see what it was. I noticed the front side of the RV was off of the camper and just hanging. The frame that attaches to the RV had come loose and all the screws holding it on had popped out and were laying on the ground. I had my wife roll it in while I held up on the arm to try to get it back in and rolled up. I called a mobile tech since we were several hours away from home. The rv tech confirmed what I thought that the screws were put into nothing other than the fiberglass side wall and not a stud or brace. He could only use some pop rivets to hold it on for us to return home which cost us $400.00. I called Gulfstream support to only be told that since our warranty was out and because I hadn't had trouble with the awning earlier it would not be covered by my factory warranty. I sent an email explaining my situation and that I had only used the awning twice before and each time was just for an hour or so.
They agreed for me to take it into my dealer and have it looked at. The dealer could then examine it and file a report and claim. The service manager only needed to take one look to see that I was correct, and the awning was installed into the fiberglass not a stud or brace. A claim was file by them and now we wait to see what will happen. Check your awnings!
 
Mine pulled out on the rear attach point while in SD. I took out all sheet metal screws and replaced each one of them with 1/4” lag bolts and silicone. No issues since.
 

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