Dometic A&E 8500 Series, A&E 9000 Series Installation Manual
A&E AWNINGS
Model: Dometic A&E 8500 Awning
Australia’s
Favorite Awning
For great looks and long life, more
RVers choose the A&E Imperial
8500 than any other brand or
model. Its heavy-duty premium
vinyl canopy has the rich vibrant
Horizon stripe color pattern on top
and bottom with color-matched
weathershield.
The dependable, easy-operating
A&E Universal Hardware is
available in straight or curved
models to fit virtually any vehicle.
•
Large torsion assembly for
dependability, long life and
smooth, effortless operation
•
Patented anti-slack rafter pivot
keeps fabric tinder tension when
moving arms between pivot and
carport positions
•
A&E's heaviest polyester
reinforced vinyl fabric side hems
for added durability
•
Exclusive Permaloop pull strap
makes it easier to open awning
A&E 8500 Colours
•
Lengths 8ft to 25ft in
one foot increments
•
Full approx. 8ft extension
•
12 Months Warranty Australia wide.
•
Easiest-to-use ergonomic lock knobs
•
BURGUNDY ROSE
CODE DZ
A&E Universal hardware
ALPINE GREEN/PERIWINKLE
CODE DY
FAWN/CINNAMON
CODE EA
GULF BLUE
CODE DX
The color in this chart should be used
as a guide only. For exact fabric color,
see A&E's fabric sample kit.
1
8410000, 8471000,
8472000, 8474000,
8475000, 8480000,
8481000, 8481003,
8490000,
8491000,
RECORD THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
BEFORE INSTALLING THE UNIT:
Model Number
Serial Number
Date Purchased
Place of Purchase
INDEX
838000D, 838100D, 839000D, 840000,
USA
The Dometic Corp.
.
Dometic PTY
Clayton Vic
REVISION
Form No. 3103837.070 6/02
(Replaces 3103837.062)
(French 3108060.017)
©2002 Dometic Corporation
LaGrange, IN 46761
This manual must be read and understood before installation, adjustment, service, or maintenance is performed. This unit must be installed
by a qualified service technician.
Modification of this product can be
extremely hazardous and could result in personal injury
damage.
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Series
Universal Hardware
for use with
8500, 9000
Fabric Roller Tube Assembly
Lire et comprendre ce manuel avant de
procéder à l'installation, à des réglages,
de l'entretien ou des réparations.
L'installation de cet appareil doit être
effectuée par un réparateur qualifié.
Toute modification de cet appareil peut
être extrêmement dangereuse et
or property entraîner des blessures ou dommages
matériels.
838000D, 838100D, 839000D,
840000, 8410000, 8471000,
8472000, 8474000, 8475000,
8480000, 8481000, 8481003,
8490000, 8491000,
SERIES
UNIVERSAL HARDWARE
!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual has safety information and instructions
to help users eliminate or reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
This is the safety-alert symbol. When you see this
symbol in this manual, be alert to the potential for
personal injury.
Follow recommended precautions and safe operating instructions.
UNDERSTAND SIGNAL WORDS
A signal word , WARNING OR CAUTION is used
with the safety-alert symbol. They give the level of
risk for potential injury.
WARNING: means if the safety information is
not followed someone could be injured or killed
and/or damage to equipment could occur.
CAUTION: means if the safety information is
not followed someone might be injured and/or
damage to equipment might occur.
Read and follow all safety information and instructions.
Dometic
FIG. 4B
TOP
SLAT
(9000
Awnings)
AFTER
INSTALLATION
A&E 8500, 9000
AWNING OR COVER
1/4–20 X 1/2"
HEX HD.
MACH. SCREW
LOCK
WASHER
ARM
DO NOT
REMOVE
C O T T E R
PIN AT
THISTIME
TOP
CASTING
FIG. 2
DO NOT ROTATE
SAFE-T-LOCK
TM
LEVER
FIG. 1B SCREEN
DOOR
DOOREDGE
ENTRY
DOOR
Wheel Above
Door 1/4" – 3/8"
Position Wheel
Directly over edge
of Door
FIG. 1A
FIG. 5A
AWNING
FABRIC
RAIL
BEFORE
FIG. 3
COVERED BY PATENT 4,524,791; 5,351,736; 5,566,918;
5,383,346; D353,473, others pending
Application
The A&E awning with "Universal Hardware" is designed and
intended for use on motorhomes, mini-motorhomes, 5th
wheels and travel trailers with straight or curved sides. For
curved sides, please see the separate Hardware List in the
Dealer Service Manual for the appropriate model.
IMPORTANT: Read and understand ALL of the following steps before beginning installation.
The Dometic Corporation reserves the right to modify appearances and specifications without notice.
Installation of A&E Awnings will briefly require three people.
Use the following procedure to assure a properly installed,
and properly functioning awning.
1. Where the awning is mounted above the entry door, the
door roller must be installed on the outside of the door
in the extreme upper corner above the door handle.
(FIG. 1A)
A door screen edge guard must be installed on the
outside of the screen door in the extreme upper corner
opposite the door hinges. (FIG. 1B)
When the entry or screen door is opened while the
awning fabric is extended low, the door roller or edgeguard (instead of the sharp door corner) contacts the
underside of the fabric.
2. Carefully lay the fabric roller tube assembly on "V"
troughs or other well protected surface to prevent fabric
damage. Secure arm assemblies to the respective top
castings using 1/4–20 x 1/2" hex. hd. machine screws
and 1/4" lock washers. (FIG. 2)
CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE the cotter pins at this
time and DO NOT attempt to rotate the Safe-T-Lock
Lever until installation is complete. (Lever is pre-set
in the roll-up position.) (FIG. 2)
FIG. 4A
AWNING
RAIL
FABRIC ROLLER
TUBE ASSEMBLY
ARM
ASSEMBLY
3. Prepare the awning rail to accept the awning roller
cover. Select the end from which the awning shall be
fed, then widen that end of the rail with a flat screwdriver
and file off any sharp edges. (FIG. 3)
4. With one person grasping each support arm, carefully
lift the entire assembly upright. Keep the two arm
assemblies Parallel to each other to avoid damage
due to twisting Carry the awning to the prepared
awning rail end. (FIG. 4A & B)
Feed the roller cover into the awning rail while standing
on a stepladder, (third person) while two carry the awning
assembly to the desired position.
5. Install Top Brackets
After the complete awning assembly has been threaded
into the awning rail, check to be sure that its position
allows for solid mounting of the top and bottom
brackets and that support arms are in desired location
(not restricting use of doors, access doors, egress
windows, etc.). (FIG. 5A)
Dometic
TM
BRACKET
#14 X 2 INCH
APPLY SEALANT
TO SCREW
HEADS
BOTTOM MOUNTING
BOTTOM
BRACKET
#14 x 2"
HEX. HD. SCREWS
APPLY SEALANT TO
SCREW
THREADS
FIG. 6C
Place top pivot in position over awning rail from below
STANDOFF
MOLDING
FIG. 6D
FIG. 6B
RELEASE LEVER
BOTTOM
BRACKET
PATIO FOOT
FIG. 6A
After the top bracket has been mounted, do not pull the
bottom of the arm assembly away from the side of the
vehicle, with the Safe-T-Lock
TM
in the roll-up position.
Damage to the torsion lock can occur, which may cause
the torsion to malfunction.
TOP
PIVOT
RAFTER
AWNING RAIL
Universal Hardware
Mounting
TOP BRACKET
#14 x 2 1/2"
Hex Hd. Screw
FIG. 5B
as shown in FIG. 5B. Align pivot directly behind and
centered with the main support arm. (Rotate the ClassA pivot onto the rail by lifting up and out on the rafter.)
Pull the main support arm away from the top bracket and
rafter. Mark the top bracket position and predrill the two
holes (use a 3/16" drill bit in steel.) Install top bracket
over the awning rail. Apply sealant to the threads of the
two #14x2-1/2" hex. hd. screws and where the screws
enter the coach with clear silicone. Secure the top
bracket. Place main support arm on the top pivot.(FIG.
5B).
6. Install Bottom Brackets
Snap the patio foot on the bottom of the inner arm into the
bottom bracket. (FIGS. 6A & 6B). Insure the arm top
casting is resting on the top pivot. Lift the main arm
handle and slide the inner arm up to the desired mounting
position. Select the best supporting structure, i.e. mount
directly into the floorline, molding, etc.
Release the handle and slide the inner arm down until the
handle lock button snaps into a hole. Close the travel
latch.
Mark position of bottom bracket holes into the floorline.
Pre-drill two 3/16" dia. holes through the marked loca
tions. (Drill 7/32" dia. into steel).
Disconnect bottom bracket from patio foot and secure it
to the coach using two #14 x 2" hex head screws. Apply
sealant to the threads of the two #14x2-1/2" hex. hd.
screws and where the screws enter the coach with clear
silicone. (FIG. 6C). Snap the foot back into the bracket.
Repeat for other side.
Lift the arm handle (releasing lock button) and CARE-
FULLY extend the inner arm to the ground to support the
awning. (FIG. 6B).
Repeat for the other side.
NOTE: If installing over a molding, A&E Standoff Kit
3104781 must be used (See Fig. 6D).
INNER
#10 x 5/8"
PHILLIPS HD.
3/16" DIA. HOLE
CLOSEST TO
ALUMINUM
STOP WASHER
#10 LOCK NUT
MAIN ARM
FIG. 7
7. Install Stop Plugs.
CLOSED TRAVEL LATCH
FIG. 10B
MAIN ARM
OPEN TRAVEL-LATCH
MAIN ARM
FIG. 10A
When cotter pins are removed, springs are under
tension. The awning will attempt to close. Keep
body clear of hardware and roller tube.
FABRIC
TOP
BRACKET
AWNING RAIL
#6 x 1/2" TEK SCREW
2"
FIG. 9A
This step is essential for the proper
functioning of all A&E Awnings.
SAFE-T-LOCK
TM
LOCK DIRECTION
LEVER
END CAP
COTTER
PIN
FIG. 8
TOP
BRACKET
#6 x 1/2" TEK SCREW
FIG. 9B
AWNING RAIL
Using the lift handle, RAISE THE MAIN ARM UP BY ONE
HOLE ONLY.
Install an aluminum stop washer on the inner arm face,
through the hole closest to the bottom of the main arm
with a #10 x 5/8" phillips screw and a #10 lock nut (FIG.
7).
9. Secure Awning to Awning Rail
Open and close awning a few times to allow for natural self
adjustment of awning.
Secure by installing a #6 x 1/2" Tek screw into the rail.
(FIG. 9A & 9B) Repeat at other end.
THE MAIN SUPPORT ARM SHOULD NOW CLEAR
THE TOP PIVOT WHEN THE AWNING CLOSES.
Repeat for other side.
8. Release Pre-Set Tension.
Move the Safe-T-Lock
TM
lever to the roll down position.
Remove cotter pin that is holding factory pre-set torsion.
The cotter pin is found in the roller tube end cap (FIG. 8).
For easier removal, twist the roller tube as if unrolling
awning while pulling on cotter pin.
10. Operate awning according to the Operating Instructions
to check that all parts function properly.
11. Secure Awning for Travel.
For added security and rattle-free travel, tighten rafter
knobs, secure travel latches and insure torsion lock is in
the roll up position. (FIGS. 8, 10A & 10B).
Discard pin and repeat for other side.
2
TO OPEN AWNING: Back to index
6
1
Loosen the black adjustment knob behind each main arm.
• Sunchaser Awnings: push travel latch tab toward center of
arm to disengage.
• 8500/9000/ Awnings: Flip travel
lock latches up.
4
Slide one rafter arm up until it snaps into
place. Pull down and out on the sliding
rafter to remove slack from the fabric,
and tighten the black adjustment knob.
Repeat for other side.
Using the provided pull rod,
reach up and pull the locking lever forward to release
the awning.
5
3
Hook the rod into the loop of the pull
strap, and pull the awning all the way
out.
Slide the pull strap to the
right end of the roller, and
wrap it around the main arm.
Pull up on the lift handle and raise the
arm assembly to the desired height.
Swing handle in and allow the lock
button to snap into one of the holes.
Repeat for other side.
7 8
Lower arm to shortest position. Press the
release lever at the bottom end of main arm,
pull the arm assembly outward to a vertical position and adjust height. Repeat for
other side. Drive stakes through holes of
each patio foot into the ground. Stake kits
are available from your awning retailer.
During rain, lower the end furthest from the door
to allow water to flow off.
Whenever heavy or prolonged rain or wind is
anticipated, or you will leave the awning unattended, it is best to close the awning. Damage as
a result of weather is not covered by warranty.
1
Pull stakes from the ground, lower arm to the shortest position,
swing arm toward the vehicle, and snap the patio foot into the
bracket. Repeat for other side and proceed to next step.
2
Raise the lift handle to
release the lock button.
Lower main arm to the
stop plug. Swing the
handle in to engage the
lock button in a hole.
Repeat for other side.
3
A: Loosen black adjustment knob. B: Lift slider catch. C: Slide
the rafter arm down to the bottom of the main arm. Leave black
adjustment knob loose. Repeat for other side.
TO CLOSE AWNING:
Tighten black adjustment knob.
• Sunchaser Awnings: Squeeze rafter into arms to engage latch.
• 8500 & 9000: Flip travel lock latch down.
Repeat other side. Your awning is now ready for travel.
6
Slide the pull strap to the center, and using it to control
speed, allow the awning to
return to the vehicle side.
Note: Allow the strap to wind
diagonally to prevent a bulge
in the fabric.
Grasp the pull strap, pull toward you, and flip the locking lever up to the ROLL UP
position.
Do not release the awning
pull strap now. It is under tension and could snap back
against the vehicle side.
5
4
TO CLOSE AWNING (Continued):
A&E ACCESSORIES FOR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE:
• A&E Slide Topper™ protects your slideout unit.
• A&E Patty O’Mat™ under your awning looks great and keeps
dirt from being tracked into your RV.
• A&E Window Awnings keep your RV cooler and protect your
furnishings from sun damage.
Ask your RV dealer to show you these quality accessories and more
from A&E.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR AWNING CARE
• Whenever the awning is wet while rolled up, as soon as conditions allow, roll it
out and let it dry before rolling it up again. This will help prevent mildew and
rotting.
• Mildew does not form on the fabric itself, but on the accumulated dust, dirt and
grime. Periodically clean vinyl or woven acrylic. Refer to cleaning instructions
below for fabric care.
• Always make sure the awning is extended high enough before opening the entry
door.
• Apply silicone spray lubricant as needed to keep the awning’s moving parts
operating smoothly. For ease of operation on hardware, rub candle wax on all
sliding surfaces.
A&E 8500 and SUNCHASER:
• Abrasion, weather and long hours in the sun are vinyl’s worst enemies. To avoid
these problems, you will need to keep your awning clean. Use a mixture of 1/4
cup dish soap, 1/4 cup bleach and five gallons of fresh water. Soap the open
awning with this mixture, then roll it up and let stand for five minutes. Rolling
up of the awning will apply the mixture to the underside of the fabric. Unroll the
awning and hose off the top and bottom with clean water. Repeat if necessary
and allow to completely dry.
A&E 9000 :
• In addition to its beauty and soft translucence, woven acrylic fabric offers the
advantages of strength and breathability. It is water repellent; but because it is
a woven cloth, it is not water proof. To keep your acrylic awning clean, simply
hose it off occasionally and let it dry. Do Not Scrub.
• Avoid touching the underside of the 9000 canopy when it is wet. To do so will
break the surface tension of the water and encourage seepage through the fabric.
• Because woven acrylic is of a much lighter weight than vinyl, shifting may occur
if the awning and pull strap are not centrally aligned with the fabric roller tube
while the awning is being rolled up. If necessary, roll the awning out and adjust
the alignment.
WHEN TO GET MORE HELP:
• If malfunctions occur that cannot be corrected by reviewing this user’s guide,
contact a qualified Dometic service technician.
Note: A slight “travel line” may appear where the door roller con-
tacts the awning fabric. This is considered normal and does not affect
the integrity of the awning.
Form No. 3108608.013 5/01
(Replaces 3108608.005)
(French 3109197.016)
REVISION
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