Dometic A&E Systems 8500, A&E Systems 9000 Replacement Instructions Manual

REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR AWNING

Fabric Roller Tube

For Models 8500 & 9000

Tools Required:

The Fabric Roller Tube Assembly (FRTA) consists of a fabric,
a roller tube and torsion assemblies.

Use extreme care. Springs under tension are
dangerous. If not controlled they will unwind
quickly. Keep hands and clothing clear of top
casting, as personal injury may result.

B. REMOVAL OF THE AWNING FROM THE COACH

Vise Grips®
Socket Wrench Set
3/16" Drill Bit
1/8" Pop Rivets
End Cap Guide

A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Torsion Assembly

Screwdriver
Electric Drill
Step Ladder
3/16" Pop
RivetsPop Rivet

These instructions must be read and under­stood before installation, adjustment, service
or maintenance is performed. This unit must
be installed by a qualified serviceman. Modi­fication of this product can be extremely haz­ardous and could result in personal injury or
property damage.

Tool
Adjustable Wrench
1/8" Drill Bit
Small File

NOTE: Awning removal from the coach is NOT necessary
when replacing a torsion assembly. Proceed to Section
C, Steps 1 & 2, Sections D, Steps 1-3, and Section L,
Steps 1-3.

1. In all instances of fabric or roller tube replacement, it will
be necessary to have a large work area to allow
complete unrolling of the awning. This work area must
be clean and smooth so the fabric will not be damaged.

2. Remove the TEK screws securing the awning fabric or
roller cover at each end of the awning fabric. See FIG. 1.

3. Remove both top mounting brackets on the ends of the
awning rail. See FIG. 1

REMOVE FROM
BOTH SIDES

AWNING
RAIL

FIG. 1

1/2" TEK
SCREW

4. Remove both of the patio feet from their mounting
brackets and extend the adjustable arms until each patio
foot rests on the ground and lock button locks in a hole.

5. Slide the awning fabric or roller cover out of the awning
rail.
a. To keep the awnings from unwinding during this

step, be sure the cam lock lever is in the roll down
position. A 1/8" cotter pin can be inserted in each
torsion assembly for positive locking of the roller
tube. See FIG. 2.

MOVE LEVER POSITION TO
ROLL DOWN POSITION

TOP CASTING

FIG. 2

RIGHT-HAND SIDE
(VIEWED FROM FRONT)

SECTION

FABRIC

TOP
BRACKET

COTTER

PIN

1

Form No. 3107299.054 3/02

(Replaces 3107299.046)

(French 3109898.027)

©2002 Dometic Corporation

LaGrange, IN 46761

REVISION

C. UNWINDING A TORSION ASSEMBLY SPRING

NOTE: If the awning is installed on a coach, complete the

following steps on a step ladder, with the awning fabric
unrolled two feet from the awning rail. The unwinding can also
be done while standing on the ground and the awning fully
extended and the opposite side rafter locked in place. The
torsion spring will be wound with 8/eight more turns in this
position and is extremely dangerous.

Severe injuries can result from the rapid spin-off of
the top casting. Use Vise Grips® - NEVER use bare
hands - to handle a top casting under spring ten­sion.

TOP
CASTING

LOCK
LEVER

1. Clamp a Vise Grip® tightly on the top casting, or insert
the crank (3107905.006) into top casting. Remove the 1/
4-20 hex head machine screw from the top casting. See
FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A.

2. Take the top casting carefully out of the main support
arm (see NOTE below). Slowly let the torsion spring
unwind completely. Repeat Steps 1 & 2 for the opposite
end.

NOTE: If the awning's right-hand torsion assembly has been
pinned, the cotter pin must be removed from the torsion
assembly before the spring can be unwound. The cam lock
lever on the right-hand torsion assembly must be turned
clockwise to the roll up position, before the spring can be
unwound.

FIG. 3A

LOCK
LEVER

CRANK

3107905.006

TOP
CASTING

VISE­GRIPS®

1/4-20 X 1/2" HEX
HD. MACH. SET SCREW

MAIN SUPPORT
ARM ASSEMBLY

FIG. 3

D. HOW TO REMOVE A TORSION ASSEMBLY

1. Make sure the torsion spring has been relieved of its
tension (see Section C.)

2. Mark or make note of the location of the fabric and the
end cap on the roller tube. This is necessary to reposition
the new torsion, fabric or roller tube exactly the same
when the new part is installed.

NOTE: Some roller tubes have notches and the end cap
has tabs, that will allow the torsion to fit only in one
position. The fabric must be positioned exactly as shown
in FIG. 5 or the lock lever will not be positioned correctly
when installed on the coach.

1/4-20 X 1/2" HEX
HD. MACH. SET SCREW

MAIN SUPPORT
ARM ASSEMBLY

3. Drill out the two rivets using a 3/16" drill bit. Remove
torsion assembly and rivet bodies from roller tube. See
FIG. 4.

2

FIG. 4

E. HOW TO REMOVE FABRIC FROM ROLLER TUBE / COVER

1. Remove both torsions. See Section D, Steps 1-3 for
torsion removal.

2. Roll the awning completely out on a clean smooth
surface.

3. With the awning laying flat, slide the roller tube out from
fabric.

4. The metal roller cover on 8500 and 9000 models are

F. INSTALLING FABRIC ON ROLLER TUBE

crimped to the poly ropes. Use needle nose pliers and
flat blade screw dirver to spread open the channel before
removing fabric.

NOTE: Some 9000 model awning,secured the fabric to the

roller cover with 1/8" pop rivets. It is necessary to remove
the 1/8" pop rivets from both ends of the roller cover.
Once the rivets are removed, you can slide the fabric out
of the cover. See FIG. 6 & 7.

1. Unfold the new fabric and lay it on top of the existing
fabric in the exact same position. Be sure the new
fabric is the correct size and color. If roller tube is being
replaced, make sure it is the correct length and position
it with the notch located as shown in FIG. 5.

2. Dometic requires the use of the end cap guide to prevent
damages to the fabric, when replacing the fabric/roller
tube. Place the end cap guide supplied with the replace­ment fabric/roller tube on the end of the roller tube. Slide
the fabric and valance ropes through the end cap guide
and onto the roller tube. See figure 5.

NOTE: When changing the fabric, it is vital that the same
groove(s) be used. This eliminates the need to redrill any
holes (i.e. center support).

3. Guide the roller tube over the poly-rope(s) of the fabric.
Be careful not to damage the roller tube or the fabric.

4. Center the fabric on the roller tube and hand-roll the entire
assembly in the same direction as the original fabric.

VALANCE
ROPE

NOTCH

ROLLER
TUBE

FABRIC
GROOVE

OPEN
GROOVE

SLIDE FABRIC AND
VALANCE ROPES
THROUGH GUIDE

FIG. 5

PLACE END
CAP GUIDE
ON ROLLER
TUBE

3