Ask Dave: A follow-up to the ‘awning pulling away’ post in December

Last December, one of our avid readers, Dave aka Snoopy, sent a question and photos of the awning upper rail that was pulling away from his 2021 Grand Design Momentum G-Class. You can read the article here.

Dave provided additional photos after the post, so here is what he sent originally.

I just received an email from Dave on the DIY repair he performed.

Hi Dave,
I did get a chance to work on the awning rail. They were all 1-inch screws with no wood or aluminum frame behind the rail. So we put a 1×2 finished wood board stained to match the rest of the woodwork inside the RV. We used a Forstner bit on either end with a 2 1/2-inch screw cut down to the level below the board, with a washer and nut on the ends of the awning and 2-inch screws along the rest of the awning at 6-inch intervals. Also used Gorilla Glue construction adhesive on the outside rail. It is solid now and locks into place easily and firmly.

We used wood putty to fill the holes on the end screws and stained to match. Finished wood can be purchased at any home improvement store at a relatively low cost and can be stained or painted. We think it looks great from the inside, as if those boards are just part of the trim. It works great. Thanks very much. —Dave

Thanks for the update, Dave. Great job!

 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

What can I do to extend the life of my awning?

Dear Dave,
My wife and I have a Jayco North Point 5th wheel. I am going to retire and we are planning to live in our RV in Florida. Do you have any idea what I can use to protect the awning and slide toppers from the sun? Thanks. —Tim

Read Dave’s answer.

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

Read more from Dave here. 

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