Alert Girard Awning Mounts WRONG!!

[CaptainGizmo]

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020:

This is the update from my contact at Newmar...

"They have done a couple of trials and are tweaking what they have. We are hoping to have a solid solution soon."

 

[MapNerd]

Well that’s vague. ?

 

[CaptainGizmo]

As of this morning, Aug. 28...
Newmar is testing a solution that reinforces the existing brackets WITHOUT CUTTING INTO THE ROOF.

 

[MapNerd]

As of this morning, Aug. 28...
Newmar is testing a solution that reinforces the existing brackets WITHOUT CUTTING INTO THE ROOF.

Any details? I mean, if Girard says it’s okay then it’s probably fine by me, that’s the biggest concern but I am curious how this is being done if there is nothing under the roof for them to secure it against. Maybe some weird bracket that attaches to the rafters which they can locate with a stud finder?

 

[redbaron]

I am glad they are testing that, as that was my thought as well. It would be the idea we floated about putting a bracing down on top of the roof, fastening it to the roof joists, and then using that bracing to attach the awning bracket to. I would want 1/4" material, and not 1/8", but otherwise it should be enough. The extra span length is going to provide for reinforcement.

Fingers crossed that it works!

 

[CaptainGizmo]

John, like Ronnie says, that sounds like what Newmar is testing out.

Trust me, you're getting 100% of the info I'm being told from Newmar. When they give me more, you guys will be the first to know.

 

[flyboy013]

I believe most, if not all, of the discussion so far has been with respect to Dutch Star coaches. I have a 2018 Mountain Aire 4531 and checked out the middle mount this weekend. I checked from both below and from the roof. Both awnings have the middle bracket incorrect placed. They are about 2 feet aft. I have not noticed any warping. The mounts are not separating from the roof, but I did notice that the dicor has cracks in it along the edge of the mount and around the bolts. This cracking is on all the mounts and looks like the cracks that you normally see in window glazing.

I plan on contacting Newmar on Monday to see what they say. Given that the coach is nearly 3 years old, I'm curious what their position will be.

 

[redbaron]

@flyboy013 - This is clearly a structural issue, so don't worry about warranty issues. They have a 5 year structural warranty.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

I believe most, if not all, of the discussion so far has been with respect to Dutch Star coaches.
I have not noticed any warping.

I've heard of this mistake being made on several lines; Ventana, DS, and MA.

Regarding the warping, a couple notes: you'll have to "sight" down the length of the awning, WHEN EXTENDED, to notice this warping. Ya either gotta bend down from the roof, or get up on a ladder and look from underneath.

And yes, like @redbaron says, this IS a structural issue that Newmar will have to remedy. Keep in mind that this issue was initially pointed out by GIRARD, who stated that the awning's warranty was void due to improper installation. I think that, since most of our awnings are older than the 2-year warranty by GIRARD, it's gonna be a real sticky point is something were to ever fail on the awning past this warranty period.

I'm expecting a final solution from Newmar next week.

 

[Old-RV'er]

Curious, if the brackets are not separating from the roof, the cracking on the dicor is about normal for 3 years. It's recommended to replace the dicor at the 5 year point if lots of time has been spent in excessively warm climates, at least I did it on my last unit. I will do it on this one as well, just to be safe. I guess I don't understand the problem. I have the "other style" awning system.