Dick S. 2003 U320 40′
I called Girard (very helpful Customer Service 800.382.8442) because rainwater was pooling on our awning. As we heard recently, this can cause expensive problems. We were very lucky. Here are their very helpful instructions.
After 7 years the material has probably stretched.
For rain runoff:
Drop the rear 6 to 8”. Put ladder at center arm and lower it 3 turns CCW. Then move to rear arm and lower it 6 turns. Figure 1.
Tighten the fabric lengthwise. Put awning out almost all the way, stop 1 foot short. Start at the rear. Remove the screw that holds the fabric to the outer rail. On ladder push the rail toward the MH and stretch the fabric toward the rear. It should move the fabric some. Release and replace the screw. Do the same thing at the front end of the awning. Figure 2.
Check the outward extension limit. Because the fabric has stretched there is probably no tension on it at full extension. Check at the ‘elbows’ of the arms. You should have enough gap there to see both cables. If not turn the extension screw, hole farthest from MH, CCW with 4 mm Allen. Figure 3.
The rain did indeed run off after these adjustments.
Note: The awning will only let the rain runoff when it is in a fully extended position.
Caution: Do not overuse the motor as it will overheat. So to check changes, only move it a short distance or wait between moves.