I need an awning expert!

[Firefly]

I just got what I think is a deal (50 bucks) on a 15' A&E armored awning. Here are some questions:
The shafts that protrude on each end seem to be bent. In looking at how these torsion assemblies are made and then put in the main tube, am I just seeing the result of the inner end of the shaft sitting against the inner side of the tube? Sort of like a straw in a to-go cup?
Any thoughts on the usefulness of the aluminum armor jacket it came with?
The fabric needs replaced so it'll cost me, and maybe some other parts but I think I did OK. It's been a long time since I messed with am awning so any help is appreciated. I'll get some pics when it's light out side.

[lornaschinske]

Keep the weather shield. It will make your awning fabric last longer. There should be a diagram of an A&E awning in the 'net. But BEFORE you attempt to "fix" any part of the awning (including re-tensioning it which you will probably have to do after ) find out the facts and how-to's FIRST. They can be damaged easily and then it's expensive to fix. Be very careful when you release the tension on a waning as you can really hurt yourself. Those rollers have a lot of tension on them.

Do an internet search for "A&E (model) awning parts diagram". The model number, etc should be on a label on one of the legs and/or awning tube. The one on the Class C said Carefree Spirit FX. There was a difference between the Spirit and Spirit FX on some parts.

Retensioning http://www.doityourself.com/stry/rv-awn ... Bg4Rhaeg9E
How to replace the fabric (video) http://www.rv-awning.com/a-e-awning-parts/
http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com/categor ... ory_id=121
(note: I am not recomending any of these places, just posting them for info value)

[Firefly]

Originally Posted by lornaschinske

Keep the weather shield. It will make your awning fabric last longer. There should be a diagram of an A&E awning in the 'net. But BEFORE you attempt to "fix" any part of the awning (including re-tensioning it which you will probably have to do after ) find out the facts and how-to's FIRST. They can be damaged easily and then it's expensive to fix. Be very careful when you release the tension on a waning as you can really hurt yourself. Those rollers have a lot of tension on them.

Do an internet search for "A&E (model) awning parts diagram". The model number, etc should be on a label on one of the legs and/or awning tube. The one on the Class C said Carefree Spirit FX. There was a difference between the Spirit and Spirit FX on some parts.

Retensioning http://www.doityourself.com/stry/rv-awn ... Bg4Rhaeg9E
How to replace the fabric (video) http://www.rv-awning.com/a-e-awning-parts/
http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com/categor ... ory_id=121
(note: I am not recomending any of these places, just posting them for info value)

Thanks for the advice and the links. Busy day and I haven't been out to look at the awning yet, but the legs indicate they are 8000,8500, 9000 series. I'll check out those links. Thanks again!