1993 awning opening question

[Reddeer]

Hi all,

I am trying to get my awning open for the first time. I have read the past posts, but would still like some direction. My awning says "Dometic Catalina 2100" on the outside.
I was able to print a manual for a 2500 off the web. My major problem is the awnings arms do not drop.

1. When the past posts refer to latches, does that mean internal or external latches? Where are they located?
2. When I insert the "pin" end of the wand into either hole in the arm assembly, nothing happens - no resistance. Is there supposed to be resistance?
3. After spraying this area with silicone and tri-flow, I have gently tried to force the arms down - no luck.

Any feedback would be welcome - pictures/diagrams would be helpful also.

Thanks!

[Wakeslayer]

Pictures would be very helpful. I don't understand what you are referring too.

[weekender]

My 93 has a different awning--sorry

[skater]

That's part of the issue - I can explain how the awning on our 1991 worked, but they changed the design every few years. In particular a '93 awning is probably made by Fiamma even though it might have a Dometic logo on it - while mine was an actual Dometic.

I think they all work on the same basic concept: The arms are spring loaded and trying to force the awning out, keeping tension on the fabric. Pictures of it might be helpful.

[Reddeer]

Hi All,

Thanks for the responses. Here are some photos of the unit:





Again, I am poking the "pin" end of the wand into the little hole and nothing is happening. Is this hole the "latch" - is it frozen if I get no resistance?

Thanks!

[skater]

Wow, yours is VERY different from mine.

I did a quick Google search and found these directions on Dometic's site. It looks like you're doing the right thing - stick that pin in there and lower the arm away. My guess is the mechanism that holds it in place is a little finicky and you have to poke around a bit to get it to activate.

[Reddeer]

Thanks for the advice, Skater. Yes, that's the same set of instructions I found also. I'll give it another shot.

[Wakeslayer]

That is totally different than mine also. Sorry I cannot be of any help.

[URStruly]

My awning is different from yours. But mine are spring loaded catch to hold the leg up when awning is retracted. To get the arms to drop I loosen a lock bolt and push the arm to the right for it to release. Try putting something in the hole and pushing to the right or left, in the direction of the arrow,to see if yours is spring loaded also. If so it should drop down out of the track it is housed in when you do this.urs.

[Reddeer]

Thanks for all the help. I finally got it deployed! It looks like it has only been used once or twice.

[skater]

Thanks for all the help. I finally got it deployed! It looks like it has only been used once or twice.

Wow, that's great. It'll get easier each time you use it.

[WonderBobo]

I have a 1993 and am getting it back on the road after a year and a half. I am considering a screen room attached to the awning and wondered if you know if a 12 ' generic room would fit or is the B190 awning specific as to which screen rooms would fit? Thanks

[weekender]

I have a 93 as well, with a Horizon 22' awning. I explored the same, looking for a screen room to fit my unit. It was not made with this as an option. The only option to get a real screen room, was to purchase a new awning that was specifically make with a screen room, and even then the dealers were saying that there may still be some fit issues specific to the van. As an alternative, I went to WalMart and purchased the screen kit for an instant up canopy, and made it work using the awning and some magnets to keep it against the van. There are pictures in my gallery (weekender). It is not perfect, but the cost was right, about $20, already had the magnets. It makes a huge difference, but is not 100%.

Steve

[WonderBobo]

Thanks, I like the idea and the price!