I screwed up good this weekend

[f_skinner]

We took a little getaway to Eleven Mile Canyon. It is close and we got a semi secluded spot close to the water.

When I hooked up the propane I screwed the plastic green thing on too tight and promptly broke it so it would not seal... No problem as a I had a portable stove that I use to bring on trips with me on the motorcycle. It worked fine and for some reason I had a propane bottle for it as well... The day was saved. Well, maybe not.

I had the awning out with intentions to crank it in before bed time. A storm came up on us quick (happens in Colorado all the time) and promptly lifted the awning (it was staked in) vertical and a little over the camper.... Damn it. I managed to get it to close but I was pissed at myself for even deploying it at all.

I think I attached the pics. I am unsure how to put them in the post but will figure it out later.


I will remove the awning and see if I can repair it. It looks to be attached with several black screws. I will search the Internet for a gas line that will hook up to the propane bottle.

Thank you to the people that keep this site going. I do not post much but I read it all the time as I am a new camper user (apparently not a very good one LOL)

Frank

 

[Corey]

Bummer on the awning.

On the attachment, just copy the URL after you uploaded, then paste the whole URL into the picture props using the yellow icon above where you type

 

[Martyn]

Things happen and can be repaired. You had a back up plan, and you didn't let the experience ruin your trip. Sounds like a success to me.

 

[f_skinner]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=44416&d=1280075378

Like this... Got it and Thanks...

Anyone have any experience or advice on removing the awning?

 

[f_skinner]

Cool

 

[Martyn]

Cool

Looks like your awning is attached to the extrusion at the top and then probably bolted through the side of the camper from inside the aluminum clamshell case.

To remove it open the cover and remove the fasteners from the rear wall. Then tilt the awning up from the bottom so that it can be disengaged from the extrusion.

Spare parts from Fiamma USA

 

[f_skinner]

Martyn, Thanks for the reply. It is not releasing when I tilt it up. I will keep at it.

Frank

 

[f_skinner]

Got the sucker off, it slides off to the back. I had to remove a marker light but so far so good. Now to assess the damage. I doubt I can buy individual parts for it so I may have to order another one. I will contact FWC next week and maybe they can give me a source.

Thanks everyone for bearing through this with me. The hard part is yet to come.

Frank

 

[Martyn]

Got the sucker off, it slides off to the back. I had to remove a marker light but so far so good. Now to assess the damage. I doubt I can buy individual parts for it so I may have to order another one. I will contact FWC next week and maybe they can give me a source.

Thanks everyone for bearing through this with me. The hard part is yet to come.

Frank

For parts for the Fiamma go here http://www.fiammausa.com/

 

[bobDog]

Being raised in Colorado Springs as a boy, (read as old guy) is this the 11 mile by Lake George? If so hows it look these days....dirt still I hope I spent years of my childhood and later fishing there, camping, off road, X country skiing and the like. Loved the little store at Lake George. There was a boy Scout camp up there that I spent every summer at.....still there?Man would I like to see a few pics of your trip!:sombrero:

 

[f_skinner]

Yep same place. The BSA camp is still there on the Easy side of the Lake.... It has changed some since I was first stationed here in 1992 but not much. The road is in much worse condition and they should of left it as dirt if they are not going to maintain it. There are more houses on the road before the lake. The Park Ranger presence is much stronger than I remember with a Ranger coming through the camp about every two hours. Of course it was a weekend and the place was full.... Fishing was a little slow but the best time (from shore) was in the early morning. Today was the best since the wind died down.

We did not take a lot of pics but here are a few.

[/IMG][/IMG]

 

[f_skinner]

I need some help with a propane hose. It is listed as Marshall Gas Controls PN 40411-20B. It hooks to the propane bottle on my Grandby. I busted it good and do not know how I did it but I was talking to someone while cranking it down and I heard the crack.... I checked the Marshall Gas Controls web site but no luck. I have no idea when looking at ones from RV dealers since they cannot cross reference the PN.

Here are some pictures.

I did find the web site for the makers of the awning along with a detail manual and some parts that can be ordered. I do not know if I can salvage it or not yet...

Thanks for any help.
Frank

 

[CJCA]

If you were tightening that ACME nut by hand without any tools, I'd say you have a defective part. If you are in warranty, send it back for a replacement.

Thanks for posting the pics of the awning. I knew there was a reason why I always retract mine before turning in for the night. I thought I was just being paranoid.



.

 

[ddog45]

The worst day of camping always beats the best day at work. Be glad that you are out using your stuff.

 

[f_skinner]

Thanks for all the support guys. I got the awning off and took a hammer to it. It will work and lock into place but it is not pretty... It will do.

Funny thing about the gas valve. I was examining the parts today and it looks as if a wrench was used on it. And I am missing my multi tool... Seems the misses decided to get it real tight and did not realize it cracked... I should have known when the alarm was going off with the smell of gas. (which was why I was messing with it)... I have yet to find a match (or at least a good picture of a replacement) but still looking.

We have been out in this thing just about every weekend. We always know we are going but never where we are going. I have been looking for a camper for about 7 years and quickly discovered that everything is a trade off but we are real happy over the FWC Grandby... I actually heard about FWC on a motorcycle forum and did not know such an animal existed.... stupid me...

Again, thanks for all the help.