Common Causes, Basic Troubleshooting, and When to Seek Professional Help
By Dustin Simpson
RVtravel.com Contributor & Owner of California RV Specialists
One of the more common awning concerns RV owners run into involves a power awning that no longer retracts evenly into the awning rail or track. We recently saw an RV owner asking for advice regarding a Lippert Solera awning where both awnings were no longer aligning properly when closing.
This is actually a fairly common issue we see in the RV repair industry.
In many cases, the awning may begin retracting crooked, one side may close tighter than the other, the fabric may shift sideways, or the awning tube may no longer sit evenly against the RV sidewall.
The good news is that some alignment concerns may simply involve minor adjustments or maintenance issues. However, there are also situations where continued operation can lead to bent arms, damaged motors, torn fabric, or wall damage if ignored.
Common Symptoms of a Misaligned RV Awning
RV owners commonly notice:
- One side closes before the other
- Fabric rolling unevenly on the tube
- Awning fabric drifting sideways
- Arms not sitting flush when retracted
- One arm appearing lower or tighter
- Awning binding during operation
- Clicking or popping noises
- Awning stopping unevenly during retracting
Sometimes the problem develops gradually over time, while other times it happens suddenly after:
- Wind exposure
- Traveling
- Accidental impact
- Uneven campsite setup
- Fabric stretching
- Loose hardware
- Bent components
Basic Things to Check First
Before attempting major adjustments, there are several simple things RV owners can inspect safely.
Check for Loose Hardware
Inspect:
- Mounting bolts
- Arm hardware
- Lag screws
- Pivot bolts
- Roller tube fasteners
Loose hardware can allow the awning assembly to shift slightly during operation.
Do not overtighten hardware without verifying manufacturer torque specifications.
Inspect the Awning Arms
Carefully inspect both awning arms for:
- Bent arms
- Twisting
- Cracks
- Uneven spacing
- Binding during movement
Even minor arm bending can affect how the awning retracts.
Check Fabric Alignment
Sometimes the awning fabric itself slowly shifts sideways inside the roller tube or awning rail.
You may notice:
- More fabric hanging on one side
- Wrinkles
- Uneven rolling
- Fabric pulling tighter on one end
In some cases, the fabric may need to be recentered.
Inspect the Roller Tube
Watch the awning while retracting.
Check if:
- The roller tube appears bowed
- One side retracts faster
- The tube wobbles during operation
- The fabric tracks evenly
A bent roller tube can create alignment issues very quickly.
Verify RV Is Relatively Level
An RV that is heavily twisted or significantly unlevel can sometimes affect awning alignment during operation.
Before diagnosing major problems:
- Level the RV properly
- Retract the awning slowly
- Observe whether alignment improves
Potential Adjustment Areas
Depending on the specific Solera model, there may be limited adjustments available for:
- Arm positioning
- Fabric centering
- Pitch adjustments
- Roller alignment
However, caution is extremely important.
Important Safety Warning
RV awnings contain:
- Spring-loaded assemblies
- High-tension components
- Electric motors
- Moving arms
- Pinch points
Improper adjustments or disassembly can result in:
- Personal injury
- Damaged awning arms
- Torn fabric
- Broken motors
- Wall damage
- Sudden spring release
Some awning repairs should absolutely be left to trained RV technicians.
Avoid Forcing the Awning
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is continuing to force the awning closed after noticing alignment problems.
Forcing operation can:
- Bend the roller tube
- Damage the motor
- Tear the fabric
- Twist the arms
- Pull mounting hardware loose from the RV wall
If the awning begins binding heavily or retracting unevenly:
Stop operating it until it can be inspected.
Common Causes We See in the RV Shop
At California RV Specialists, we commonly see awning alignment problems caused by:
- Loose mounting hardware
- Bent arms from wind damage
- Fabric shifting in the track
- Worn bushings
- Motor synchronization issues
- Bent roller tubes
- Twisted mounting brackets
- Wall flex or structural movement
- Improper previous repairs
Sometimes the repair is simple. Other times, additional components may need replacement.
When Professional Help Is Recommended
If you notice:
- Bent components
- Severe uneven closing
- Loud popping noises
- Fabric tearing
- Awning binding
- Electrical issues
- Roller tube damage
- Loose wall mounting points
It is usually best to contact an RV repair facility familiar with awning systems.
A professional inspection can help determine whether the issue involves:
- Basic maintenance
- Adjustment
- Fabric alignment
- Structural damage
- Motor issues
- Component replacement
Final Thoughts
RV awnings are one of those systems that often seem simple until something starts binding or moving incorrectly. Unfortunately, small alignment problems can sometimes lead to expensive repairs if ignored.
If your Lippert Solera awning is not retracting evenly, start with basic visual inspections and avoid forcing the system closed. In some cases, simple maintenance or adjustments may correct the problem. In other situations, professional repairs may be needed to prevent further damage.
When in doubt, it is always better to stop and inspect the problem early before additional damage occurs.
Written By:
Dustin Simpson
RVtravel.com Contributor
Owner of California RV Specialists
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
www.calrvspecialists.com
