Dometic Universal Series Patio Awning

Introduction

This awning (hereinafter referred to as “awning,” or “product”) is designed and intended for use on RVs with straight sides. For curved sides, please see the separate Hardware List in the Dealer Service Manual for the appropriate model.

This awning can be installed by one person with brief help from additional personnel. Use these instructions to ensure correct installation, function, and operation of product.

Dometic Corporation reserves the right to modify appearances and specifications without notice.

Document Symbols

• ℹ️ Indicates additional information that is NOT related to physical injury.
• ✅ Indicates step-by-step instructions.

Important Safety Instructions

This manual has safety information and instructions to help you eliminate or reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

A. Recognize Safety Information

⚠️ This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential physical injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

B. Understand Signal Words

A signal word will identify safety messages and property damage messages, and will indicate the degree or level of hazard seriousness.

• ❗ WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that, if NOT avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• ? CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation that, if NOT avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• ℹ️ NOTICE is used to address practices NOT related to physical injury.

C. Supplemental Directives

⚠️ Read and follow all safety information and instructions to avoid possible injury or death.

Read and understand these instructions before [installing / using / servicing / performing maintenance on] this product.

Incorrect [installation / operation / servicing / maintaining] of this product can lead to serious injury. Follow all instructions.

D. General Safety Messages

❗ WARNING Failure to obey the following warnings could result in death or serious injury:

• This product MUST be [installed / serviced] by a qualified service technician.
• Do NOT modify this product in any way. Modification can be extremely hazardous.
• IMPACT OR CRUSH HAZARD. This product should be installed in a controlled environment (inside). Do NOT install product during windy conditions, or when wind is expected. Otherwise, product could move unpredictably, become unstable, and could [detach / bend / collapse].

The installation MUST comply with all applicable local and national codes, including the latest edition of the following standards:

U.S.A.

• ANSI/NFPA70, National Electrical Code (NEC)
• ANSI/NFPA 1192, Recreational Vehicles Code

CANADA

• CSA C22.1, Parts I & II, Canadian Electrical Code
• CSA Z240 RV Series, Recreational Vehicles

General Information

A. Optional Components

• (1) 830304: Door Roller Kit
• (1) 830304.003: Door Roller Kits (50 Pack)
• (1) 3109623.003: Top Bracket Spacer
• (1) 3109623.550: Top Bracket Spacers (50 Pack)
• (1) 3104781.004: Bottom Spacer Kit (1 Pair)
• (1) 3104781.103: Bottom Spacer Kits (10 Pair)

Specifications

A. Hardware Dimensions

Standard Duty hardware may be used if awning FRTA is 21' wide (or less).

Heavy Duty hardware MUST be used if awning FRTA is greater than 21' wide.

*Models 8273000.(X)08# and 8483000.(X)08# hardware has (1) Short and (1) Tall Arm/Rafter assembly. This hardware is intended for use on fifth wheel RVs.

Prepare For Installation

A. Door Roller And Edge Guard (Optional)

ℹ️ Do NOT allow corner of entry door to contact awning fabric. Otherwise, premature wear or tearing of awning fabric could occur.

If there's potential for a squared corner entry door to contact awning fabric, a door roller kit (NOT INCLUDED) must be installed.

Rounded corner doors may NOT require a door roller kit if there is no potential for damage to awning fabric.

See subsection, "A. Optional Components" on page (3) to order door roller kits.

1. Install door roller. See (FIG. 1).

FIG. 1: Shows the placement of a door roller at the upper corner (opposite to hinge) of an outer entry door, 1/4" to 3/8" above the door, with self-drilling screws attaching it through mounting holes.

2. Clip door edge guard onto upper corner (opposite to hinge) of inner screen door. See (FIG. 2).

FIG. 2: Depicts a door edge guard clipped onto the upper corner of an inner screen door.

B. Prepare Awning Rail

ℹ️ Verify awning rail is parallel to RV floor, and is NOT warped or curved before installing awning fabric. If awning rail is NOT straight, awning fabric may wrinkle or stretch.

Select desired awning rail end (on RV) into which awning fabric will be inserted. Flare (widen) that end of rail with a flat-bladed screwdriver, and remove (file) sharp edges. See (FIG. 3).

If awning is equipped with LED lights, flare top (of awning rail opening) ONLY.

FIG. 3: Illustrates the difference between a standard awning rail flare (top and bottom) and an LED awning rail flare (top only).

C. Prepare Awning For Installation

The awning requires minor preparation before installing on RV.

1. Carefully lay FRTA on a clean, well padded "V" trough (or other well protected surface) to prevent fabric damage.

2. Insert top casting into corresponding main arm. See (FIG. 4).

FIG. 4: Depicts inserting the RH top casting into the main arm and securing it with a 1/4"-20 X 1/2" hex head screw.

3. Place 1/4"-20 X 1/2" hex head screw (with washer) through main arm and into top casting. Tighten to 65-80 in-lb torque. See (FIG. 4).

4. Repeat steps (2) and (3) for opposite side.

5. Rotate awning safety lock lever to roll down position. See (FIG. 5).

FIG. 5: Shows the awning safety lock lever and its direction for rolling the awning down.

6. ❗ IMPACT OR PINCH HAZARD. Do NOT remove cotter pin from torsion rod (at end cap) until BOTH top castings are secured to corresponding main arms, and awning safety lock lever is in roll down position. Otherwise, rapid casting spin off will occur. Spring tension will attempt to spin the hardware and/or fabric roller tube quickly and unexpectedly. Failure to obey this warning could result in death or serious injury.

Straighten, remove, and discard cotter pin from left end of torsion rod (LH end cap) only. See (FIG. 6).

FIG. 6: Illustrates the LH end cap and the cotter pin that needs to be removed from the torsion rod.

D. Determine Awning Location

1. ❗ IMPACT OR CRUSH HAZARD. Verify mounting surface on RV is flat, has solid structural backing where fasteners penetrate surface, and will safely and securely support product. Otherwise, product may become unstable and could [detach / bend / collapse]. Failure to obey this warning could result in death or serious injury.

Find a solid structure in RV wall for support of top mounting brackets.

ℹ️ Do NOT fasten top mounting bracket over awning rail and against rubber cap molding (if RV's roof construction has rounded corners). Otherwise, water leakage could occur.

The relationship between solid structure and awning rail will determine location of top mounting brackets. Possible positions for top mounting brackets include:

• Mounting OVER awning rail. See (FIG. 7). ℹ️ Do NOT use this position if top mounting brackets will contact rubber cap molding on RV (roof with rounded corners).
• Mounting BELOW awning rail. See (FIG. 8).
• Mounting ON awning rail. See (FIG. 9).
• Install top bracket spacers if awning rail is too wide (has drip channel) and interferes with top mounting brackets. See (FIG. 10).

See subsection, "A. Optional Components" on page (3) to order top bracket spacers.

FIG. 7: Shows a top mounting bracket positioned over the awning rail.

FIG. 8: Shows a top mounting bracket positioned below the awning rail.

FIG. 9: Shows a top mounting bracket positioned on the awning rail.

FIG. 10: Shows a top mounting bracket with a top bracket spacer used with an awning rail that has a drip channel.

2. Make sure arm assemblies do not restrict use of doors, windows, etc. See (FIG. 11).

FIG. 11: Depicts RV arm assemblies positioned relative to doors and windows, indicating the need for clearance.

Install Awning

A. Install LED Light Switch (If Applicable)

An LED light switch (installer supplied) is required for awning models equipped with an LED light strip. Skip this subsection if awning is NOT equipped with an LED light strip.

1. ❗ ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Disconnect 120 Vac power from RV. Failure to obey this warning could result in death or serious injury.

2. ℹ️ NOTICE Disconnect the positive (+) 12 Vdc terminal from supply battery. Otherwise, damage to unit could occur.

3. ℹ️ NOTICE Do NOT expose switch to weather, extreme temperatures, or long hours in direct sunlight.

Find a suitable location for LED switch installation.

4. ℹ️ NOTICE Install a (3 A) fuse (installer supplied) at fuse panel for positive (+) 12 Vdc power supply (RED wire) to switch. Otherwise, damage to unit could occur.

✅ Alternatively, a (3 A) inline fuse may be used between positive (+) 12 Vdc power supply (RED wire) and switch.

5. Route wiring (inside RV) to general location where connections to awning hardware will be made. Allow enough wiring length to pass through outside RV wall (hole will be drilled later) for connection to awning. Wiring hole location will be near RH top casting. See (FIG. 4).

6. Make appropriate wiring connections inside RV. Wiring connections to awning (through outside RV wall) will be made later. See instructions included with your LED light switch for additional wiring instructions.

B. Insert Awning Fabric Into Awning Rail

1. With awning safety lock lever in roll down position, unfurl awning fabric 1 revolution.

✅ Unfurling 1 revolution will allow enough space between RV wall and awning hardware to guide fabric as it is inserted into awning rail.

2. ? LIFTING HAZARD. Use proper lifting technique and control when lifting product. Failure to obey this caution could result in injury.

With one person grasping each arm assembly, carefully lift entire awning assembly upright. Then carry awning to prepared (flared) awning rail end. See (FIG. 12).

FIG. 12: Shows two people lifting the awning assembly by its arm assemblies and carrying it towards the RV's awning rail.

3. While one person guides awning fabric into awning rail, carefully move (carry) awning assembly to predetermined location. See (FIG. 12).

✅ To determine correct awning location, see subsection, "D. Determine Awning Location" on page (6).

A stepladder may be necessary to reach awning rail.

At least two other people are required to hold and control awning hardware until:

• both top mounting brackets are correctly installed;
• both bottom mounting brackets are correctly installed;
• both patio feet are securely latched into bottom mounting brackets.

C. Install Top Mounting Brackets

1. When awning is in predetermined location, extend both adjustable arms down to help support awning assembly.

✅ To determine correct awning location, see subsection, "D. Determine Awning Location" on page (6).

a. Pull lift handle out and CAREFULLY extend adjustable arm until patio foot contacts floor / ground. See (FIG. 13).

b. With FRTA at same height (approximately) as awning rail, release lift handle to lock in position. See (FIG. 8) & (FIG. 13).

c. Repeat steps (a) through (b) for opposite side.

FIG. 13: Illustrates pulling the lift handle, extending the adjustable arm until the patio foot touches the ground, and locking the handle.

2. Push in one side tab of arm safety lock, then the other to disengage main rafter from main arm. See (FIG. 14).

FIG. 14: Shows how to disengage the main rafter from the main arm by pushing the tabs on the arm safety lock.

3. Make sure main rafter is aligned directly behind and centered with main arm. Then carefully pull main rafter away from main arm (toward RV), and mark hole locations for top mounting bracket. See (FIG. 7), (FIG. 8), (FIG. 9), & (FIG. 15).

FIG. 15: Details attaching the top mounting bracket to the main arm and main rafter using #14-10 X 3" hex head screws.

4. ❗ FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Verify there are no obstacles inside RV's roof and/or walls (wires, pipes, etc.). Shut OFF gas supply, disconnect 120 Vac power from RV, and disconnect positive (+) 12 Vdc terminal from supply battery BEFORE drilling or cutting into RV. Failure to obey these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

Drill 3/16" diameter holes through marked mounting hole locations and into solid structure of RV.

✅ Drill 7/32" diameter holes if drilling into steel.

5. ℹ️ NOTICE ALWAYS use sealant on (clean) parts and surfaces where fasteners enter RV's roof and/or walls. Otherwise, water leakage could occur.

Apply sealant to #14-10 X 3" hex head screw threads. Then place and tighten screws through top mounting bracket and into solid structure of RV. See (FIG. 7), (FIG. 8), (FIG. 9), & (FIG. 15).

6. Repeat steps (2) through (5) for opposite side.

7. Lift and place top casting onto top mounting bracket's top pivot. Then push (squeeze) main rafter into main arm until arm safety lock snaps securely in place. See (FIG. 14) & (FIG. 16).

FIG. 16: Shows the top casting being placed onto the top pivot of the top mounting bracket, and the main rafter being secured into the main arm.

8. Repeat step (7) for opposite side.

D. Install Bottom Mounting Brackets

1. Latch bottom mounting bracket, onto patio foot (located on bottom of adjustable arm). See (FIG. 17).

FIG. 17: Illustrates latching the bottom mounting bracket onto the patio foot of the adjustable arm.

2. Make sure top casting is still resting on top mounting bracket's top pivot. See (FIG. 16).

3. ❗ IMPACT OR CRUSH HAZARD. Verify mounting surface on RV is flat, has solid structural backing where fasteners penetrate surface, and will safely and securely support product. Otherwise, product may become unstable and could [detach / bend / collapse]. Failure to obey this warning could result in death or serious injury.

Find a solid structure in RV wall to install bottom mounting bracket. Then adjust arm to place bottom mounting bracket in desired mounting position. See (FIG. 13), (FIG. 17), & (FIG. 18).

✅ Mount directly into RV floor line, over molding, etc. If installing over RV molding, a bottom spacer MUST be used.

See subsection, "A. Optional Components" on page (3) to order bottom spacer kits.

a. While one person holds and controls main arm, pull lift handle out.

b. Slide adjustable arm up or down until bottom mounting bracket is in desired mounting position.

c. Release lift handle to lock in position.

✅ Lift handle MUST be locked in position to complete installation (later steps).

FIG. 18: Shows the bottom mounting bracket being positioned, with a bottom spacer used if installing over RV molding.

4. Square arm assembly to RV and FRTA. See (FIG. 19). Measuring from a door or window frame is acceptable.

FIG. 19: Depicts squaring the arm assembly to the RV and FRTA, with measurements taken from a door or window frame.

5. While holding bottom mounting bracket against RV wall, mark hole locations. See (FIG. 17) & (FIG. 19).

6. ❗ FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Verify there are no obstacles inside RV's roof and/or walls (wires, pipes, etc.). Shut OFF gas supply, disconnect 120 Vac power from RV, and disconnect positive (+) 12 Vdc terminal from supply battery BEFORE drilling or cutting into RV. Failure to obey these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

Drill 3/16" diameter holes through marked mounting hole locations and into solid structure of RV.

✅ Drill 7/32" diameter holes if drilling into steel.

7. ℹ️ NOTICE ALWAYS use sealant on (clean) parts and surfaces where fasteners enter RV's roof and/or walls. Otherwise, water leakage could occur.

Apply sealant to #14 hex head screw threads. Then place and tighten screws through bottom mounting bracket and into solid structure of RV.

8. Repeat steps (1) through (7) for opposite side.

E. Install Stop Bolts

Install shoulder bolt (stop bolt) to help prevent over-travel of arm assembly.

Before proceeding with stop bolt installation:

• Bottom mounting bracket MUST be installed.
• Patio foot MUST be latched into bottom mounting bracket.
• Lift handle MUST be locked in position.

1. Pull lift handle out and slide main arm up by one hole only. Then release lift handle to lock in position. See (FIG. 13).

2. Place 5/16"-18 X 1" shoulder (stop) bolt through highest, fully exposed hole in adjustable arm (nearest bottom edge of main arm). Then secure with 5/16"-18 lock nut. See (FIG. 20).

FIG. 20: Shows the installation of a 5/16"-18 X 1" shoulder (stop) bolt through the adjustable arm and securing it with a lock nut.

3. Pull lift handle out and slide main arm down until it rests on stop bolt. Then release lift handle to lock in position. See (FIG. 13) & (FIG. 20).

✅ Top casting should now clear top pivot by 1/2" when awning closes. See (FIG. 16).

4. Repeat steps (1) through (3) for opposite side.

F. Release Preset Tension

❗ IMPACT OR PINCH HAZARD. Do NOT remove cotter pin from torsion rod (at end cap) until BOTH top castings are secured to corresponding main arms, and awning safety lock lever is in roll down position. Otherwise, rapid casting spin off will occur. Spring tension will attempt to close the awning quickly and unexpectedly. Failure to obey this warning could result in death or serious injury.

With awning safety lock lever in roll down position, straighten, remove, and discard cotter pin from right end of torsion rod (RH end cap). See (FIG. 21).

FIG. 21: Illustrates the RH end cap, awning safety lock, and the cotter pin to be removed from the torsion rod.

✅ Removing cotter pins will release the factory preset tension. To facilitate removal, you may need to twist the fabric roller tube (as if unrolling awning) by pulling the bottom of tube toward you while pulling on cotter pin.

G. Secure Awning Fabric To Awning Rail

1. ? PINCH HAZARD. Maintain a horizontal distance of at least 16" between fully open awning and any permanent object. Failure to obey this caution could result in injury.

Open and close awning four or five times to allow for natural self adjustment of awning fabric. See Operating Instructions.

2. Verify alignment of awning fabric, and awning hardware.

a. If there is misalignment, make adjustments accordingly.

b. Cycle awning again to check alignment.

3. Ensure arm assemblies are still positioned correctly (directly in front of top brackets), then mark location of awning fabric edges on awning rail.

4. Pull one edge of awning fabric approximately 1/4" beyond marked position. Then secure with #6 X 7/16" TEK screw through awning rail (approximately 2" from fabric edge). See (FIG. 22).

FIG. 22: Shows securing the awning fabric edge to the awning rail using a #6 X 7/16" TEK screw, approximately 2" from the fabric edge.

5. Pull to stretch opposite edge of awning fabric approximately 3/4". Then secure with #6 X 7/16" TEK screw through awning rail (approximately 2" from fabric edge).

H. LED Light Connections (If Equipped)

Skip this subsection if awning is NOT equipped with an LED light strip.

1. ❗ FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Verify there are no obstacles inside RV's roof and/or walls (wires, pipes, etc.). Shut OFF gas supply, disconnect 120 Vac power from RV, and disconnect positive (+) 12 Vdc terminal from supply battery BEFORE drilling or cutting into RV. Failure to obey these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

With awning open, drill (1) 5/8" diameter hole through outside wall of RV (near RH top casting and under awning rail).

✅ Make sure location will allow LED wiring to pass through wall without interference.

2. ℹ️ NOTICE Do NOT pinch wiring or allow wiring to rub against sharp edges. If wiring is damaged, it MUST be replaced by a qualified service technician.

Use a grommet (installer supplied) when routing wiring through RV wall.

✅ If grommet is NOT used, use heat-shrink tubing where wiring will pass through RV wall.

3. ℹ️ NOTICE ALWAYS seal wiring against weather and moisture where wiring enters RV's roof and/or walls. Otherwise, water leakage could occur.

Pull wiring through wiring hole (and grommet).

✅ If grommet is NOT used, make sure sealant will also provide effective and permanent protection against wire damage.

4. ℹ️ NOTICE Verify the positive (+) 12 Vdc terminal is disconnected from supply battery. Otherwise, damage to unit could occur.

Connect LED switch wiring to the factory pre-wired LED light strip.

✅ See instructions included with your LED switch kit (installer supplied) for additional wiring instructions.

5. Secure wiring to prevent pinching or other damage during awning operation.

✅ Allow enough slack in wiring to safely accommodate possible fabric movement.

Verify Installation

A. Test Operation

Operate awning according to Operating Instructions to verify all parts are functioning correctly.

B. Secure Awning For Travel

1. Fully close awning. See "Close Awning" in Operating Instructions.

2. Verify awning is secure for travel. See "Prepare Awning For Travel" in Operating Instructions.

C. Keep Literature

Instructions contain valuable information for product use and consumer safety.

⚠️ Keep BOTH the Installation and Operating Instructions with product.