Awning lock release stuck (manual, central push-button)

Hi all,

My camper was fitted, probably in Japan, with a manual awning. The central locking mechanism is stuck, it won't release to allow opening. I push the button but it meets no resistance, as if the 'lock' inside has come away from the pin.

Below are some photos of the set-up. Manufacturer stamp says YKK, who by my googling seems to be a Japanese window and blind maker, who 30 years ago maybe made these, but no longer. Can't find any manuals / guides or YT clips online for this problem.

Any tips welcome. I have not tried to open up the mechanism yet, though that day is coming - from my experience with having to wind window blinds back up it's a nightmare. Then again I don't think there is a spring in my awning... who knows.

Cheers.
Gonewild

... A few photos of the awning.

We have the same awning and I believe the same issue. Did you figure out how to get it to open or get a replacement?

Hi ThoranX, glad you found the post. I did solve the problem, funny enough I needed a friend who was willing to ‘break’ it to get it unstuck. Turned out just to be lack of use, the mechanism was filled with road dirt and grime and was just stuck good. He sprayed WD40 into the lock, waited a while, and then let rip with some force. We needed three people - one to jiggle the awning pushing up and pulling down as if to release it, one to be pressing the ‘unlock’ button, while he cranked the handle open and closed, until it released. I was too afraid to break it. Turns out there is a plastic (of course) tab inside the lock that can get stuck. I cannot even describe now what it does. Unfortunately I am overseas, so cannot take a photo. If you want to see how the mechanism works from the inside (now that I can get it open), let me know here and I will share a photo when I get back (March 2024).
Good luck!

I have a sheet of instructions for this awning. 3 below 3 in the next post

I wish I could find replacement parts for the top of the legs where they fit into the end of the awning. I have half a broken one so what I do every time is cable tie the parts together, but not very satisfactory.

Thank you both! Will give it a shot and some wd40

Nice details!

My van doesn’t have one of these awnings. I sort of wish it did, but it was not fitted from new and my preference now is for a roll out (side) or fold out (180 or 270d) type. These are a lot simpler and a bit lighter but don’t have the originality. Interesting to learn they were made by YKK, who are a huge Japanese company; probably most famous for making zips

I have a relative with a camper that has a wind-out awning (different make) and they service theirs with Teflon grease or something and remove it off their van during the winter.

Great to see the original instructions!!

Hi guys

@Andonic - thanks for the paper guide! How awesome you still have that, what a classic.

As for the legs, yes mine have broken, too! One is held on by gaffa tape, the other is a plastic replacement I carved by hand from a block of plastic. Does anyone know if 3D printing is the way to go for hard plastic parts like this?

@LH119V - I also wonder what a 270 degree awning would look like on these campers, it would be great to cover the rear boot. One day I might make a post (or maybe someone already has) about options for rear boot covers / mosquito nets etc. I have seen a great custom-made one, but the guy was an upholsterer

Teflon sounds better than grease / WD40. And I would struggle to take mine off(and being in Australia it’s used all year round) - I do think it would be too heavy, and I’d be worried about tearing those 30 year old bolts / holes that the awning goes into, but happy to be told its easy.

Cheers.