Stephen Ward
Caravan & Boats

 Two main rules for using roll-out awnings.

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DO NOT OVERWIND or OVEREXTEND them. Once the awning is out, stop winding.

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DO NOT USE THEM IN GUSTY or EXTREMELY WINDY CONDITIONS

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MAKE SURE YOU USE AND SECURE THEM USING THE CORRECT TIE-DOWN ROPES AND ATTACHMENTS.

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Firstly, if you have used your roll-out awning but only wind it out halfway or less, then wind it out fully until it stops. This will relieve any tension in the canvas and realign it to the roller. Inspect the canvas to see if it is aligned to the roller. You can mark the canvas at both ends, then wind the awning and see if the marks roll evenly.  Doing this, you may find that the roller will have more tension when you wind it in fully, and it locks in place. It is a good idea to wind the awning out fully if you haven't used it for a while, and to clean the canvas by sponging it with soapy water, then wiping it off and leaving it to dry thoroughly. FENWICKS do an awning and tent cleaner, and they also offer a water-reproofing product, as do other manufacturers.

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Thule Omnistor

 

These awnings are generally highly reliable, but users frequently encounter issues with incomplete retraction, sticking, fabric misalignment, and motor strain.

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. Awning Does Not Close Flush at One End

This is the most common issue, typically affecting the front profile of wall-mounted and roof-mounted models like the Thule Omnistor 5200 or 6300. 

• The Cause: The internal roller tube has drifted out of alignment, causing the fabric to bunch up unevenly on one side. 

• The Fix:

  1. Roll the awning out slightly.

  2. Unclip and remove the plastic side end-cap on the non-flush side using a Torx 20 screwdriver.

  3. Locate the central adjustment screw on the roller shaft.

  4. Turn the screw slightly clockwise using a 4mm Allen key to push the roller tube back into centre.

  5. Test-retract the awning and repeat until it sits perfectly flush. 

 

2. Awning Canvas Sticking or Jamming During Opening

When rolling out, one side or the entire front lead rail stays locked in the housing and refuses to pop open. 

• The Cause: Dirt accumulation, lack of lubrication, or a stuck locking tab. 

• The Fix:

  1. Gently thump or wiggle the front rail while a partner operates the crank or button.

  2. If it pops free, inspect the tiny green plastic locking clips located inside the tracking mechanism.

  3. Clean the arms and apply a generous coat of silicone-based lubricant to all hinges, joints, and slider channels. Avoid standard WD-40, as it attracts dirt. 

 

3. Fabric Sagging and Water Pooling

The awning canopy fabric sags in the middle, allowing rainwater to gather and stress the frame. 

• The Cause: Stretched fabric over time or extending the awning without setting the correct tension. 

• The Fix:

  1. When rolling the awning out fully, always roll it backwards a quarter turn once extended to tension the canvas.

  2. Always set one support leg slightly lower than the other to create a pitch angle, ensuring water drains off instead of pooling.

  3. For lengths over 3.5m, install an aftermarket Thule Omnistor Tension Arm Set or a middle rafter to hold the canvas taut. 

 

4. Support Arms Hitting the Vehicle Side Door

When extending or retracting, the horizontal folding arms hang too low and clip the top of campervan sliding doors. 

• The Cause: The pitch angle or arm drop height needs adjustment.

• The Fix: Remove the plastic cover near the arm's main vehicle hinge to reveal the height adjustment mechanism. Add or remove the manufacturer-supplied washers (adding washers raises the arm clearance) to adjust how far down the arm is allowed to drop.

 

5. Motorised Awning Overheating or Failing to Retract

Electric versions of the awning stop moving midway or fail to respond to the control panel. 

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• The Cause: Weak battery voltage, an overheated motor sensor, or a jammed track putting strain on the motor. 

• The Fix:

  1. If the motor stops suddenly after heavy use, let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes to reset the thermal protection switch.

  2. If it is stuck open, locate the emergency manual override mechanism (usually hidden behind a small plastic plug on the motor head end cap) and use the supplied manual hand crank to manually wind it back into the cassette safely. ​