NHTSA Complaint #11528089 — 2021 FOREST RIVER WILDWOOD

Recently, I was extending the awning on my travel trailer and it free spooled out without motor resistance. After researching this, it seems like a very common problem for the Dometic 9200 awning. (Motor part # 3316605.001) There is a design flaw in the motor where the metal drive rod is injected into a plastic gear. Over time 0-2 years this plastic piece wears out and start to spin/slip freely under load. This causes the awning to become unstable and allows it to extend at any time. This is a serious safety issue as it came out for a second time on the highway, while I was hauling it. Luckily, I saw it immediately and was able to pull over and secure it. It could have been a lot worse or caused an accident. Dometic won't talk to me, so I'm in the process of working with Forest River, as the awning was installed by them. I can buy a replacement motor, however unless the design is changed, it will just happen to others. There is a lot of similar complaints if you search for it. I have not had my trailer inspected as it is clear what is occurring. The consumer stated after a few attempts Dometic came to his house and repaired the motor and gear on the vehicle.