Elec awning question

VJRocky · 08-06-2021, 08:12 PM

Is there a lockout of the awning operation if the RV is parked on a grade? My driveway is not level and my awning won't deploy to give me some shade while waxing the unit. The fuse is good. The awning motor was replaced last year.

lwmcguire · 08-06-2021, 08:47 PM

On mine the house battery switch has to be on and the engine off

Otherwise sure don't have any idea

I use mine the same way and it is on a grade in front of the shop and it works fine other than a slight wind gust will roll it up

VJRocky · 08-06-2021, 10:23 PM

Yea, I wasn't sure if there was a lockout if the MH isn't level. I'm hoping it's not the motor again. I'll try adding power directly to the motor to rule out a wiring issue inside the MH.

dkoldman · 08-06-2021, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJRocky

Is there a lockout of the awning operation if the RV is parked on a grade? My driveway is not level and my awning won't deploy to give me some shade while waxing the unit. The fuse is good. The awning motor was replaced last year.

I wouldn't think so; what would be the concern? My Awning (Carefree) actually allows me adjust the arms so when it rolls out or in; it is purposely unlevel. I use to think it was crazy, but I use all the time based on direction of sun

**16ACE27** · 08-07-2021, 12:37 AM

Unlevel Lockout? - No
Key still in ignition lockout - Yes

VJRocky · 08-07-2021, 11:55 PM

Key in ignition not the problem. Will have to troubleshoot the motor. Thanks for the assistance.

The Gritz Carlton · 08-08-2021, 01:18 PM

It may sound crazy but is it possible you rolled it backwards over itself the last time you retracted it...this would cause it to try to retract when you push the extend button...pretty common mistake lots of us make...I've done it a few times. It doesn't have a proximity switch so...if you continue holding the extend button beyond full extend, it will actually flip over itself and retract. I was in a hurry once and didn't realize I pressed the wrong button to retract awning...caused me a huge head scatcher the next trip I tried to extend it.

dkoldman · 08-08-2021, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

It may sound crazy but is it possible you rolled it backwards over itself the last time you retracted it...this would cause it to try to retract when you push the extend button...pretty common mistake lots of us make...I've done it a few times. It doesn't have a proximity switch so...if you continue holding the extend button beyond full extend, it will actually flip over itself and retract. I was in a hurry once and didn't realize I pressed the wrong button to retract awning...caused me a huge head scatcher the next trip I tried to extend it.

Really want to see if this is the case for OP?
Our will flip over too when extending to far. I have never tried to bring it all the way back when I was extending though?

I only know it does that because on our awning the LED lights are the inside so it must be fully extended to see the lights. What is good about it is that you can adjust the direction of the LED light to fit the occasion. But there is not stop, it will keep on extending.

I am scared to try on mine

, but would love to see one that has been fully extended to point of a forced stop back to the RV.

VJRocky · 08-08-2021, 08:27 PM

Well, today (a cool rainy day) I was installing a new tabletop. On my way out of the MH I decided to hit the awning extend switch just for the hell of it. The damn thing deployed and retracted. So, now I'm scratching my head. This may be an intermittent problem with the motor AGAIN! I had the motor replaced a year ago. Not looking forward to doing it again.

dkoldman · 08-08-2021, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJRocky

Well, today (a cool rainy day) I was installing a new tabletop. On my way out of the MH I decided to hit the awning extend switch just for the hell of it. The damn thing deployed and retracted. So, now I'm scratching my head. This may be an intermittent problem with the motor AGAIN! I had the motor replaced a year ago. Not looking forward to doing it again.

You really need to find the leads to the motor and check voltage while it working so you know what it is suppose to do. Then next time it occurs (if it occurs) you can check voltage again. If you got proper voltage but motor does not run, then yes you have a motor issue, but if no voltage you likely have a malfunctioning switch which would be my best guess.

Good luck.

MLP · 08-08-2021, 11:30 PM

We all do not know the condition of the wires. Are they oxidized? Copper and tin oxide does not conduct. So checking the wire connections at the awning is another thing to check. Not to disparage the work that was previously done. Just something to double check.

AlmostRetired · 08-11-2021, 07:33 PM

This probably isn’t your solution but my awning wouldn’t deploy. The motor moved it a smidgen and then stopped. If we yanked hard on the supports it would eventually open. Closing was not a problem. I thought the motor was failing and almost bought a new one. (I’m the lowest common denominator in any room). My mechanical engineer BIL said hold off. Try replacing the struts first. Did that and no more problems. The struts were 5 years old.

Ferf · 08-11-2021, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmostRetired

This probably isn’t your solution but my awning wouldn’t deploy. The motor moved it a smidgen and then stopped. If we yanked hard on the supports it would eventually open. Closing was not a problem. I thought the motor was failing and almost bought a new one. (I’m the lowest common denominator in any room). My mechanical engineer BIL said hold off. Try replacing the struts first. Did that and no more problems. The struts were 5 years old.

The above is similar to our experience as well. Our awning is tensioned with air struts, but they can not deploy very well from the retracted position. So I find I commonly have to hit the OUT button for a few seconds, pull on each support to extend it 3-4" (and let the struts gas up) and then it will go out the rest of the way.

VJRocky · 08-11-2021, 09:44 PM

Well the awning is still working. I had it open today to give me shade while finishing compounding out the oxidation (getting too old for this). I have a trip coming up this weekend so I will be checking the wiring and taking voltage readings. I will post updates. Has anyone found a protectant that will stave off oxidation longer than the usual waxes over the counter? My MH is in the elements all of the time.

AlmostRetired · 08-12-2021, 12:03 AM

Ferf, I’ll bet you a nickel to a handshake new struts with solve that.

MountainBird · 08-14-2021, 12:49 AM

I put the slide out, awning out & ran the generator today (tad cooler). I found I had to have the button on that works for the overhead light behind the front seats. That switch is by the door, next to where I turn off everything when not going to be in & out for a while. I was distraught because it wouldn't go out & I do try to extend to get water off after rain. I panic easily & never understand instructions (okay, made it to 86), so I do try to keep everything ready to roll & call sons for help if I can't fix something.

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