LED lights stitched to awning fabric

Buckhorn13 · 04-07-2022, 04:14 PM

On my 2018 Axis the outside LED lights are stitched to the awning fabric near the wall. The fabric is in pretty good shape but the stitching is wearing out from the sun, so I am restitching some it by hand to hold the light strip up. The unit is a Carefree Latitude which is supposed to have the lights on the outer rail. It could be an aftermarket fabric but it has what looks like a factory 12v plug. Anybody else seen this setup?

**16ACE27** · 04-07-2022, 04:30 PM

I've never seen that; LEDs are usually in the roller groove at the outside end or 3M tape stuck to the wall just below the awning. You would think they would have used UV stabilized thread if it was a factory install.

Chateau_Nomad · 04-07-2022, 05:03 PM

I agree with ACE... if you bought this RV used, who knows what was done??

If you eventually end up replacing that setup, mount the LED strip using 3M VHB (very high bonding) double sided tape at the areas described by ACE... but DEFINITELY NOT directly to the awning fabric.

The 12v LED strips and 3M tape can be found on Amazon - both are not that expensive. The awning is another story...

Buckhorn13 · 04-07-2022, 05:28 PM

The rig is new to me, but in its short life it does have some mysteries.

vegas25.5 · 04-07-2022, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckhorn13

On my 2018 Axis the outside LED lights are stitched to the awning fabric near the wall. The fabric is in pretty good shape but the stitching is wearing out from the sun, so I am restitching some it by hand to hold the light strip up. The unit is a Carefree Latitude which is supposed to have the lights on the outer rail. It could be an aftermarket fabric but it has what looks like a factory 12v plug. Anybody else seen this setup?

My 2019 Vegas has the same led lighting, same location on awning.

Lt Keefer · 04-07-2022, 09:01 PM

So does my Hurricane. The LED was stitched to the awning fabric were it attached to the coach. My stitching lasted about a year. It ended up coming off going down the interstate. I ended up buying a new LED strip on Amazon that attaches to the coach with 3M double sided tape.

**16ACE27** · 04-07-2022, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

So does my Hurricane. The LED was stitched to the awning fabric were it attached to the coach. My stitching lasted about a year. It ended up coming off going down the interstate. I ended up buying a new LED strip on Amazon that attaches to the coach with 3M double sided tape.

OK, now I'm thinking these are Thor add-ons to the basic awning. That's why the cheapest thread was used.

Buckhorn13 · 04-07-2022, 10:50 PM

So it looks like this LED light setup came from Carefree and was orignal. I don't think Thor would take the time to do this. Can't seem to find a replacement like this anyway. Thanks

vegas25.5 · 04-08-2022, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckhorn13

So it looks like this LED light setup came from Carefree and was orignal. I don't think Thor would take the time to do this. Can't seem to find a replacement like this anyway. Thanks

I would contact Carefree and inquire...maybe share your concerns. See what they say. I just contacted Winegard with an issue and they promptly sent me a replacement part, free of charge. [emoji846] Very pleased.

RunnerJim · 04-08-2022, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckhorn13

On my 2018 Axis the outside LED lights are stitched to the awning fabric near the wall. The fabric is in pretty good shape but the stitching is wearing out from the sun, so I am restitching some it by hand to hold the light strip up. The unit is a Carefree Latitude which is supposed to have the lights on the outer rail. It could be an aftermarket fabric but it has what looks like a factory 12v plug. Anybody else seen this setup?

Yes, our 25.3 had the same problem last summer. Saw something hanging in the mirror, pulled over and pulled the rest of it down. It's lying on the garage floor waiting for good weather. Like you, I was surprised that it was stitched to the awning.

VNrver · 04-13-2022, 06:08 PM

cut the threat off . remove the LED light and plastic holder use cloth tape and tape both sides awning... buy the water proof LED string from amazon tape it on the wall

richguess · 04-13-2022, 11:48 PM

Very timely. I went to pick up my ACE 27.2 this week from storage, saw something hanging down. I thought it was a piece of rubber trim, but it was the awning LED light. Stitching had failed. Unfortunately, I glued (contact cement) mine back on, but it stayed up and lights up. Any further trouble I’ll go with the tape. I had my 2018 waxed for the first time as well. Like new. Price in SoCal was $300.

Buckhorn13 · 04-14-2022, 10:08 PM

It seems the LED strip lights from Amazon don't have good reviews. The Carefree Strip looks to have the OE plug but some say the light go out randomly. Does anybody have a brand or model# they like?

Chateau_Nomad · 04-15-2022, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckhorn13

It seems the LED strip lights from Amazon don't have good reviews. The Carefree Strip looks to have the OE plug but some say the light go out randomly. Does anybody have a brand or model# they like?

I have ordered several light kits from Amazon and been very pleased. It all depends on what you get. There are literally hundreds of types... claiming all got bad reviews is a stretch.

Even if the plug doesn't match, just cut the plug off the old one and solder it onto the new strip. There's nearly endless options for 12 volt rolls of LED strips. You can even get the RGBW type and install an app on your phone to adjust to any brightness or color you like.

Lt Keefer · 04-15-2022, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

I have ordered several light kits from Amazon and been very pleased. It all depends on what you get. There are literally hundreds of types... claiming all got bad reviews is a stretch.

Even if the plug doesn't match, just cut the plug off the old one and solder it onto the new strip. There's nearly endless options for 12 volt rolls of LED strips. You can even get the RGBW type and install an app on your phone to adjust to any brightness or color you like.

I'll second your opinion. I ordered my light strip on Amazon from the RecPro store and it was less expensive and free shipping. I installed it in August of 2020 and have had no problems. As you said, the connector was different, but that was a 5 minute alteration to take the plug off the remnant of the old strip. With Amazon's liberal return policy and free shipping with prime, it is a no brainer to check their stores.

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