Auto awning question

[bborzell]

I have been following discussions regarding auto vs. manual awning preferences. One issue that has come up appears to focus on the possibility of unwanted in-transit opening of the auto awning if the on/off switch is inadvertently left in the on position prior to getting on the road.

I am thinking that the on/off switch acts as a gateway for a remote device. If this is true, what I don’t understand is how the auto awning might engage while driving unless the remote is activated somehow.

Any help in understanding the issue would be appreciated.

[Eggscape]

The remote is held magnetically to a holder high up on a cabinet. If it falls it could hit the counter or floor in such a way as to deploy the awning.

If the remote is left elsewhere in the trailer by mistake, who knows what could hit the button.

It is also a radio transmitter which means that maybe a fluke transmission by something else could activate it.

All are highly unlikely but there is not much you can do about it driving down the freeway if it starts to deploy.

[Iowa Dave]

Either awning needs to be on your departure checklist for whatever attention is necessary. The manual awnings are often secured with additional straps to keep them from unfurling, and I understand, as Ed stated, that the motorized awnings need a secure site for the controller at a minimum. I don’t have one so don’t know much about automatic awnings.
Iowa Dave

[bborzell]

I guess a simplistic look at the issue would suggest that taking the remote out of the mix and just using the switch as a hard on/off trigger might eliminate the risk of the motor engaging when not wanted.

Maybe I am missing something or I don’t appreciate the benefit of the remote in the mix.

Thanks for the clarification.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by bborzell

I guess a simplistic look at the issue would suggest that taking the remote out of the mix and just using the switch as a hard on/off trigger might eliminate the risk of the motor engaging when not wanted.

Maybe I am missing something or I don’t appreciate the benefit of the remote in the mix.

Thanks for the clarification.

If the auto awning power switch is off, the remote can't do anything. So make sure the awning switch is off and it's a don't care for the remote.

[Eggscape]

Having a hard open/close switch would defeat the auto close function.

The operation of the awning is that you turn on the power switch then use the remote to open the awning. You leave the power switch on so the awning has power if it needs to automatically close it due to wind via its sensor.

Then you use the remote to close the awning and you may or may not turn off the power switch...depending on your next planed opening or habit.

[uthorns]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Having a hard open/close switch would defeat the auto close function.

That's not really the case. I had a previous RV that just had the switch on a wall. You pushed and held for the amount you wanted deployed. When it was open the sensor was active. I really don't understand the need for a remote either but I did order the electric awning and will just learn to deal with it's issues.

Jimmy

[Eggscape]

I can see that design being good however that is not the way the awning Escape uses works.

Someone thought people want a remote I guess.

Personally I am thinking on screwing it to the wall so it can’t fall or go missing.

[uthorns]

That sounds like another one of your good ideas. I’ll look forward to that write up.

[bborzell]

Thanks all. Now I understand the issue. I would prefer a on/off switch that energizes the rain/wind sensor when on.

But, I am nothing if not adaptable.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

if the auto awning power switch is off, the remote can't do anything. So make sure the awning switch is off and it's a don't care for the remote.

^^^^^this^^^^^

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Personally I am thinking on screwing it to the wall so it can’t fall or go missing.

Sounds like a candidate for this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Scotch-2-Pa...tener/50246033

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

If the auto awning power switch is off, the remote can't do anything. So make sure the awning switch is off and it's a don't care for the remote.

This is definitely at the top of the list of things to do. This is why I like the lighted when on switch as a nice reminder right by the door.

Our remote sits in a cradle and hasn't ever fallen out even in really rough Baja roads. This was obviously a standard in 2017, but maybe something like this could be purchased to use instead of the magnetic base.

I would never want to do without the remote. The three settings for full extension, part way out and fully closed are very useful.

[UncleTim]

I had the awning problem with it extending out by itself.

It turns out it was a defect in the main board. At leas that is what they tell me. They are replacing the board some day (under warranty). It has been on order for over 5 weeks now.

We shall see. But ever since this happened, I am hearing from people that inadvertent radio signals CAN AND DO open awnings. Even Dometic said it to me.

So there. I'm thinking this is a delicate piece of machinery that has limited use. And no use at all in wind.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

I had the awning problem with it extending out by itself.

It turns out it was a defect in the main board. At leas that is what they tell me. They are replacing the board some day (under warranty). It has been on order for over 5 weeks now.

We shall see. But ever since this happened, I am hearing from people that inadvertent radio signals CAN AND DO open awnings. Even Dometic said it to me.

So there. I'm thinking this is a delicate piece of machinery that has limited use. And no use at all in wind.

And if the awning power switch is off, the awning cannot open.

As far as wind is concerned, the manual awning is the one that has no use at all in the wind. My electric awning has always retracted when the wind became too high.

Manual awnings I have seen too many times bungy corded to the side of the trailer what was left after wind had ripped it apart. Do we want to discuss the mess that happens when a manual awning unfurls going down the road?

Anything man made has its faults. But the electric awning is no more faulty than a manual one.

[Ronn]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

I had the awning problem with it extending out by itself.

It turns out it was a defect in the main board. At leas that is what they tell me. They are replacing the board some day (under warranty). It has been on order for over 5 weeks now.

We shall see. But ever since this happened, I am hearing from people that inadvertent radio signals CAN AND DO open awnings. Even Dometic said it to me.

So there. I'm thinking this is a delicate piece of machinery that has limited use. And no use at all in wind.

Hi Uncle Tim

I would think that the awning switch would need to be on in order for "inadvertent radio signals" to open or close it.

Please clarify what you mean by "And no use at all in wind". Mine has been out in quite windy conditions and will self close after some good rattling. I set my sensor to have it close with less air turmoil as it seemed to take more wind than I was comfortable with before it would close automatically.

[UncleTim]

Originally Posted by Ronn

Hi Uncle Tim

I would think that the awning switch would need to be on in order for "inadvertent radio signals" to open or close it.

Please clarify what you mean by "And no use at all in wind". Mine has been out in quite windy conditions and will self close after some good rattling. I set my sensor to have it close with less air turmoil as it seemed to take more wind than I was comfortable with before it would close automatically.

When it is windy, either I retract it or it does it by itself. You can't keep it out in the wind. At least I can't. I live in an area where breezes seem to come out of nowhere, at any time.

When the awning unfolded by itself, the camper was in the driveway. It fully extended and then lightly touched a pin oak branch. I was trying to stop it and I did not notice the switch position. So I don't know for sure.

The main board was not reacting properly and would not reset. Apparently this is a known problem.

The branch it touched should not have been able to do any damage. And there are no marks or anything. That is the full extent of what I know.

[Hen]

I like my power awning because I’m the type that retracts the awning before it rains, the night before we leave a camp ground, and whenever we are gone for more the a few hours. I love the convenience and have it on my check off list to shut the power before leaving. The remote stays in place and has never fallen. It’s especially handy when we are outside and want more sun or less sun and adjust it accordingly. I love it.