Forum Discussion

davebr's avatar
davebr
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014

Electric Awning

I have a 2011 28-foot Starcraft Travel Star TT with a 20' awning that is electrically controlled. I bought the TT used a year ago. When I first got the TT, with it plugged into 110-volt service, the awning would electircally retract fairly quickly/nicely. With only 12-volt, it would retract slower but still retract. Now with only 12-volt, it will not retract at all and with 110-volt it is retracting slower and slower all the time. Last night with 110-volt, I thought the awaning was not going reteact at all but it finally retracted although very slowly, a change from a year ago. Can anyone advise what may be happening? Thanks.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Sep 05, 2014
    My guess is one of two things: the mechanism is getting gummed up and no longer is moving smoothly, or the motor/gearbox is getting near the end of its useful life. You may need to check the load on the motor, or pull the motor and have it bench tested.

    Those are my guesses anyway.
  • towhead's avatar
    towhead
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    I am betting the awning is working on 12v and the battery is dying.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 05, 2014
    I like the previous replies but I would also check the voltage entering and leaving the switch. It's possible the switch is weak and causing a voltage drop.
  • scootsk's avatar
    scootsk
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2014
    I would first lubricate the all the tracks and mechanisms. The binding from not being properly lubricated would cause these symtoms. Your battery sounds like it's getting to the end of its useful life as well. If the lubrication doesn't solve the issues, I would continue with the steps suggested above.
  • JoeH's avatar
    JoeH
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2014
    Sounds like time to test the battery and likely replace it
  • NorCal_Dan's avatar
    NorCal_Dan
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2014
    Just wanted to mention, the awning always works off 12VDC. Being plugged into 110VAC runs the converter that handles your battery. When plugged into 110VAC the converter is putting out DC to your battery for charging, and that would appear to boost the awning speed when retracting. It does sound like either the awning needs lubricating or the battery is getting weak, or both. One easy test is check the voltage present at the battery when hooked to 110VAC with the converter on, then again after unhooking shore power.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Sep 06, 2014
    Just saw one of these acting about the same way in a campground. It extended and wouldn't retract beyond a point. I offered to help tinker with it but the owner called a mobile repairman who replaced the motor assembly. This awning had a motor in one end of the roller. Best recollection the brand of the awning was A&E/Dometic.

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