Awning Issue

Just an FYI. The fuse for my electric awning is on the wire from the switch about 1' from the switch. I have to remove the switch panel to get to it.

The same effect happens with pool pumps when pools are closed for the winter. Motor guy told me to hit the pump once every couple weeks to spin it over and keep any corrosion from building up. Doesn't take much to lock them up.

So I picked up my trailer again today for a trip this weekend to Hillsborough River State Park here in FL. I went to put the awning out to clean it and let it dry out. I hit the button and nothing happened again. I was able to put my drill on the manual crank to get it started moving and it worked again. I put WD40 in there this time hoping it'll keep everything loose. Hopefully this doesn't keep happening every time I put the RV back in storage.

nineoaks2004 wrote:
That is why I like my old fashioned manual awning, it only takes a few minutes to open or close, and less problems to arise..

Yup, it's a trade off. I had a freak windstorm roll in at 3 a.m. one time and being able to jump out of bed and hit that retract switch made a disciple out of me.

That is why I like my old fashioned manual awning, it only takes a few minutes to open or close, and less problems to arise..

Does it have any micro switches in it? Just wondering...about it sitting and corrosion building up on the contacts. Ex airplane mechanic...had to beat a few items to get them to work.

'tiredTeacher wrote:

RavensFan24 wrote:
Then I go back inside and hit the switch and boom, everything worked fine. I'm assuming a wire just came loose.

Maybe. More likely your moving the awning that foot fixed it. Electric motors exposed to the weather tend to develop corrosion on the commutator, and rotating the motor's axle often disturbs it just enough for the brushes to regain contact.
My awning has failed in cold, damp weather twice. I "fixed" it each time by grabbing the roller and giving it a twist while my wife activated the switch. Worked both times.

Interesting, I could see how that could happen, especially here in FL where there is a ton of moisture. It seemed like the connections were pretty tight, so that very well could've been the issue. I'm just really happy it's working.

RavensFan24 wrote:
Then I go back inside and hit the switch and boom, everything worked fine. I'm assuming a wire just came loose.

Maybe. More likely your moving the awning that foot fixed it. Electric motors exposed to the weather tend to develop corrosion on the commutator, and rotating the motor's axle often disturbs it just enough for the brushes to regain contact.
My awning has failed in cold, damp weather twice. I "fixed" it each time by grabbing the roller and giving it a twist while my wife activated the switch. Worked both times.

It's a recurring problem with elec. scissor style awnings.
Make sure you know to get he awning retracted if/when this happens again when the awning is out. Some models, you have to remove the end cap and hand roll it back while securing it so it doesn't fly open.

I now carry a pop-up 12x12 awning with screens. The OEM awning stays where it is...closed. It's a shame they build them that way.

So I talked to Lippert and they said it was prob the motor as well. He tried to get me to take the head cover off, but I couldn't get to it without opening the awning (oh the irony), so he suggested opening it manually and then checking. Unfortunately we got disconected prior to me being able to test anything, but I figured what the hell, let's see what I find. So I pulled the rubber cap and used a drill to open it up and check some wires. I did that for about 3 min and then was like....this is ridiculous.....even with the drill it had opened all of like 1 foot, so I gave up on opening it more, but had enough room to check some wires. I checked the wires I could see and made sure they were in the connectors well. Everything appeared to be fine. Then I go back inside and hit the switch and boom, everything worked fine. I'm assuming a wire just came loose. I'll be securing it with a better cap, but thankfully it's not a major issue.

All I could picture was the potential for rain this weekend with no awning and then later trying to get it in to the dealership to get fixed and how long that proces would take. Thankfully it seems like none of that will be necessary and we can enjoy our trip this weekend.

We're heading to Myakka River State Park, catching an Orioles Spring Training game with a pre-game crab feast and enjoying some park and beach time. Hopefully the weather holds out for us.

Have a great weekend everyone!