Wind sensor awnings?

[cvbdsl]

OK I've heard that wind sensor awnings don't work well, but my 2003 DSDP has one.
Question is, how can you test if it works or not? The wind sensor light is on but does that mean the sensor works?

I always take in the awning when I think it is getting too windy or I'm gone for the day, but I'd like to know if I forget will it work or not?

Thanks

Chris

[DeanLinAZ]

The WeatherPro awning on our 2004 Journey (10 years old last April) actually retracted yesterday like it should have. It was not gusty, but every morning here in Prescott, AZ the breezes kick up. We normally pull the awning in because after 10 years, I still don't trust that the automatic retractor will work. Was glad to see that it still did. I always pull the awning in when we leave the M/H alone.

[roam1]

Mine works great
Retracted at least a dozen times in 4 years

[ArchHoagland]

We've had two awnings blown off.

We never leave it out unless we are there.

We were in Boise last July and one afternoon a horrendous wind storm came in very fast. Several awnings were blown away at the campground.
I asked the campground owners about the sudden wind and they said they see that a couple times a year there.

When the dealer installed our electric awning we have now I requested the wind sensor be eliminated. I had one on the previous RV and was not impressed with it.

[dan-nickie]

All these testing methods seem unnecessary to me.
Why not just leave the awning open while you are sitting outside and watch what it does?

I sure don't understand bringing it in when you think the wind is coming if you want to see how it works. Seems like the perfect opportunity.

[Mr_Mark1]

We have the three cup sensor that has worked perfectly over the 7 yrs. that we have had it.

In fact today, I have the motorhome outside and had the awning out about 10 inches. When I checked on it, the awning had retracted. I would think if the awning was extended all the way that there could be a chance of damage as it only moves at a certain speed. But so far, no problems.

MM.

[sealevel_ram]

Dufus wrote:
I'm not familiar with all wind sensors, but mine detects movement in the awning and not wind. It works well and I test it periodically by moving the awning up and down. I trust it.

That is the way mine works.
It has a built-in motion sensor that detects movement in the awning, and automatically retracts. It can be set for three different readings.
So far I have been happy with this one.
Only problem is sometimes if I forget and exit the coach in a hurry, I set it off by jumping on the step.

[cvbdsl]

dougrainer wrote:
You do NOT have to fully extend the awning to test. Just extend it 6 inches and that usually gives enough room to get on a ladder to do the Blower test. Doug

That seems like the best idea. I'll give it try when I get back from my trip next week.

Chris

[dougrainer]

You do NOT have to fully extend the awning to test. Just extend it 6 inches and that usually gives enough room to get on a ladder to do the Blower test. Doug

[dan-nickie]

Easy to test. STOP RETRACTING IT WHEN THE WIND IS GETTIN UP. 🙂

Leave it out to see if it works.

Mine has 3 sensitivity settings. I tried it first on the Low setting and it was too sensitive. Then stepped up to Med and High depending on how much the wind is getting up.

After a while I learned to trust it. It does work well.

I must say that if sit I Gusty wind, leave it retracted as it can blow the thing around pretty good before the sensor detects it.

[Dufus]

I'm not familiar with all wind sensors, but mine detects movement in the awning and not wind. It works well and I test it periodically by moving the awning up and down. I trust it.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

Three boards and three sensors, The longest ours worked without the alarm sounding was 2 months. Haven't worried about it, since the last alarm four years ago, just turned it off.

[wa8yxm]

There are two different (Well 3) Different wind sensors.

A&E Weather Pro "Lighthouse" units are the ones that are ... Not good, (personal opnion but shared by many) on this unit there is a small tower on the roof, usually above the control box which is usually near the front end of the awning, it looks like a lighthouse.

FAN IT,, when the wind speed hits around 15MPH, it should retract


The next is a Carefree they use a 3-cup "spinner" on their older units,, Same test

Newer A&T, (Do not know about carefree) uses a motion sensor in the front arm.. This one, in theory, SHOULD work.

[cvbdsl]

Thanks for the replies so far.
Matter of fact, we are under a tornado and or severe thunderstorm watch this afternoon so the the awnings are in!

The sensor is in an awkward position, I can't reach it from the side because when the awning is out, it blocks access to the sensor, its in about 2-3 ft in from the end.

I can't get up on the roof anymore because it seems I've developed an irrational fear of heights in the last few years (go figure after nearly 30 years in the army!).

So I guess there is no easy answer yet for me. Maybe my BIL will go on the roof for me with a hair dryer or a feed from my air compressor?

Thanks

Chris

[bluegypsy]

I was told that it takes a "sustained wind" of the speed you've set in order for the awning to come in (I've heard anything from 10 to 20 seconds), so I don't trust mine and bring it in if I'm gonna be away for any period of time. Especially if you're in an area prone to thunderstorms (and where isn't?), since you're bound to get sudden high gusts in T-storms.
In other news, my automatic awning also has a "freeze warning" so it comes in when the temp drops below freezing. Strangely, it also sometimes comes in when the temp goes over 95 degrees or so.