Awning Power Plug Rusted

[AFChap]

Our patio awning (Carefree Onetouch) has been having increasing difficulty making the last bit of opening, and the first bit of closing ...the part in each case when the awning tension is the greatest. Today I adjusted the carriers and that helped a bit. Then I decided to pull the power plug and see if the voltage to the awning motor is what is ought to be. (Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to retract the awning before I pulled the plug!) The voltage was what it should be (13.6v ...actually it was -13.6v!), but the plug itself is in sad shape. One wire fell out when I pull the plug apart, and the connection terminals are so rusted that I can't tell if they are secured by screws, allen heads or what. Obviously, the silicone around the power wire from the awning into the plug was not stopping water flow into the plug. Now I need to see if I can find a plug here in San Antonio ...otherwise, another call to Lichtsinn or Mobility RV.

[AFChap]

Our patio awning (Carefree Onetouch) has been having increasing difficulty making the last bit of opening, and the first bit of closing ...the part in each case when the awning tension is the greatest. Today I adjusted the carriers and that helped a bit. Then I decided to pull the power plug and see if the voltage to the awning motor is what is ought to be. (Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to retract the awning before I pulled the plug!) The voltage was what it should be (13.6v ...actually it was -13.6v!), but the plug itself is in sad shape. One wire fell out when I pull the plug apart, and the connection terminals are so rusted that I can't tell if they are secured by screws, allen heads or what. Obviously, the silicone around the power wire from the awning into the plug was not stopping water flow into the plug. Now I need to see if I can find a plug here in San Antonio ...otherwise, another call to Lichtsinn or Mobility RV.

[Ptribbey]

Thanks for the info Paul. I think the awning is nothing but junk. I too am having the problem in that the awning is not going out all the way. I maxed the motor current pot but found it was already at max. I will check my plug when we get to Kerrville, Texas later today.

I also like the auto retract limit switch on the awning that communicates to the controller via rf. If the battery in the unit dies so goes your auto retract. Now that is first rate engineering.

[AFChap]

Pat

My OneTouch does not have the auto-retract feature installed, so I don't have to mess with that.

I suspect the straps inside the awning arms, and probably the awning fabric too, shrinks up a bit over time making it too "tight" for the awning to get that last couple of inches required to pop the folding arms up into position on extending. If you check your manual, go to the trouble-shooting section. On p 14, the first item talks about "upper carriage adjustment." I did that (it didn't work quite as described, but basically I moved the lower carriage down about 1/2 it's own width), then had to adjust the stop collars on the little struts, and the awning now easily opens all the way. (at least it did before I took the power plug apart!!)

The bad news is that today I learned the plug on the end of the wire is not available by itself. You have to buy the whole plug, socket, etc. It is a Carefree part (#R00786) and a Carefree dealer here in San Antonio told me it would be $42.95 plus tax & shipping. When I get the replacement, I'll figure out some way to seal it better than it was originally to keep the water out of it.

How long will you be at Kerrville? We'll be at Guadalupe River RV Resort there Nov 7-10.