Community Forums

lp5151 · 01-04-2013, 08:48 PM

We noticed on our 2012 anthem that the main awning will not extend when the coach is running....BUT...the coach will start when the awning is extended. Doesn't seem quite right????

TerryO · 01-04-2013, 09:49 PM

That's so you can drive off with your awning extended and spend big bucks fixing all the damage ;-)

motorhomeguy · 01-05-2013, 06:37 AM

In November when we took delivery of our coach we discovered the wind sensor was wired backwards, i.e. when the wind blows the awning will extend, NOT retract. Also had the rear awning catch at one end on something in it's cradle and it extended at a 90 degree angle jamming in that position before we realized what was going on. I also discovered that the wind mechanism on the roof was mounted incorrectly at about a 50 degree angle instead of flat like it is supposed to be. Entegra definitely has some quality control issues with the awning system (and others) on my coach... I would encourage every new Entegra owner to keep an eye out for things like this.

jzick · 01-05-2013, 06:39 AM

Quote:

That's so you can drive off with your awning extended

Yep, did that once and actually drove about a block before someone got my attention and I put it in. I figure it gave everyone in the campground an opportunity to sit around that evening and say "did you see that idiot drive with his awning out today?".

bullheaded · 01-05-2013, 07:44 AM

Each time the power changes on the transfer switch....inverter, gen, shore....the awnings would come out on their own about an inch. After a few days on the road they are out a little too far for comfort. Entegra fix....put a power strip in the basement with a switch to cut the power....typical for Entegra repairs. JUNK!!!

lp5151 · 01-06-2013, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lp5151

We noticed on our 2012 anthem that the main awning will not extend when the coach is running....BUT...the coach will start when the awning is extended. Doesn't seem quite right????

Ok, nice stories, so let's try another approach.....do those of you who an Anthem..does your awning work the same?

Cruzer · 01-07-2013, 01:56 PM

That sounds about standard for the RV industry. It gets tricky to marry both chassis and coach electrical systems together. The awning is part of the coach builder's area of responsibility. It's easy enough to sample a chassis wire to test if the ignition is on (engine supposedly running) to prevent accidental extension of the awning while driving. But, to intercept the cranking system of chassis engine electricals to insert an interlock relay takes things to a whole new level of complexity.

In some cases, you may want to run the engine when parked to fill up the air tanks, charge batteries, or whatever. If an interlock was used you wouldn't be able to do that without first retracting the awning so it's not all that bad the way it is. The only downside is that you can drive off with it extended. That's why it's important to follow your written departure checklist every time before breaking camp and hitting the road. The one time you skip it because you think you know it by heart is when something will happen. Don't ask how I know that.

DSL417 · 01-08-2013, 03:33 PM

I just extend (and retract) with the engine off as a best practice (for my short time and as I try to develop a routine). But if I remember correctly, the coach would not allow me to extend or retract while I had the engine on. Maybe I'll see next time I rig up to move, on Monday next week.

Samdavis · 01-17-2013, 10:14 PM

I haven't put mine back out since my first trip in it and a gust of wind took it straight up and broke the arms. The awnings look great, but the wind sensor doesn't work if you get a gust. Would be nice if the system could be disabled and the awning could be strapped down while it's extended.

Mr_D · 01-17-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samdavis

I haven't put mine back out since my first trip in it and a gust of wind took it straight up and broke the arms. The awnings look great, but the wind sensor doesn't work if you get a gust.

No way for the equipment to react quick enough to a gust.

Ann n Gene · 01-18-2013, 07:46 AM

I certainly think that the industry is far from a good solution to using awnings and preventing damage. Where we live (Oklahoma) the wind blows a considerable portion of the year and awnings just do not get much use. I spent the extra for the Nova awnings because of the kick down feature on them and think that will help some but bottom line, manufactures still have not got this one figured out. I agree, It would be nice to be able to strap them down. I do not like the awning arms on the side of the coach etc but those old awnings were really more useable because the arms were studerier and you could tie them down.

DSL417 · 01-18-2013, 08:18 AM

For what it is worth, our wind sensor must have worked fine, as I had a partially deployed rear awning (tree branch, although small, prevented full extension). Came home from a day out of the coach and the awning had withdrawn back into the coach.

Samdavis · 01-18-2013, 04:36 PM

Didn't mean to imply wind sensors do not work. They do work fine, but the sensor cannot react to a wind gust.

bullheaded · 01-18-2013, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samdavis

Would be nice if the system could be disabled and the awning could be strapped down while it's extended.

Ours are 120v with a plug-in in the basement. Just unplug them. There is a wind speed adjustment....I put ours on about 8 mph....but still never leave with them extended.