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JMonroe · 02-29-2020, 05:45 PM

In another thread I'd asked if anyone had successfully substituted a generic shade motor for the $125 Automotion replacement. One gentleman replied he'd successfully used one he got off Ebay for $18.50, albeit with some modification.

I have 5 motors out. 5 times $18.50 is just under 75% the cost of buying one from Automotion or Newmar, I thought I'd order one and see how it went. I installed that one today. Available on Ebay.

The worst part is the insanely difficult access removing/replacing the shade assembly. The shade assemblies in our coach are attached to the window valances, hard enough to remove on their own, and everything is attached to a surprisingly large wire harness that disappears into the wall and severely limiting mobility of everything. It would be great if you could just unplug everything and haul it all over to a bench, but no such luck. All wire connections have to be made with the shade assembly within inches of the wall.

I cut the power wires and removed the shade assembly, this part I could take to the bench, or the dinner table in this case. You do need to modify the plastic "gear" on the end of the new motor a bit. Anyone with some mechanical aptitude and a dremel should be able to figure it out. The rectangular post on the motor end will firmly fit into the endcap that attaches to the mounting bracket, although at an angle relative to the post on the original motor. The original motor has a black and a white wire. The new motor has two white, one with a blue stripe. The blue stripe wire connects to the original white wire.

Now fully installed it works well with one exception. I got the up limit programmed in seconds, can't get the down limit set to save my life. This means I have to watch the shade and hit the switch when I want it to stop.

I can once again keep the early morning sun out of my face (started with the window next to my side of the bed).

tom chelbana · 02-29-2020, 09:53 PM

Found out the front door lock and the outside cabinet locks are replaceable by just regular electric door locks. Newmar makes you purchase the metal brackets for the both the front door and cabinet locks which means they are over 100$ each. Purchased a set of 4 replacement motors for 25$ which was a set for a 4 door car which gave me 4 for 25$. Went ahead a attached the replacement motors to the metal brackets like Newmar sells for about 7$. A waste of money to replace metal brackets with electric door lock motor.
Newmar Man

Dav L · 03-01-2020, 06:35 AM

JMonroe, you have a link to the motors you ended up with?
did you have to do any mechanical mods for the motors to fit / drive the shade tubes?
Thanx

JMonroe · 03-02-2020, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav L

JMonroe, you have a link to the motors you ended up with?
did you have to do any mechanical mods for the motors to fit / drive the shade tubes?
Thanx

Just do a search on Ebay for window shade motors. They are yellow and priced at $18.50, a bit less if you order multiples. Brand is Irvine-United Shade.

I did have to modify the plastic "gear" that slides into the shade tube a bit as well as the plastic ring on the other end of the motor for the same reason. My Dremel made quick work of it. The hard part is getting to them and then getting everything put back together, there was zero consideration given to access for repair or maintenance.

I just ordered 6 more, including 2 for a neighbor.

Dav L · 03-02-2020, 11:11 AM

Did you buy tubes or did your RV already have tubes / shades?
Also, looks like there are two conductors...I assume you swap + for - to raise / lower?
And the set screws adjust Up vs. Down travel limits?
Found the eBay listing but there isn't any info / docs on the ad.
Great price.

I'll get two to play with. Thanx

JMonroe · 03-02-2020, 03:34 PM

As I pointed out in my original post, the new motor has two white wires, one with a blue stripe. It goes to the white wire (from the cut off wires to the original motor), the totally white wire goes to the black.

There are two adjustment wheels on the new motor and it will come with a plastic tool you'll use to make adjustments, one to adjust the up limit, one to adjust the down limit. I got the up limit set almost immediately, can't seem to get the down limit to respond to any input, I have to hit the switch again to stop it once it lowers to where I want it.

There was no messing with switches, relays or adapters required. Simply hook up the power, it will work with your existing switch, at least it did for me.