Community Forums

DocData757 · 03-30-2017, 07:13 PM

So, given all the warnings about leaving everything as is, I still want to know how to prevent this. How about removing the sensor completely? Do the wires just have to be disconnected or is there other wiring changes that are required.

I've have 3 fifth wheels over the years and have never left muy awning out when I"m away of bad weather is forecast. I'd rather I had not sensor at all.

Thanks,
Dave

Fiesta48 · 03-30-2017, 08:01 PM

I put aluminum tape over about 1/2 the sensor outside to reduce retractions.

computerguy · 03-31-2017, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

I put aluminum tape over about 1/2 the sensor outside to reduce retractions.

Fiesta48,
What year Bounder did you have? This is specific to the '16 and later ones with Carefree without the support legs. I don't believe any tape would help this model.

Fiesta48 · 03-31-2017, 06:58 AM

I had an 11 not a carefree, mine sensed air movement (inaccurately).

rssj · 03-31-2017, 07:10 AM

Computerguy is right....The 2016's and later have the unsupported Carefree awnings with a square motion sensor attached to the outer rail itself. You can see it if you look toward the right (inside) when the awning is extended. The sensor is too "sensitive" and there is no on/off switch so it is always active. Mine was so bad that it would retract if someone would step outside or breathe on it. Carefree will provide one that is less sensitive and it is a little better. To clean the awning, you have to shut power to the motorhome off.

DocData757 · 04-01-2017, 06:20 AM

So, again, what does it take to remove the sensor?

rssj · 04-01-2017, 08:31 AM

If you know anything about wiring, Carefree can send you an on/off switch with a diagram. I did not feel comfortable doing this myself and opted only to install the new sensor. No promise but I may have the diagram around here somewhere. Let me see if I can find it. Like I said, I have very limited knowledge regarding wiring and electronics but I am sure the sensor could be disabled if you want. I would prefer the on/off switch like my brother's 2015 35k has.

Sfopilot · 04-01-2017, 08:58 PM

I have a 2015 Fleetwood Excursion 35B and just read the awning manual today while camping. It is a Domestic awning and has various wind speed rating that can be set so that the wind sensor is either more or less sensitive. Maybe yours has this type of setting at the control panel?

rssj · 04-02-2017, 07:34 AM

Thanks but sometime after 2015, REV decided to go with the Carefree awning. Although an on/off switch can be installed inline (according to Carefree), as installed by Fleetwood (now REV) this awning has no adjustment and does not have an on/off switch. I contacted Fleetwood (REV) and they say that it is their intention to make this awning so that the owner cannot adjust it or turn it off. My guess is that they were tired of repairing or replacing awnings for customers who swore the auto retract was on when the storm blew through.