Awnings are a perennial favorite among RV-ers. Not only do they enhance the outdoor experience by protecting you from rain and sun, but the right add-ons like LED lighting and attachable rooms also make life on the road more comfortable. In fact, electric RV awnings are all the rage right now as they cost less and can be easily set up by RV users. The problem is that, like all electrical equipment, this product also experiences problems and most of them are related to the motor. Imagine the surprise when a potential RV buyer visits you and discovers that the awning motor is not working. If you want to get cash for your RV, this is a deal breaker for many interested parties. To avoid facing such a situation, you need to replace the awning motor. This does not require any special skills, and you can complete this task yourself. Find out how below:
Select the right engine
It’s easy to get confused with the RV automatic awning options available on the market. However, make the ones with manual override features your priority. This clever emergency feature allows RV users to manually remove the awning when the power is out. You’ll find many electric awnings with built-in receivers that you can easily operate with a remote or wall-mounted control switch. Some brands add wind and sun sensors to their products, allowing them to automatically open and close based on weather conditions. You can plug the motorized awnings into a standard RV outlet.
Prepare the new awning
Hold the mounting bracket in a retracted position and remove the product. Carefully place it on the ground and remove the end cap. Now you need to loosen the roller end bracket fixing bolts. This will allow you to slide the bracket to the far left so the torsion bar can be easily removed. After removing the gear, remember to also remove the square drive. This part will no longer be needed; the motor will replace its place.
configure the engine
Slide the motor to the end of the motor tube and connect each piece of hardware. Please refer to the manual once, as included components tend to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Now put the manual handle gear back in place along with the roller end bracket. Be sure to tighten the nuts on the fixing screws. Then install the end cap. Attach the canopy securely to the mounting brackets and reinstall it. Finally, connect the motor cable to the control panel on the wall. If you purchase a wireless model, install the wireless control bracket in a shaded area and plug the cord from the wall control panel into the electrical wall receptacle. Inspect each of the buttons on the remote and switch to see if they work as they should.
RV awnings are capable of transforming the outdoor area into something spectacular, and that significantly increases the value of your RV. However, before you put your RV on the market to sell it for cash, make sure the engine is running carefully. This will ensure that the deal goes off without a hitch and your potential client will find no reason to back out of the deal!