Wind Sensor Awnings

[Jrob]

Has anyone upgraded to wind sensors on their awnings? I’m am looking into it but not finding much info on the install. Any help or direction would wonderful. Thanks in advance.

[Robbbyr]

You didn't specify what awning you have, here are my experiences with my Carefree of Colorado awning(s).

My Seneca originally had a Carefree Travel'R awning and I installed their Direct Response electronics. It did two things, it made the awning "one touch" meaning you didn't have to hold the switch to extend or retract. One touch of the switch and it does its thing. And it would retract when the wind would cause it to flap a bit. However, I had it out a few years ago when the campground got hit by a microburst. The electronics never had a chance to respond because the first gust caused the front arm to bend and break. My fault for leaving it out knowing there was a chance for storms.

I replaced the awning arms with Carefree Eclipse arms reusing my tube and awning fabric. The Eclipse arms are 25% stronger per Carefree and based on the weight of new versus old I believe it. I also installed the Direct Response electronics for the Eclipse which also has a wind sensitivity switch. But even with that system I (now) bring it in anytime storms are suspected.

Both of the electronics I installed are hardwired. A sensor is installed in the motor-end (front) arm with an additional wire you install from the switch are out to and then on the arms. But I believe Carefree now offers offers a wireless system that has a battery operated sensor in the motor end and then a new module and switch assembly installed at the control panel.

[EA37TS]

If you have the Vega Touch control system the Carefree wind sensor kit is not compatible. I talked to carefree about this back in October.

[norty1]

I have 2 friends with them and they disabled them because they were not adjustable enough. Either not sensitive or to sensitive.

They are to fragile to be left to a sensor IMO.

[Marcm157]

I do not trust electronics in this case. I agree with Norty - Too much at stake to trust a sensor...

[Woodworker]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

I do not trust electronics in this case. I agree with Norty - Too much at stake to trust a sensor...

X2

[SloPoke]

While I still consider adding the wind sensors to our Seneca awning (as Robbbyr describes) Our personal experiences with our awning and the wind are all when we are in camp, sitting and relaxing in calm weather.

Then All of a sudden, out of nowhere comes gusts of wind. Even if the sensors were perfectly adjusted, the awning motor mechanism is not capable to retract the awning fast enough to prevent it from the damage it received.