Dear Dave,
What would cause the power switch for my awning to suddenly reverse operation? In order to put the awning out, I have to push the “in” toggle, and I have to push the “out” toggle to retract it. —Andrew, 2021 Forest River VIBE 28RL
Dear Andrew,
Since your rig is more than 5 years old and you stated that it “suddenly” switched operation direction, that most likely rules out the switch being wired wrong. The switch has 12-volt power coming to it, and then two wires to the awning motor. It is simply an extend/retract power provider.
Awning may have over-extended
My guess is the awning was over-extended and the tube and fabric “flipped.” So the switch is working correctly, as well as the motor, but it just doesn’t recognize the fabric is now on the underside. Take a look at the tube with the awning extended almost of full extension. The fabric should be wrapped over the top and around.
If that is the case, press and hold the switch in the extend position keeping it pressed all the way to full extension and see if it will flip over. This will reset it to the proper position. Keep the retract button depressed and the awning will come back as normal.
If the fabric is not underneath, pull the switch out and switch the wires. It is possible the motor has a malfunction, but hopefully it’s just a simple overextension.
You might also enjoy these posts from Dave
- How do I manually retract my RV’s electric awning?
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- Why does my RV’s electric awning retract only intermittently?
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RVDT2706
Hi Dave,
Looking for ways to keep our Class A basement cooler than lava LOL
Any thoughts on ways and devices (cheap to expensive) to keep the area cool.
Especially needed as we are going to be installing solar and the inverter/chargers will be in the basement. Currently, we can run 20 degrees hotter in the basement compared to the house area.
Thanks!
Andy
Thank you for the information, Dave! Interesting problem, particularly given your supposition of how it began. Have a great week and safe travels!
Dave, a great way of rotational thinking. It was a “why didn’t I think of that” answer. Should have been a “brain teaser”..
Thanks for this. Ours has the same problem. I’m eager to try your solution…meanwhile we just think backwards.