Awning switch

[Wiesehan]

Just need to know if any one else has had a problem with the switch on the awning? I had one replace on my 2008 Montana and now I think the one on my 2010 is about to go out. The 2008 just quit working and this one seems to not get enough power to the motor. If the switch is by passed, then the awning works with full power. I just want to know if I am very unlucky or there is an issue with the switches that Keystone is using in their panel.
Thanks,
Don

[exav8tr]

Awning Switch????? Just joking, that is another reason I prefer my manual awning, just pull the lever and pull it out. Push the lever and in it goes.....Plus I can tie it down and put funky chili lights on it. Of course, if it's windy, I have to take it all down and it can be a real chore in the wind. I am forever checking weather every morning when I rise, If it's forecasted for over 30 mph, in it comes........

[footloose]

exav8r, I guess you don't miss what you don't have -- so don't get a powered awning. We think it is the best invention since sliced bread. DH was out one night with the manual awning in a sudden unforecasted windstorm. The windstorm won and we lost the awning. It was pouring down rain and thundering. I was more worried about losing the DW. Now we laugh with delight when the slightest wind comes up as we push the button. To each his own. I hope there isn't a problem with the switches. We would be lost without ours!

[snfexpress]

Have to agree with Footloose - we hardly ever used our manual awning. In fact, we hated the tap, tap, tap of the awning strap hitting the side of the 5th wheel so much that we taped it to the side.

If the switch needs replacement, you could go with one from Mcmaster-Carr who has heavier duty ones, such as item # 7246K19.

[camper4]

We like our powered awning too. No switch issues yet...

[c214dick]

no switch issues with us either.

[Lambchop]

Love our power awning......we tie it down like our previous awning...stays ..even in 30 MPH winds!!
Never a problem with the switch, but I suppose it can happen...


Roy

[exav8tr]

I was on record, in an earlier post, that IF I was to lose my manual awning I would replace it with an electric one, however, no automatic wind sensing device as I would always be afraid it would fail, just as some of these switches do. Michael, I just loop the awning strap around the front arm, never had the tap tap tap you talk about. I am always a little leery about all these automated things. Just seems like one more thing to go wrong.

I am glad all that have the electric awning like it. I suppose all tne new Montanas come with one, COOL BEANS!!!!

[CORattler]

I too, like the electric awning. I can bring it in quickly without a struggle. We never leave it out unattended.

[bncinwv]

Phil,
FYI when you are ready for your awning upgrade, just wanted to let you know that we have not changed the way we use ours at all. It still holds the ten garishly bright glode lights (40 watt bulb in each) that we used on the manual awning. We also use the same straps to hold it down that we did on manual awning. I thought I would prefer the manual one as well, but consider me a convert now. The switch or remote is a lot easier on the body than the process I used to go through to extend and retract the awning. Let us all know when you make the change, !!
Bingo

[exav8tr]

Thanks Bingo, I have actually looked at the Carefree of CO electric arms that are added to existing awning fabric and awning tube, about half the cost of a new Dometic Electic awning. I'm sure once I have one I will ba a convert also.....However, there is change coming in the winds and doubt if I will do it now. Will address these winds at a later date....

[deadeye]

exav8tr:
We went with the Carefree of Colorado last year at the beginning of the year and really like it. We were comparing them at Central Plains Rally and it appears that the Carefree has a heavier set of arms on them than the units that Keystone puts on the factory installed models. Used the same awning and only changed the arms. Arms are relocated and you cover the old arm screw holes with a little square yellow reflector. Of course you have to buy two extra reflectors for the other side of the camper just for looks as if anyone would notice. I got the unit without automatic wind control also. The only difference I can see is the switch is a BROWN color instead of WHITE. Really works great....JB

[davefleck]

Never had a switch problem yet. I converted my existing A&E awning over to a power awning. Got the arms,motor and spring assembly from e-bay and converted my A&E awning. Its awesome.

[snfexpress]

Sorry for the hijack...Phil, I meant that I would crawl up on to the roof, lean over the side and tape the strap of the closed awning to the side of the Monty:

[exav8tr]

deadeye, where is the switch mounted? Or did you have a choice of where it went. I guess inside near the other switches???

Michael, Thanks for the clarification. Actually I have never heard the strap hitting the trailer. I guess because I have my awning out most of the time.

[Wiesehan]

I still haven't determined if it is the switch or the wire leading to the motor and I'm still waiting on Keystone to determine if they are going to cover it under warranty or not. I had it checked by the selling dealer three times while coach was under warranty but still have to go through the effort to get approved for repair unless I want to pay for it myself. Thanks for the responses that were dealing with switches.
Don

[deadeye]

exav8tv:
On my 2955 model, I had the switch mounted right beside the slide switch so I can stand with the outside walk through door open and see the awning rolling up in proper fashon. I like to be able to stop it if something goes wrong....JB

[exav8tr]

Thanks!!!