Beatrice Lang
Manually retracting an electric RV awning can be a tricky process, and it's important to be prepared in case of an emergency. While some awnings have a crank handle, others require a specific tool to retract. If you're unable to get inside the unit, you may need to remove a screw at the motor end to manually override the system and roll up the awning. However, this could be a one-time solution, as you may need to take your awning to a dealer or RV technician to get it working again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When the power awning fails | Remove a screw at the motor end and allow it to roll up |
| Use a drill to roll it up | |
| Use a 12v battery, cordless drill battery, jumper cables from a car or RV battery | |
| Disconnect the motor plug | |
| Loosen the motor screws at the end of the drum and attach a strap to control the speed of retraction | |
| Use a bar to crank it in | |
| Use a fabric strap that fits into a groove in the awning retracting drum | |
| Use a wiring harness with a 12v supply | |
| Use a crank handle |
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What You'll Learn
Using a cordless drill
If your electric RV awning is stuck or not retracting properly, you can use a cordless drill to manually retract it. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Turn off the electronic control
Before attempting any manual retraction, ensure that the automatic retraction control is turned off. You can do this by either switching it off or simply removing the awning plug. This is an important safety step to prevent any accidental activation of the automatic controls during the manual retraction process.
Step 2: Locate the manual override mechanism
The manual override mechanism is typically located on the awning roller tube or the gearbox. It is usually a small hole with a rubber plug or a cap that can be popped off. Check your awning's manual or the manufacturer's instructions to find the exact location of the manual override mechanism for your specific model.
Step 3: Prepare your cordless drill
Attach a socket to your cordless drill. This will allow you to use the drill as a powerful tool to retract the awning. Make sure your drill is charged and ready to operate.
Step 4: Insert and turn the drill
Insert the drill with the attached socket into the manual override mechanism. Turn on your drill and begin to slowly turn the mechanism. Keep turning the drill in the appropriate direction until the awning is fully retracted. Ensure that you maintain the awning's straight and level position during this process.
Step 5: Secure the awning
Once the awning is fully retracted, don't forget to secure it using the awning straps or any other securing mechanisms provided. This will ensure that your awning remains safely retracted and prevent any accidental deployment.
By following these steps and using a cordless drill, you can efficiently and safely retract your electric RV awning in the event of a power failure or any other issues with the automatic controls.
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Removing the motor screw
If your electric RV awning is stuck, binding, or the motor has failed, you can retract it manually by removing the motor screw. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Disconnect the Motor Plug
Before you begin loosening the motor screws, it is important to disconnect the motor plug for safety reasons. Make sure to turn off the power supply to the awning before proceeding.
Step 2: Locate the Motor Screws
The motor screws are typically located at the end of the awning drum. The drum contains a spring that winds when the motor opens the awning, and this spring can be used to retract the awning without motor assistance.
Step 3: Use a Tool to Loosen the Screws
You may need a ladder to reach the motor screws, depending on the height of your RV. Use the appropriate tool, such as a screwdriver, to loosen the motor screws. Do not completely remove the screws, just loosen them enough so that you can control the retraction process.
Step 4: Control the Retraction Speed
Once the screws are loosened, you can control the speed at which the awning retracts. Some awnings come with a fabric strap that fits into a groove in the retracting drum. Attach this strap and use it to guide the awning as it retracts. If your awning does not have a fabric strap, proceed with caution, as the awning may retract quickly once the screws are loosened.
Step 5: Rewind the Spring
After retracting the awning, it is important to take it to a dealer so that the spring can be rewound. This step is crucial to ensure the awning functions properly the next time you need to use it.
It is important to note that different RV awnings may have slightly different mechanisms for manual retraction, so always refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions. Additionally, if you encounter any issues or are uncomfortable performing these steps, it is best to consult a professional for assistance.
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Using an external battery
If your RV awning isn't retracting, it could be due to low 12v power. This could be caused by a bad battery or a failing 12v converter in your RV. To check your power, use the battery meter built into your RV or, for a better check, place a voltmeter across your battery. If you are plugged into shore power, you should be getting over 12v. Try running the awning with the meter on the battery and disconnected from shore power; if there is a large drop in voltage, your battery is bad.
If you have a 12v external battery, you can use this to manually retract your awning. First, check that your awning has an external wire harness. Then, attach the external battery to the wire harness. If your awning motor has failed, you may need to remove the cover and attach the battery directly to the motor in the awning head.
If your awning came with a fabric strap, you can also use this to manually retract your awning. Fit the strap into the groove in the awning retracting drum. Then, loosen the motor screws at the end of the drum. Use the strap to control how fast the awning retracts. The drum contains a spring that winds when the motor opens the awning, and once open, the spring has enough force to fully retract the awning without motor assistance.
Please note that once you have manually retracted your awning, it must be taken to a dealer so that the spring can be rewound.
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Using a crank handle
If your electric RV awning won't retract, you can use a crank handle to manually roll it up. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, ensure you have the crank handle with you. These are more common over the entry door on class A RVs, and brands like Oasis and Thule are some of the best-selling options. It's important to consult your owner's manual for model-specific operation procedures, as there is no standard method or tool.
Once you have the crank handle, start by attaching a fabric strap to the awning. This strap fits into a groove in the awning's retracting drum. If your awning came with a strap, use that. If not, you may need to purchase a replacement strap.
Next, you'll need to loosen the motor screws at the end of the drum. Before loosening the screws, it's a good idea to disconnect the motor plug. This will allow you to control how fast the awning retracts.
With the strap attached and the screws loosened, you can now use the crank handle to manually retract the awning. Insert the crank handle into the awning by the entry door and turn it to crank the awning in. Make sure to hold the strap tightly during this process to control the retraction speed.
It's important to note that the drum contains a spring that winds when the motor opens the awning. Once open, the spring has enough force to fully retract the awning without motor assistance. Therefore, be cautious when loosening the last screw, as the awning may slam shut quickly.
By following these steps, you can manually retract your electric RV awning using a crank handle. Remember to always exercise caution and refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your awning model.
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Using a fabric strap
Before attempting to manually retract your electric RV awning, it is important to consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions. Different RV awnings have different mechanisms for manual retraction, so it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, regular maintenance of your awning is crucial to ensure its longevity. Keep it clean by using a soft brush or cloth with a mild soap solution, and avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers. Check for any damage, such as tears or holes, and repair them promptly. Inspect the tension of the awning to prevent it from flapping in the wind, and replace worn-out straps.
Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to manually retract your electric RV awning using a fabric strap:
First, ensure that the electronic control is turned off. You can do this by switching it off or removing the awning plug. This step is crucial to prevent any accidental activation of the motor during the manual retraction process.
Next, locate the manual override mechanism. This is usually found on the awning roller tube and could be in the form of a socket wrench or another tool, depending on your awning model. Insert the appropriate tool into the manual override mechanism and turn it to start retracting the awning.
If your awning has a fabric strap, attach it to the groove in the awning retracting drum. Loosen the motor screws at the end of the drum, and use the strap to control the speed of retraction. The drum contains a spring that winds when the motor opens the awning, and this spring provides enough force to retract the awning without motor assistance.
As you retract the awning, be cautious and control the speed using the strap. Ensure that the awning rolls up evenly and doesn't get stuck. You may need to gently tug on one end or have someone assist you in ensuring a smooth retraction.
Once the awning is fully retracted, secure it using the fabric strap or other securing mechanisms provided. Make sure that the strap is tight and securely fastened to prevent the awning from unraveling or flapping in the wind.
By following these steps, you can successfully manually retract your electric RV awning using a fabric strap. Remember to always refer to your specific awning's instructions and perform regular maintenance to ensure the longevity of your awning.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electric RV awning won't retract, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, check for any debris in the track and clean it with a toothbrush, then lubricate the track with a dry lubricant. Secondly, ensure that the awning arms are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the caravan. Lastly, check the awning fabric for any stretching or damage and replace it if necessary. If these steps do not work, you may need to consult a professional for further assistance.
The tools you may need to manually retract your electric RV awning include a screwdriver, a socket or drill, a ladder, a 12V battery or power supply, jumper cables, and a hex key or ratchet.
There could be several reasons why your electric RV awning is not retracting properly. It could be due to misaligned awning arms, loose screws on the awning chord or motor, a faulty motor, or overstretched or damaged awning fabric. Inspect your awning thoroughly to identify the specific cause and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue or seek professional assistance.
