Diagnose And Replace A Failed RV Motorized Awning Switch
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ค. 2020
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Certified Mobile RV Technician, Darren Koepp, shows you how to test the wiring feeding an RV motorized awning switch.
Power Probe III - amzn.to/2TAFfha
If you are in need of RV Repairs in the Olympic Peninsula area of Washington state, submit a service request on our website at myrvworks.com today! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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Dude, Mr. Long Winded! OMG. I’m exhausted
I really enjoyed the customer telling his side of the story! This added much value!
I had problems with my RV from the first day I bought it brand new. I'm a hands on kind of guy that will try to do my own repairs. So far I've been able to do my own repairs and upgrades. Your videos really do help and I've used some of your methods.
Thank you for this easy to follow video. I just purchased a used Fifth Wheel and the awning switch was disconnected. The awning works when using the remote control, so I figured the problem was the switch. When I opened the switch panel there weren't any wires connected to the switch. And although I don't have a test probe like yours, I was able to use basic DC electrical knowledge, a Fluke Multimeter, and a simple test light to identify the leads. Without this awesome video, I would have been months trying to sort this out (or a few hundred bucks at a dealer). I watched the video, went to the RV, and even with taking the time to heat shrink all the wire end connectors to prevent shorting against each other, the job took 40 minutes. :)
Not bashing dealers and just being honest about what you see is absolutely Great. You will all be blessed.
As an owner of an RV company, you sir are an excellent tech and have built a great company. I will be pushing my crew to use your content for education. Keep it up and thank you for shouldering the responsibility of transferring this knowledge.
That kind of work is why I call them "stealerships" Thanks for another great video Darren . I love how you included the customer in this one. Well done Sir. Keep up the good work !!!!!
Valuable information as always. I learned that's a double throw double pole switch that reverses polarity. I once had a fantastic fan that only blew air in not out. Hence I used a dtdp switch to fix that so it would blow air in or out.
Ok, so I'm a electrician and an RV tech, and I understood, but I think a drawing would have made it easier to follow. Maybe show how a dc motor will change direction of rotation when voltage is reversed, do a mock up and show that on the bench and then add the switch into the circuit...I do love watching your videos and keep doing what you do....
Thank you for the support!
Good explanation of the double pole double throw switch. I use them or single pole single throw quite often for projects.
Great to have the client explain the problem.
No need to apologize for the jokes and ramblings, I went through college obtaining my formal knowledge of electricity from the dryest east-german professor. Though he was incredibly intelligent with the subject matter i had to consume enough energy drinks and coffee to cause irregular heartbeat just to keep from falling off my bench haha. Great videos Darren Ive nearly watched your whole channel and I learn at least one valuable trick from every video. Great work.
I love watching you! I wish I lived closer! I didn’t understand how you did it but it was fun to watch.
Excellent video. Walked me through it and had mine replaced in under 30 minutes! Appreciate it!
That was one of the best videos I've seen on how to fix an awning it's too bad they didn't ID the wires when they connected up the switch but it's understandable since it's a production coach and they're not too concerned about where the wires go
Ok, been watching you and learning for awhile. Going full tine next year and when I am on the west coast and I need help i am calling you!!
Excellent video. Good information on the workings of the switch. And I have one of those walls too.
Awesome video
Might have to watch it 26 more times, but well done.
For you who didn't go back and checked the video. The customer hooked up the wires wrong. There were 2 green wires to one side of rocker switch, red in the middle and white on the other side. If a white and green were switched diagonally it would have worked. Nice job tech.
Great Video, enjoy watching the in depth troubleshooting. Thankyou
Thanks for the upload. Would there be any drawings assocIated with this coach to review or even download?
The common pole changes polarity as the switch is rocked.
So thr negative and positive wires are hooked up in the outer poles. These are the power lines that feed the DC motor..
And I would add that the positive and negative polarity of the top two pins gets reversed on the bottom two pins. It is in this way that the common pins (in the middle) which gets wired to the awning motor - has the polarity change allowing the motor to go clockwise or counterclockwise.
We have just purchased our first commercial RV. Have a DIY one for over 20 years and of course making "improvements" to every year. The commercial one -2022 Pleasure Way Ontour 2.2- blows my mind. I have a Truma furnace not just a Mr Buddy. I have a big water pump and two sinks, etc. And of course everything is hidden in walls. Your videos are really a great aid in getting a jump start on understanding our new RV. Great work and explain things clearly. Many thanks. ............Side note even this PW unit that is supposed to be high quality have so much that screwy about.....what were they thinking?? They build them but DO THEY USE THEM?
I want to point out that while the power probe was a perfect tool to use in this instance, it does require 12V positive and negative from a battery to work. It is designed for automotive work were you are near the 12V source and need to provide a +12v or GND to various points. I enjoy all of your videos!
I have yet to find an RV that doesn't have a 12V power source and most have multiple. The power probe has a 20' cord and also has additional 20' extensions, (In order to check trailer wiring @ back of vehicle), along with the capability to not just clip onto a battery directly but also plug into a cigarette styled 12V power source which is usually located close to the service panel.
You are right ! I had a slideout that broke some of the teeth on the gears. Took it to the dealer, and it took 4 months for them to fix,and since it was covered by warrantee I could not speed them up. I won’t go back
Thanks for a very good video. If you run across a similar problem where the awning switch is integrated in a larger multi control switch board with separate push controls for the awning, porch light, and master ceiling lights (instead of one standalone awning switch), I would enjoy seeing how to troubleshoot the problem.
Quality work is not a concept the dealership service centers understand (this also goes for the manufacturer). They are incapable of finding or fixing the issues other than maybe some trim work....maybe.
Thanks for all your videos, they are most helpful!
Thank you for another excellent tutorial, but my greatest weakness when it comes to repairs is electrical issues and I was really confused watching this, but kind of understood it in a working sense?? I usually do trial and error, but as I said, me not understanding electricity as well as I wish I am always afraid of blowing or frying something more than just a fuse (like me for instance). In this case I would have started with the fuses and then got to the switch, but would have froze switching things around for as I said, I have a fear of doing more harm then good when it comes to electricity. I've learned a lot with your videos, so I'll keep watching and hopefully I'll keep learning. Thanks again.
Great explanation. Did similar diagnosis of wiring on a rocker-type battery disconnect switch. Took a while, but finally figured out that the battery disconnect switch had been incorrectly reconnected after an RV dealership worked on our awning switch. Bottom line is they fixed the awning switch problem, but created a second problem when they incorrectly reconnected the battery disconnect switch.
Is that Luke & Jody from Workamper News?
This dude right here saved me. Appreciate ya!
At one point it just didn't make since what you were doing . Then the light turned on . Thank You so much
Simple rule for DC motors whether they are window regulators, fan motors, awning or any other is they use reverse polarity to switch direction. This comes in handy with those who like to look at wiring diagrams and will better understand that the same wires or conductors will act as both positive and negative depending on which way the switch is operated. Much easier to draw a diagram and use markers to show the circuit while at rest, and each switch position and the theory will become more evident.
This is a great video. Any ideas what would cause my awning to work and then 6 minutes later not?
Thanks! Like #13. I look forward to your meter video!
That power probe is neat! Funny thing, we just brought our new 5th wheel home yesterday and the awning doesnt work. I can hear the relay clicking but no movement of the awning. It has one of those Smart Arms where you can put the awning out or in at the arm as well as normal switch and that works but won't with the interior switch or the Onetouch control pad.
great job. You are the Man. Looking forward to your meter learning video
Its not the Dealerships, Its the Techs doing the work. You have to CARE about the job your doing. I always go for Quality over time.
welcome back. really enjoy your videos.
We never left! ;)
strange, haven't got notices of videos since the virus surfaced.
I had no power coming into my switch--the "regular" fuse was ok but I found another 20 amp fuse on a board inside the electrical compartment that was blown.
Power probe was the right tool for this job. 👍👍
Good job. I’ve always wanted one of them thar power probes.
Thank you! Here is the link to power probes through Amazon: amzn.to/2TAFfha
I agree that dealerships seem not to care if they fix it right, and they don't care how long it takes to get it done. I've scheduled repairs a month ahead and it will still be weeks for work to be completed. I wish you were in my area!
I didn't see a listing for that power probe tool, Id like to get it with your link. Great video by the way and I hope you fix their wall.
Hi Michelle, we sure did fix their wall too. ;) Here is the link to power probes through Amazon: amzn.to/2TAFfha
Thank you so much for the information on the manual process of retracting the awning , but why does it extend rather quickly and sounds and looks likes it struggling to retract. Like its in a bind or cant handle the load on retracting? Thank you
Our 2014 Thor came with 3 issues. Truck doesn't charge house battery. 30amp in campground drains truck battery. Aux start switch doesn't do anything 😞
At 1st CW ducked phone calls but got hungry during the pandemic, kept the rv for 7 weeks and didn't fix anything 😑
Our arwing some times doesn't want to retract. Once it was a corroded fuse. I unplug near the motor and run a jumper
10/4 on that. I will never ever let any dealership touch any part of my rv. They always have new guy's, all very unqualified, take too long, charge way too much, and very seldom fix the problem. Have you ever met anyone who's had a good experience with one?
Me thinks a white board would be great to explain that one. Well done. That's a great tool.
Great suggestion maybe we can next time. ;)
Great video brother! 😀
I dread going down a rabbit trail but my wiring up at the motor is 5.8vdc. The battery is sitting on 13.3vdc.
I'm starting my own Mobile RV repair business and I appreciate your info, its bridging the gap in my knowledge. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Well splayned
Good video, Darren
I would hit the like button extra times if I could, just for the Monty Python reference. Outstanding!
Im a 60s female and have had nothing but triuble with my keystone residence 40FLRS. I can't afford to have someone come out and my disability prevents me from doing anything. Big mistake but im stuck. Thank you for your great video's
One side of awning starts to move out then stops, has been working fine extend it out about half way daily. But this morning one side has issues any ideas on what I can check?
Great video
In a DC circuit you have to reverse the + and - going to the motor to get the motor to reverse or turn the opposite direction. One direction for out and the opposite for in.
So why would the a wing work before wired like it was, you maybe switched wires around? Great video but was it loose wires or ?
No it didn’t work prior. If you watch closely at beginning the two greens were on both top prongs (wrong). At the end you will see one green and one white at top prongs (correct). The dealership broke the switch. Customer wired new one wrong. He fixed it.
Have you seen an awning motor reverse polarity after a power surge
I need to try this on my awning. My question is why did it work before and then fail?
Because the replacement switch was not installed right. Remember the dealer broke the first switch and the customer got and installed the new one without a diagram or a good switch to follow. The customer had two wires that were not connected to anything so he guessed.
How do I know to replace the rocker switch for my slider. It worked until a week ago
I have a 2000 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37K. I want to replace the current slide-out switch that uses a key with one made by Lippert. I thought it would be a straightforward operation but when I removed the panel with the key plate, I noticed there are only 3 wires attached to the back of the old switch. This new one has 4 wires. Is it still possible to change it? Others have said to just eliminate the Black, or ground wire. It is not an illuminated switch. What can you suggest?
I have no power going to my in and out switch. Fuse is good. Could that be a bad ground?
Instead of using positive or negative voltage to depict direction you might try to simply use current flow. I've found it makes it easier to explain d.c. circuits and motor induction to my students.
Wish there was someone like you in Salt Lake City. Any recommendations?
You're hilarious 😂 love it keep up the great work 👏
Are you going to fix the wall?
Heck yes I hope you did a video fixing that wall because that is just dealership stupid to the nth degree
Hello! I’m new to your site and have a question about installing a 12 volt reostate to my control panel for the LED lights under my awning. Don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or what. Can’t find anything hot. I know it’s there but I’m having no luck.
I’m having the same problems with a four wire rocker switch for the awning.
Very simply put, you completed the circut. Toggle switch, Hot(green1) to motor(red1), motor(red2) to ground(white2). when the switch is toggled the other way you reversed the motor circut(green2-red2-red1-white1)
.
Do u have to have 2 power wire?
Yes. On a dpdt switch you must
So was it a fuse issue or was the switch hooked up wrong by the customer?
Switch wiring by customer was wrong.
My experience is that the center is the middle point and the distribution is left or right when you rock the switch. That was true in my experience until I recently order a single pole double throw switch to replace the single throw single pole switch in my formerly fluorescent ceiling fixture. I went to the double throw switch so that two strips of LED lights replace the two tubes. And I added three solitary little LED lights or another word for 1 and 1/2 inch two-a-day night light. the darn switch had the common feet at one end and the two alternative points of feed in the middle and other respectively. Made me crazy.
Another great video, I would have liked to seen you fix the wall to and the stripped out holes for the switch. as a new rv tech, im learning all this stuff. and yes, that dealer did a crappy job on the wall repair, but the REAL blame should have been to Thor !! If it was built better, the wall would have never had to be replaced in the first place. I see the crappy build quality of their units every day. we sell them, and Coleman and many others. to be honest, all these campers and motorhomes are just thrown together. it does seem like the big diesel coaches are built better with better quality materials but I guess you get what you pay for.
I had a ? I have a 1992 Fleetwood Coronado I also live in port Angeles wa I just bought it iv never owned one before so I really know nothing about it my manual is missing a lot of stuff because of owner I got it from so I’m limited on what to do I have a few issues my fridge is not working my gas stove is not working water heater is not working An now my toilet has leaked all the way in to the back bedroom soaking the carpet I was wondering if I could talk to u about diagnosising a few things
Hi Amber, am just now seeing this. Sorry for that! Hope you've been able to address these issues, but if you are still having issues, you can feel free to submit a service request at www.myrvworks.com. The remote troubleshooting option is $75/issue, or you can submit a request for on-site. We can talk more about your needs from there. Thanks. -Tricia/ My RV Works
How about writing down where the wires originally went BEFORE you disconnect them from the switch?
Why? It was wired wrong to begin with
Better to watch TH-cam videos and do the work yourself. Thanks for the video
Good Morning. This was great but I could use a little more on the wiring and how it work. Maybe a wire gram on paper would help. But keep up the great work. The more we know the less people can walk over you. Jack
I wish you would have made a note of how the wires were hooked up with the problem (get our attention on that) so we could see the difference when fixed.
You can if you rewind the frames to the beginning. You’ll see it was wired improperly by customer. Two greens on top, two reds in center and two whites on bottom. Should be green and white on top, two reds in center and white and green on bottom with whites/greens adjacent from one another
White - green
Red - red
Green - white
Like I tell my wife sometimes I don't understand the words coming out of your mouth lol. Good video.
i have a 2004 Class A it only has 50,000 Kilometers on the clock a friend 18 months back brought a brand spanking new RV it now has 13500K`s Just going back and forth to the dealer every time they fix something they break something ,,,,,
You have the nestest tools
But why did it work before and then failed?
Customer wired incorrectly. Dealership broke the switch. Switch sent to customer. Customer wired two green on top prongs and two whites on bottom. Greens and whites should be adjacent
@@JordenBurton Gotcha... thanks for clearing up my confusion.
Nice video, just a little joke. Good information
Very funny. Positive electrons? Protons are positive, electrons are negative.
more emphasis on the repair and not the self description or the reasons why
Thanks for the comment. Everybody's got their own learning and teaching style. Darren does not script any of this stuff out it's done live in the field. You never know what he's going to discuss LOL. There are certainly other channels out that get right to the repair without all the explanation. You might find more appealing. Happy camping!
Only an RV manufacturer could make something as simple as a reversible switch so confusing
Yo it’s like 7 min and we haven’t touched the switch yet
Scotch is whiskey, Scots is the ethnicity.
It is impossible to get anything done right at a dealership. They screw up EVERYTHING they touch. They just don’t care. I refuse to take my rig into a dealership for anything.
That is a bit of an ignorant statement but often times they are under staffed with properly trained employees
First problem is he bought a Thor product. LOL
Yeah buy another THOR PRODUCT
I'm having a real hard time believing this guy is a commercial electrician of any kind, 10 minutes into the video and he has dissembled the entire switch Assembly but hasn't bothered to check the fuses yet or bothered to check the actual switch for continuity, but hey you did spend 10 agonizingly minutes talking about meters.
Brevity is your friend.
BTW I'm a ret. electronics/electrical engineer, I specialized in high power communications equipment and spent nearly 20 years as chief broadcast engineer for major metropolitan radio and TV stations. I worked around high voltage equipment that if you had a bad day and touched the wrong wire you'd be dead before your head hit the ground.
Thank god you’re over qualified for RVs. We wouldn’t want any additional ass holes working in this field! 🤙
I like your videos, but this one is so confusing , should I say Keep It Simple....KIS method, oh, buy your self a good meter , I recommend a Fluke 87V.
This confused me to be honest.
please get to the point
Dude... too much chit chat. Just do it.
Darin,
Your vids are informative. Your humor is lame and dated.
I want to learn not hear your entertainment. STOP
Great job using a meter that nobody has, and probably wont buy..
What's your point?