Carefree Connect Installation
- Thread starter RvDec
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George
Prominent Member
I don't see anything in the instructions about a single kit being able to control 2 or more awnings. At the very least an additional motion sensor would be required since it's mounted in at the awning motor head.
Also they only list Carefree awnings (surprise) that it works on and my awnings are Solera. So some wiring research might be needed.
I would buy one if I knew it worked on Solera.
My Solera awning switch has to be held down to extend or retract. Even without this kit does a Carefree need a momentary push then stops automatically when extended or retracted? There are no limit settings in the instructions for auto-retract or extend leading me to believe it will NOT work on Solera to bring in the awning automatically.
https://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/rv-products/carefree-connects/
https://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/.../07/070029-001r9-BT12-Installation-Manual.pdf
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George
Prominent Member
For Lippert Solera awnings it looks like you can upgrade a standard arm awning to "Smart" arms where a wind sensor can be added for an extra $200..
As nice as these arms are I don't think it'd be worth it to me (>$2,000) to upgrade my 2 awnings. Oh well, I'll just keep using my eyeballs.
As nice as these arms are I don't think it'd be worth it to me (>$2,000) to upgrade my 2 awnings. Oh well, I'll just keep using my eyeballs.
I will have to post my setup. I will be at Carolina Pines for 7 days, starting on Thursday. Since this is my first Rv and my large awning ripped (Lippert Problem)...I had them all replaced with thicker material. Since I am the camp cook, I bought a 20 x 10 and have tested it in 40 MPH winds at Myrtle beach. The real nice part of it, is the frame of the pop up, allows for mounting many comfort items, like FANS!! It also become a great place for rain storms that hit during dinner time. The last thing a cook wants, is all that prep time, going to waste.
Ultimately, despite automation options, I just don't trust them. It is cool, that they are available...OEM's are always addressing the issues of a manufacturer, not understanding what happens. Imagine the up-sale possibilities at sale, the education of new clients, and potential OEM part sales.... Can you imagine if they designed a 10x20 pop up, that folded like the tents you see on top of jeeps as an option. Sorry, I was getting star trek on that thought...LOL
Ultimately, despite automation options, I just don't trust them. It is cool, that they are available...OEM's are always addressing the issues of a manufacturer, not understanding what happens. Imagine the up-sale possibilities at sale, the education of new clients, and potential OEM part sales.... Can you imagine if they designed a 10x20 pop up, that folded like the tents you see on top of jeeps as an option. Sorry, I was getting star trek on that thought...LOL
I will caution you not to fight the wind too much. As one who lost their entire awning. Mother nature always wins.
I even knew better but I left my awning out and a storm took care of it for me.
My best suggestion when the winds are strong is to press that retract button vs. believing our contraptions are foolproof vs. mother nature.
Yes I have used flappers, stakes, ground screws, reinforced fabric all that and concluded the retract button is the answer.
Years ago Manual awnings were a bit more robust but the current day electric awnings are rather flimsy from the start.
Use that retract button and live to fight another day.
I did the installation - it took a couple of days because of the prototype stuff I ran into. I took the pair of switches that come with the kit and combined the 2 extend/retract switches into one panel and installed that in Thru Compartment, and re-used the existing awning switches with a mod.
Works great. They extend and retract with one click. They have wind sensors and auto retract. Also work with a mobile app.
I bought a kit for each awning: https://www.ebay.com/itm/168341089401
About $370 for both.
3 packs of these Wago connectors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ5QF4Z2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
I attached the wiring diagrams and roughly what I did.
Let me know if you have questions.
Works great. They extend and retract with one click. They have wind sensors and auto retract. Also work with a mobile app.
I bought a kit for each awning: https://www.ebay.com/itm/168341089401
About $370 for both.
3 packs of these Wago connectors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ5QF4Z2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
I attached the wiring diagrams and roughly what I did.
Let me know if you have questions.
Midnight Rider
Prominent Member
I agree, awnings now a day are really more of a sun shade. I expect them to hold up very little when things get ruff.