Power Awning stopped working

[Doc Foster]

My Zip Dee Power awning stopped working (2014 30' International Serenity) after my last trip ended several weeks ago. Didn't notice it until I was doing some post trip cleaning. Fortunately it was in a closed position. The OPEN green light is steady. I have checked the fuse, etc. power is OK to everything else. Used it several times on our month long trip to NV, UT & CO. When I hit open or close I can hear some faint clicking but no movement. The power awning "motherboard" under the sink, is all lit up like a christmas tree as usual.

Any ideas before I call Zip Dee and/or drive it 3 hours back to the dealer, drop it off and come back in a week or two to pick up? That equals 2 wasted Saturdays as I am not quite yet fully retired.

Still within 1 year warranty on trailer and 2 year warranty on awning.

Bought the trailer off the dealer lot and did not want the power awning for this reason, but it was already on the trailer and the trailer had everything else we wanted.

[graysailor]

Interested in this thread as I have ordered a 2016 with the power awning. Keep us posted on what went wrong.

[Remax gal]

Yep, I'm interested too! We have the power awning and absolutely love it


Laura & Tom

[Doc Foster]

After pushing OPEN and CLOSE a few times, I noticed that it stays steady green on STATUS now???

[graysailor]

I would have to dig out my notes but as I recall there is a sequence of buttons to push that resets the system. They are buried in the manual somewhere so you might try that.

[switz]

The issues with the power awning operation are not new. I specifically did NOT order the power awning. One less electonic/power device toleave one stranded in the woods. Great when they are working....

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by switz

The issues with the power awning operation are not new. I specifically did NOT order the power awning. One less electonic/power device toleave one stranded in the woods. Great when they are working....

I agree - the convenience and novelty is great, but on balance, I feel simplicity is best in many instances. Also less expensive both initially and in the long run too.

I suppose that a reasonable compromise is at least to have a manual option if the electronic wizardry fails - I don't know if that applies in the case of power awnings or not? Hopefully it does.

Most power tongue jacks for example are so designed in anticipation of electrical failure.

Brian.

[WkendWarrior]

I'm interested interested in this topic too, about to take possession of a 25 FB with the power awning. Like you, didn't want the option but am buying off the dealer lot...

Looking at the Zip Dee manual, they emphasize using the 'close' function after any power interruption. Could it be as simple as disconnecting power, reconnecting and starting with 'close'? They also repeatedly provide their phone number for support, 800 338-2378. Please do let us know how things turn out, I'm sure there are several others who are curious.

[switz]

Check at the base of the awning support arms where the power wires come through the skin and into the pole to see if there is a grommet around the wire or just tape. If it just tape, as done on the 2013 and into 2015 models, the wires insulation may be cut and shorting on the knife edge of the skin from making the hole.

If the wire is cut, then the inside skin has to come off to access the wiring to make the repairs.

Many power awnings without the grommets were shorted out on the dealer's lot after many demostrations of the power awning.

[gwg]

Our 2015 Classic awning would extend then the one end would keep rotating about 1/2" in each direction. Would not stop, had to retract it back in. Had it fixed at JC, minor adjustment per the tech. I agree not bullet proof and could have stuck with the manual one we had on out last two.
Nice when it works but stinks when doesn't.

[spclkaz]

Pay your money ...take your chances... I'll stick with the traditional manual awnings...
but... good luck in getting that one fixed...

[jdalrymple]

Call Zip Dee, they are great folks.

It may be a simple fix.

From what I have seen of their products, they would not have sold it it they didn't think the kinks were out....


Regards,

JD

[NatandGregg]

Check the voltage level on your inside voltmeter, it needs to be a solid 12 volts or higher, FYI there is a recall on the original control boards, and last but not least check all connections as compressed as this is also an issue

[switz]

The wiring issues mentioned in post #13 are reflective of the push them out the door fast versus make sure they are done properly mentality that has taken over Airstream.

We have a major rebuild job to correct the the shower installation in the 23D. Taking it back to the factory is not an option and the dealers would be constrained to Airstream parts that would not fix the issue.

[Msmoto]

Basic issues as I understand them from my experience with my Power Patio Awning.

First, the set up from the factory, JC, is not always correct. Needs to be done correctly, not always available at dealers, not sure about JC.

Second, the connecter at the awning may need to be disconnected, reconnected after some electrical contact cleaner is used. Or replaced if a wire is broken or heavily corroded.

Third, the current (amps) must be measured at the same connector at the end of the roller. It should be somewhere around 3 Amps when operating. If above 5 Amps, the awning most likely has a defective motor, a supplier problem faced by ZipDee at some point. The motor needs replacing with a new one which draws about 3 Amps.

Fourth, the board which controls the awning needs to be updated, reprogrammed so as to limit the Amps at 6, thus shutting down the awning if problems develop. And, of course, if a new board is installed, and the defective motor is in place, the awning may not work.

The advice to call ZipDee is excellent. They are interested in having the awnings work properly and will go out of their way to repair these. Of course, the best place to have the repairs is at ZipDee, 96 Crossen Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 800-338-2378 847-437-0980

And, if you are lucky they will give you a wonderful tour!

[Doc Foster]

I finally got home early enought to contact Zip Dee tech support so I could be with the trailer. Nice folks, got through to a tech support person specializing in the Relax awnings in less than 2 minutes. Within another 2 minutes of answering questions about the control panel and circuit panel under the sink, he said not to worry we will replace entire circuit panel and motor free of charge including any labor, which was expected since it was still under warranty. He said something about that particular circuit board had difficultly recognizing the 12 volt system and searching for power, etc. and that it ends up burning up the motor (don't remember everything he said). Sounded like that have encountered this problem many times before.
He was thankful that it was in a closed position.
He was surprised that I did not have the "emergency kit" which included wires, crank, etc. I do not remember anything like this at all when I got my new trailer from the dealer? Have others received something like this?
Unfortunately this will require 2 of my Saturdays driving to my "local" Airstream dealer to drop off and pick up.

[graysailor]

At least these problems are being discovered early on and being fixed. Aside from your inconvenience hopefully we all will benefit from your experience.

[switz]

Makes one wonder which of these parts the lucky power awning owners need to purchase to have in their emergency repair kit, "just in case" when not around cell towers and in remote areas.

[overlander63]

If you didn't get to have it pointed out and described to you, at least, there is a bag that comes with the awning. It contains the bits, pieces, and adapters needed to override the electronics so you can put the awning away. There is a length of wires with a plug on one end, and a pair of alligator clips on the other. Plug the plug end into the roller motor, and clip the alligator clips to one of the batteries, and the awning will roll in, if the motor hasn't failed.
There is also a flex extension and socket, so you can use a cordless drill to lower the awning. The connector for that is at the base of the awning arms, on front and one back.
If you haven't seen the bag, look for it. It will probably be in the bag with your manuals. If you can't find it, contact Zip-Dee, and ask them for it.

[jeff4506]

[QUOTE=overlander63;1669143
There is also a flex extension and socket, so you can use a cordless drill to lower the awning. The connector for that is at the base of the awning arms, on front and one back.[/QUOTE]

When you say "lower" do you mean close or open?

I have a similar issue but no Zip Dee support on a Saturday. My awning is closed but the keypad says Open. Trailer is plugged in. Pressing Close causes the rear motor to spin but nothing moves. Only way to stop it is hit another button or cut power. Nothing happens pressing other buttons. Cycling circuit board power yields same result.

I looked at manual to manually open and close the awning. Nothing explicit for just Opening, but Opening was documented in the context of changing a motor. Closing was in the context of an emergency close. The flex hex was used as part of that process. Very inconvenient. I tried the flex hex on the bottom of both rails in its current closed state - nothing happens - just spins the screw.

Clearly I need my dealer to fix this, but was taking it out in a couple days for 2 weeks. Was hoping to manually open and close, but looks like a hassle. If someone has an easier way using that flex hex let me know, but didn't work for me.