During the modification or upgrade of a RV, the awning is not only an important equipment for enhancing the outdoor living experience, but also a key component for ensuring comfort and safety during the journey.
This article takes the 5700 electric RV awning that is popular on the market by Awnlux as an example, and elaborately explains the methods for measuring the size and the installation precautions, helping you avoid installation mistakes and allowing the awning to perform at its best.
I. Size Definition of W5700 power RV Awning
Awnlux RV awning-W5700 typically refers to the measurement from the center of the left arm to the center of the right arm.
The actual size of the awning will be bigger than the order size (please refer to our drawing for the RV awning size measurement method).
Attention: The size definitions of different manufacturers may vary. Before placing an order, it is essential to confirm the awning size standard with the supplier and read the instructions carefully to avoid installation errors.
Common Parameter Reference
Note: The definitions may vary slightly among different manufacturers. Before placing an order, be sure to confirm with the supplier the specific size reference for "awning".
II. Awning size confirm Method
Before placing an order, it is necessary to first confirm the installation space of the recreational vehicle to avoid any interference or inappropriate positioning issues.
1. Measure the available length for RV
Based on the straight and fixed area on the side wall of the caravan, measure the effective length from front to back.
It is necessary to deduct the influence of protruding components such as doors, windows, hatch doors, and external-mounted machines.
2. Verify the installation position of the bracket
Most of the W5700 electric RV awning have fixed supports at both ends. In the middle, additional intermediate supports such as cradle support or center-support may be added depending on the length.
Make sure that each support has a sturdy metal frame or embedded parts for fixation.
3. Reserve safety margin
The two ends of the shell need to have some clearance to avoid interference with the edges of the vehicle body or accessories.
The installation height of the rolled tube should be noted to avoid friction with the vehicle door and causing damage to the fabric.
III.W5700 electric awning installation notes
1.Structural reinforcement
The awning needs to be installed on the strong structure of the vehicle body, such as metal keels or preinstalled reinforcement plates.
The thin-walled areas must be reinforced internally first to prevent loosening or deformation during use.
2. Horizontal positioning
When installing, make sure that the roller tube remains level both when it is retracted and when it is extended. Otherwise, the fabric will be tight on one side and loose on the other, which will affect its service life.
3. Waterproofing
Each bolt hole should be fitted with a waterproof gasket and coated with Butyl sealant RV awning or structural adhesive to prevent water from seeping into the vehicle body.
4. Electric model wiring (if applicable)
The power cord should be routed through a protective conduit to prevent it from rubbing against sharp metal.
Leave some maintenance margin to facilitate future maintenance.
5. Initial debugging
Before installation, conduct a temporary power test to ensure that the switch and the motor can operate normally.
After the motor(DC12V)and switch are connected to the 12V temporary power supply,we can start to set up motor open &close position for awning
A. Connect to switch power cable(DC12V )as shown
The black cable connects to the power supply cable “-”pole
The red cable connects to the power supply cable “+”pole
B. Connect to motor cable, as shown in Figure PIC
Switch blue cable to connect to the brown cable of the motor.
Switch white cable to connect to the blue cable of the motor.
Motor(DC12V) limit adjustment
Motor Limit: Control awning close or open max. position by adjusting the winding number of the motor's positive and negative direction
Attention:
In the process of adjusting the motor limit，please always focus on the state of the awning to prevent excessive adjustment from damaging the motor.
The correct method for setting the limit positions in details
1. Open Position Setup Steps
(1.)Turn the switch to “OPEN”position, as shown in pic ,awning begin to open.
Caution: If the awning begin to close when you turn the switch to open please check if you connect the switch to motor or wire in wrong direction.
(2.) When the awning can not be fully opened, insert the adjusting rod into the bottom hole of motor ,and adjust it to "+"direction until it is completely open, as shown in Fig.18.
(3.)When the awning is fully opened but the motor is still running, as shown in Figure Fig.19.please put switch on pause button to suspend the awning work, Insert the adjusting rod into the lower side hole of the motor, put 5-10 turns in the direction of"-", and then close the awning for 20-30cm, and then open the awning again
Two situation will happen:
A. When the awning is fully opened but the motor is still running, repeat the above steps, and test several times until the awning is opened to the appropriate position.
B. If the awning does not fully open, please adjust the awning by referring to step2 above.
2. Closed Position Setup Steps
(1.)Please press switch to "close" position, as shown in Fig.21,then awning begins to close
(2.)When awning can not be fully closed, insert the adjusting rod into the upper hole of motor, and adjust it to"+" direction until it is completely closed, as shown in Fig.23
(3.) If the awning is completely closed when the awning is not adjusted motor limits, your awning may in a state of automatic stop of overload operation. In order to extend the lifetime of the awning motor, please insert the adjusting rod into the upper hole of the motor and adjust it for 5-10 turns in the direction of"-",and then open the awning again for 20-30cm,then closed again.
Two situation will happen :
A. When you closed the awning for the first time, if it is fully closed, the awning may still be overloaded and automatically stop. In this case, please repeat step 3 above and test until the awning is completed closed in a right position.
B. If the awning does not fully closed , please adjust the awning by referring to step2 above
1. Slowly carry out the test, checking the synchronization on both sides, the tension of the fabric and the stability of the brackets. After a normal fixation, lock the fabric.
(1.)Using a drill to fix the No.1 screws(φ3.9x13mm)in the middle of the sail track about 10cm from the edge of the fabric(please make sure to nail the fabric and poly cord together).
(2.)Fixing the No.2 screws(φ4.2x32mm)at the end of the poly cord and locked it.(In this way, even if the internal poly cord break, the poly cord will not fall off and affect the use of the awning.)
IV.RV awning maintenance tips
1. Strong wind conditions: It is recommended to retract the awning when the wind force exceeds level 4 to prevent the awning fabric from tearing or the supports from being damaged.
2. Snowy weather: The awning is mainly used for shading. During snowy days, it must be folded up in advance to avoid damaging the framework.
3. Drainage during rain: During rainy weather, the lower arm of the boom can be appropriately lowered to prevent water accumulation from causing deformation.
4.Regular inspection: Conduct checks every six months for bolt looseness, fabric wear, and roller tube operation.
5.Keep the fabric dry: Before folding the fabric, try to keep it dry. If it rains, you should temporarily fold it up. Once the weather clears up, you should open it and let it dry in time.
Installing an Awnlux W5700 electric roll out RV awning is not just a matter of "hanging it up". It is a technical task that combines precise measurement, structural reinforcement and waterproofing techniques.
Accurate size confirmation and proper installation details are essential for your caravan awning to truly function during your journey, providing a comfortable and safe outdoor experience.
Click to view the purchase link for Awnlux 5700 caravan awning
https://awnluxpro.com/collections/motorized-rv-awning
Watch the installation video tutorial
https://youtu.be/yooeM4riuTo?si=QdU95sBpGWRBNYrx