Awning "scare" lights

[carinrvt1]

Last weekend, our awning lights (they are in the awning tube) stuck to the awning as it unrolled and caused half of the lights to no longer work. I figure that this probably isn't covered under warranty and was wondering where I could find a replacement light strip. I searched on camping world and didn't see any that slide into the tube.

[Witch Doctor]

If you still have a warranty, I don't see why it wouldn't be. That's not a so called maintenance item. I would atleast call the dealer first.

[purduepete97]

Ours had burnt out "bulbs" when we bought it new, and replacement was covered under warranty. Agree with gljurczyk - get it fixed under warranty.

Now a couple of questions:
1. Is that a Solaire TT in your post? If so, what model? We have a 269bhdsk and love it.
2. Any idea why the strip came out and/or what should be done to prevent a repeat? Reason I ask is that in the last bit of unrolling of our awning, the awning material is someties "stuck" to the awning tube. Never came close to ripping or pulling the light strip out, but I could see how it could happen if conditions were right.

Purduepete

[billt01]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...rip-47449.html

Our solution....

[Flybob]

Unless there is a safety mechanism to prevent accidentally turning the lights on when the awning is rolled up, this may happen again. Eben though they are LEDs they do generate heat. If the awning was rolled up and the LEDs were turned on, you would not notice it and they would heat up enough to allow them to separate from the backing and possibly damage the awning. You might want to consider putting them on the TT just under the awning. Lots of choices here.

[youroo]

It is a (2015) they bought it New,should be a Warr.item! Youroo!!

[billt01]

I see you have the same type awning that I have..

Not to hijack the thread..

BUT ALWAYS.ALWAYS..ALWAYS

tilt the awning so the water will drain off...

I was told this camper had the automatic dump feature that some new campers have...

it does not...see below..

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ure-43331.html

[billt01]

These lights are LED...VERY low level of heat..

my guess is the Vinyl headed up and caused the lights to stick to the vinyl, I have noticed that it does seem "sticky" sometimes...

Originally Posted by Flybob

Unless there is a safety mechanism to prevent accidentally turning the lights on when the awning is rolled up, this may happen again. Eben though they are LEDs they do generate heat. If the awning was rolled up and the LEDs were turned on, you would not notice it and they would heat up enough to allow them to separate from the backing and possibly damage the awning. You might want to consider putting them on the TT just under the awning. Lots of choices here.

[Flybob]

It is a general misconception that LEDs do not generate heat. They do generate heat especially the brighter ones and in a space where the heat can not dissipate they will get hot. A quick search will show some that have melted the plastic dome on interior lights.

[billt01]

I do not disagree, I just know that LED's between 2,500 and 6,000k only put out about 3.4 british thermal units as opposed to 85 BTU's from a 12V incandescent bulb. I have a Palomino Solaire as well, just speaking from experience from the same type of awning set up.

[billt01]

TO add to the original post:

Dometic will want about 100 bucks for a strip of 3528's. I put water proof 5050's on my awning. The 5050 LED strip is a bit wider than the 3528 LED strip and the 3M tape will eventually give up. I put a thin bead of silicone down the awning trough for the LED's and they have been up for a little over a year and a half...plus I get pretty colors..

Here is a 3528 strip on Amazon...the 3528's will fit down into the awning trough, but I was not able to find 3528's that changed color....

http://www.amazon.com/Feymer-16-4ft-...trip+connector

[carinrvt1]

Whoa...a lot of info! Thanks! We're due to go back to the shop after the fourth so we'll have them fix it. Our awning doesn't have the drop feature but we never leave it out if we aren't under it. Now to figure out why the fridge isn't staying cool....its always something.

[youroo]

What (Make & Model) is your Awning? No Drop feature sounds very Odd for a (2015) unit! Youroo!!

[bob caldwell]

Don't you have to plug the lights in at the roller to the wiring in the arm? Or is there a rotary switch there?

[aceinspp]

Never seen a LED get that warm. I would think that the awing is getting quite hot from the sun causing the lights to stick. Later RJD

[bob caldwell]

I've got 5050's in mine...had / have no problems like that. I also use a little silicone to keep'em in roller slot.

[carinrvt1]

I have no idea what the make and model is on the awning. Came on the trailer. There is no electonic drop feature. There may be a manual way. If I have time today and the weather improves I'll open it and take pictures.

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Never seen a LED get that warm. I would think that the awing is getting quite hot from the sun causing the lights to stick. Later RJD

Probably a little of both
Here is some info on LED heat dissipation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therma...igh-power_LEDs

[Simplewon]

Amazon sells rolls of them that can be cut after every three led lights. I did not like the blue that came on our grey wolf so I added white right beside the blue both inside and under the awning placing a tiny toggle switch on the plastic cover that covers the hole the wires come out of the wall for the original led strip.

The new lights came with 3m strip on the back you peel and stick. Forest river had placed a thin line of clear silicone every few feet to help keep the led strip in place so I followed suit when I hung the clears.

So far mine are staying up but are inexpensive and easy to replace.

[Flybob]

Some of the lower cost LED strips have inferior tape on the back that will release after time and heat. An easy solution is to purchase some 3M auto trim double sided tape. You will have to slice it as I have not seen 1/4" width, but it is easy with a razor knife. On a clean surface this will stick permanently.