Solera Power Awning - Adding lights

[JustB_Rad]

All, I'm adding LED Strip to my awning tube. I have a slimline controller so along with that comes the capability to keep everything out by the awing tube providing I can get unswitched power out there. I'm wondering where the closest point to the awning tube is to tap into power? Is there a hot wire running to the motor in the awning head all the time? I guess I'm trying to avoid having to run a wire all the way back into the trailer because I'm going to have a hard time finding a hot wire that isn't already switched for something else.

[woodyw333]

From what I have seen you are going to have to connect and disconnect power every time you roll/ unroll the awning due to the tube rolling. You don't want the wire twisting up and possibly breaking then having an open hot wire just hanging out up there.

[TURBS]

The motor only has power when extending and retracting.


2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"

[JustB_Rad]

Originally Posted by TURBS

The motor only has power when extending and retracting.


2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"

Thanks! I figured that would be the case, but was hopeful there would be something up there hot all the time.

I think now I'll have to put a waterproof switch at the access panel for the other lights and tap off of those. I just want the ability to turn on my new lights without having the plain blue lights that came on the camper on.

[JustB_Rad]

Originally Posted by woodyw333

From what I have seen you are going to have to connect and disconnect power every time you roll/ unroll the awning due to the tube rolling. You don't want the wire twisting up and possibly breaking then having an open hot wire just hanging out up there.

Correct, it will have to be unplugged. As soon as it's unplugged, there will be no twisting.

[stevensmith2859]

I have done this mod on my Wildwood 28DBUD. I put a little Velcro strip on the awning tube for the "converter" box, I ran the wiring in the awning arm channel down into the front storage hatch. From there, I ran the power plug up under the bed and plug it into the wall outlet on my side of the bed room. The lights themselves are turned on and off by remote control. Has worked just fine for a season.

[mtnlvr]

My Solera came new with the LED awning lights. All I know is that all the wiring runs thru the extension arms. Mine turns on/off at the multi switch panel just inside the door, left side.

[Leecountry]

I would recommend putting your light on the camper itself just below the awning as if something happens in the middle of the night, heavy rain/wind you don't want to have to go out and disconnect your wire.