Wind sensor?

[Fred Cook]

I am looking for what I think is a wind sensor for the awning that sits near the front cap close to the awning. It spins when the wind is blowing and mine has broke in half. I took a photo of it and went to an RV store and they were scratching her head not knowing what it is.  They told me my wind sensor was built into the awning itself. So, if that’s the case what does this spinner supposed to do when the wind is blowing?  Does anyone know what its purpose is and where I can get a replacement?

[David T. Richelderfer]

There are several threads regarding the awning's wind sensor.  Do a search for "awning wind sensor."

Here's one to read:  http://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,6371.msg46584.html#msg46584

[Gerald Farris]

Fred,
The RV store that you went to obviously does not know anything about high end coaches that use Girard awnings. The entry level automatic awnings use a sensor on the awning that is usually a vibration sensor to detect high winds, but the Girard awnings that are used on high end coaches use the anemometer (wind sensor) that you are referring to. You can purchase a replacement from Girard or if the only problem is a broken cup, there are several hacks posted on this forum to just replace the cups.

Gerald   

[Paul Meehan]

Fred, in 2008 the previous owner of our coach ordered a "Cup Top, Molded for Anemometer; white item # 98001 54-200" (replaced 98001 54-100) direct from Girard Systems, (949)259-4000.  Not sure if the phone number is still correct.

[Fred Cook]

Fred, in 2008 the previous owner of our coach ordered a "Cup Top, Molded for Anemometer; white item # 98001 54-200" (replaced 98001 54-100) direct from Girard Systems, (949)259-4000.  Not sure if the phone number is still correct.

 Thanks Paul. I tried the number and it is still good but they are closed for the weekend. I will call them tomorrow.

[Doug Allman]

IF you get a newer coach there is now no wind roof sensor like on the Beavers. These new awnings that look like a bat wing have an internal motion monitor. On our last 5 month stay in Arizona and Florida we manually hurried to pull them in numerous times as they were bouncing quite significantly.
Come to find out from factory that in their terms is not a problem that the awnings will come in when the motion sensor senses enough movement. Not so sure that I am real comfortable with letting the awnings get to the point that they are just at the precipice of wrapping over the roof before they come in automatically.
What to do about it is going to be a discussion when we are at the Entegra Homecoming and vendors are there in May. I hope.

[Joel Ashley]

Aren’t the “new” models all with built-in, roof spinner-free sensors?  And aren’t the sensors adjustable so they roll up the awning at your choice of wind speeds, like our “old” Eclipse model?

Joel

[Chuck Jackson]

Fred, mine split in half also. The ~2” dia tube the protrudes thru the roof split in half so I ended up using a hose clamp that straddles the split and so far it is holding up fine. Maybe that will work for you.

[Roland DuBree]

Fred, what is missing on your assembly just the wind cups?  If so Wind cup are available  to replace the assembly where the 3 cups are broken off

[George Frudakis]

Where can you purchase the cup only? I called Gerard and they only sell a complete unit, which is not the same as the original
 on my 02 Marquis.

[David T. Richelderfer]

From Larry Moore - I found this in a search of the BAC Forum:

"I found a link to a website that sells just the cup, and with a small workaround, it can be replaced for less than $20.

http://www.rvpe.com/carefree_awning_anemometer.htm

I have ordered one for myself."


I did not order one, so I cannot verify this replacement part.
DTR

[Fred Cook]

From Larry Moore - I found this in a search of the BAC Forum:

"I found a link to a website that sells just the cup, and with a small workaround, it can be replaced for less than $20.

http://www.rvpe.com/carefree_awning_anemometer.htm

I have ordered one for myself."


I did not order one, so I cannot verify this replacement part.
DTR

Yep, I ordered one too a few days ago hoping it will work with what I have. I will let you guys know.

[Fred Cook]

Received the replacement cup spinner today. Total cost plus shipping was around $21. I followed the work around instructions above and installed it. It looks good and hoping it doesn’t fly off and that it does the job.

[Mike Shumack]

It looks good and hoping it doesn’t fly off and that it does the job.

Is there a concern over the fit? Is it loose?

[Fred Cook]

It looks good and hoping it doesn’t fly off and that it does the job.

Is there a concern over the fit? Is it loose?

The hole in the new cups isn’t large enough for the shaft so you must drill it bigger with the 5/32 drill bit as described in the work around. The shaft then fits snug and there is also a set screw tightened by an Allen wrench. It shouldn’t come off but one never knows as its spinning at a high rate while traveling long distances at 65 mph.