Wind sensor that activates the retraction of the awning

[Lane Befus]

Hi,
This is my first post to the BAC form.
I have a 1997 Beaver Patriot Ticonderoga 37 ft in length.  When the wind gets up, which has been most of this winter here in Victoria BC, the small wind sensor cups rattles. The local RV repair shop tells me that he can only get the complete replacement kit for a cost of about $450.  Does anyone know if I can simply replace the rotating cup that rattles, presuming the entire awning retraction system still works or should I have it removed and always remember to retract the awing before leaving the coach.
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Lane Befus

[David T. Richelderfer]

I did a search using the argument "girard wind sensor replac" and found several threads with information and pricing.

[Gerald Farris]

Lane,
The problem with the wind sensors on your model coach is that the sensor used bushings instead of bearing on the shaft, and as the bushings wear out, the sensor gets noisy. Therefore, to correct the noise the sensor needs to be replaced. It is a simple do-it-yourself job that takes about 30 minutes, and you can get a new sensor from Amazon for $162. https://www.amazon.com/Girard-Wind-Sensor-Anemometer-9800151-01/dp/B00U1SNPZI

You do not want to remove the sensor because the awning can suffer severe wind damage even if you are there and not watching carefully as wind speeds increase. Also, I always stow my Girard awning when I am not home because the awning has 120 volt motor that will not work if the inverter is off and you loose shore power for some reason. 

Gerald

[Larry Moore]

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.

[Carol Moffett]

Hello Lane and welcome to the forum!
   My DH and I used to own a `98 Patriot Monticello.  The anamometer, or "wind senser", on these older models are a one piece unit.  Unfortunately, you can't just replace the cups!      You'll have to go with a complete unit!  That's what we did!
Good luck!
Carol

[Ed Dubois]

Hi Lane,

We're in BC too with a 2001 Patriot 37'. We had to replace our anemometer last summer (a tree bit it) and ordered the part from Amazon. It was around $175 US but my wife remembers finding it online for about ½ of that - $63 plus shipping - not too painful even given the exchange rate. https://www.amazon.com/Somfy-Wind-Sensor-DSM-9050110/dp/B00I1J30JU/ref=pd_lpo_263_tr_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8H7G6J0BPESB3S04RBG7

Have you tried contacting the manufacturer of your awning to see what's available? On our unit (a Girard) the anemometer was connected with 2 wires. The biggest part of the replacement job was to get the old sealant off and the new one properly bedded.

Edited this post to correct some details.

[Keith Moffett Co-Admin]

Ed and Lane
Always good to hear from our Beaver cousins in Canada.  Lane, we are across the water from you in Port Angeles.  Happy to share info and feel free to ride the CoHo over for a visit.
As an aside to the topic, the oscillating tools like the Dremmel with a straight edge blade will remove the old sealants on your roof and do it fast without damage to the roof.  Seriously beats a heat gun and scraper.
Our annimomiter came from BCS for $125. Or so.  That was some time ago. 
I discovered the hard way that cleaning the roof is good but brushes and spinny plastic things dont interact well.