Alert Girard Awnings - Uncommanded deployments!

[Neal]

There was a post yesterday on the Facebook Newmar Owners Group for a 2022 King Aire that had an uncommanded Girard awning deployment while driving. This morning I went to capture the photos to share here but the post is down for some reason.

This is not a first time issue, there are numerous reports of uncommanded extension of Girard awnings. It is time for something to be done about this. I am not an owner with Girard awnings, my Carefree setup has a power on/off switch in the control panel at the entrance door (above) area. I hear Girard owners either unplug or install a switch setup in the basement where Girards get their power to avoid this. Not everyone knows about this situation and sadly this owner learned the hard way.

It is time someone files a NHTSA complaint to trigger a recall for all Girard awning equipped RV's. An awning separating at highway speeds can kill someone. On top of that I'd offer probably a need for a class action lawsuit for those that have had to pay for damages as a result of this. I believe Girard has been sold off to Lippert, smart on their part as they knew what was coming.

Please be aware of this, take action, and hopefully you all can get this solved once and for all and for all future owners.

 

[scottramer]

Neal, you are absolutely correct and I installed switches on my Girard awnings for that exact reason.

As a former Honda dealer I see defects in these coaches that would never fly in the automotive world that would trigger a recall.

Other common safety failures are, backup cameras and 360 cameras burning out, front end on K3 Spartan Chassis which is costing owners thousands of dollars to repair correctly and cracked step rails on HWH steps which I have seen one fail and the steps collapsed.

On an automobile these would be all be considered safety items but nothing seems to ever happen in the RV world. I am on my 4th camera replacment in 3.5 years and I am filing with the NHTSA.

 

[FLSteve]

@Neal ... I saw that post as well and quickly ordered two (2) of these so I can turn the awnings off when we are traveling. I guess we have been really lucky so far.

Amazon product ASIN B07HPG7GG7
FLSteve

 

[redbaron]

I have a smart outlet that works with your phone to turn off.

One benefit is you can verify its off while driving.

Regardless how you do it, unplug or disable the awnings anytime they are not in use
Especially in your garage or while driving

 

[Joe Hogan]

Apparently Newmar has known about this issue for awhile!!

Girard Nova Awning Protection Switch

There have been numerous reports of the Girard Nova Awnings deploying on their own. I have never experienced this in the limited time I have owned my 2019 Newmar Dutch Star, but I did receive a cal…

newmarhoots.com

 

[redbaron]

Apparently Newmar has known about this issue for awhile!!

Girard Nova Awning Protection Switch

There have been numerous reports of the Girard Nova Awnings deploying on their own. I have never experienced this in the limited time I have owned my 2019 Newmar Dutch Star, but I did receive a cal…

newmarhoots.com

That was my original design for my 2019 dsdp. For the LA, I went the easier route with a wifi switch. Less wiring and has proven just as reliable.

 

[team bradfield]

I have a smart outlet that works with your phone to turn off.

One benefit is you can verify its off while driving.

Regardless how you do it, unplug or disable the awnings anytime they are not in use
Especially in your garage or while driving

Just read this, I now unplug them when not in use, plugs are easy access, something to add to my pulling away day routine

 

[Joe Hogan]

I have a smart outlet that works with your phone to turn off.

One benefit is you can verify its off while driving.

Regardless how you do it, unplug or disable the awnings anytime they are not in use
Especially in your garage or while driving

That was my original design for my 2019 dsdp. For the LA, I went the easier route with a wifi switch. Less wiring and has proven just as reliable.

I think I’ll follow your lead here and install a WiFi enabled switch as well. Much more convenient.

 

[FLSteve]

I have a smart outlet that works with your phone to turn off.

@redbaron ... can you get one of these off of Amazon? Any suggestions?

FLSteve

 

[J&JD]

To me, this is the easiest way to keep control of the Girard awnings. One of the benefits is you can turn them off when deployed and they stay out as it doesn’t take much of a wind gust to send them back in. I never leave the awnings out if I’m not with the coach, obviously. These switches are always off while traveling or in storage or while away from the coach.

 

[Neal]

I don't know why Newmar has not wired these for ignition cutout like they do with the front/center TV.

 

[Webz]

Neal, the awnings are wired to the ignition. Newmar tested mine after the aft awning deployed at 65 mph.
I leave mine unplugged. I had to pay 1k for a new controller.

 

[redbaron]

@redbaron ... can you get one of these off of Amazon? Any suggestions?

FLSteve

@FLSteve This is what I have.

SONOFF S31 WiFi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring, 15A Smart Outlet Socket ETL Certified, Work with Alexa & Google Home Assistant, IFTTT Supporting, 2.4 Ghz WiFi Only (2-Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GKGS197/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[GUS2000]

I like the concept of the remote plugs, but I will just stick with the mechanical outlet switches to remove any variables or potential failures which could result in a potential uncommanded awning deployment.

How would you add this failsafe to the door awning?? we don't have our coach yet with the door awning so not familiar with how that awning is controlled.

 

[Neal]

Neal, the awnings are wired to the ignition. Newmar tested mine after the aft awning deployed at 65 mph.
I leave mine unplugged. I had to pay 1k for a new controller.

The ignition cutout would only solve half the problem, some have had them deploy in garages, service centers, etc.

 

[lostinfla]

Back in around '19, North Trail had a new MA that deployed it's awning at the dealership, right into a new King Aire next to it. Costly.

 

[Just George]

I like the concept of the remote plugs, but I will just stick with the mechanical outlet switches to remove any variables or potential failures which could result in a potential uncommanded awning deployment.

How would you add this failsafe to the door awning?? we don't have our coach yet with the door awning so not familiar with how that awning is controlled.

On my coach the door awning and window awnings are standard old school wired switch to awning. (High line modles may have automation which would add another factor) The Girard awnings use RF to send the commands to a controller which then send power to the awning. In my view the Girard issue is most likely with the RF portion of the design, seems extremely unlikely there would be a uncommanded door or window awning deployment for coaches like mine with manual switches.

 

[Headhunter]

I have the Girard awnings on my 2021 Tiffin Red 33 AA. Now I have to go look in the bays to find out where they are plugged into an outlet?

Anyone have any ideas?

HH