Lippert Sun Deck Balcony (Powered Operation)

Introduction

The Sun Deck Balcony (Powered) provides a spacious balcony on the side or back end of the trailer that conveniently folds up and becomes part of the wall featuring a glass panel. Two variants of the product exist: one with cables in the side panels that provide safety and tension to the assembly while extended, and another with swinging mesh gates that lock into place at the feet for added stability. Each of these variants install the same way into the sidewall, but have different procedures for operation due to the additional steps required to open and secure the mesh gates.

For additional support on this product, please visit: https://support.lci1.com/sun-deck-balconies

NOTE: Images used in this document are for reference only when assembling, installing and/or operating this product. Actual appearance of provided and/or purchased parts and assemblies may differ.

Safety

Read and understand all instructions before installing or operating this product. Adhere to all safety labels. This manual provides general instructions. Many variables can change the circumstances of the instructions, i.e., the degree of difficulty, operation and ability of the individual performing the instructions. This manual cannot begin to plot out instructions for every possibility, but provides the general instructions, as necessary, for effectively interfacing with the device, product or system. Failure to correctly follow the provided instructions may result in death, serious personal injury, severe product and/or property damage, including voiding of the Lippert limited warranty.

⚠️ WARNING: The "WARNING" symbol above is a sign that a procedure has a safety risk involved and may cause death or serious personal injury if not performed safely and within the parameters set forth in this manual.

Failure to follow instructions provided in this manual may result in death, serious personal injury and/or severe product and property damage, including voiding of the component warranty.

The maximum weight for the Sun Deck Balcony (Powered) when extended/deployed is 1,200 lbs. Exceeding the maximum weight rating can cause death, serious injury or damage to the trailer.

Never use balcony while anything is obstructing its operation. Obstructions in the balcony's path can cause serious personal injury, severe product or property damage.

Always check the interior of the trailer for obstructions in and around the mechanism before operating the balcony. Obstructions may include but are not limited to: people, pets, toys, appliances, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

Never deploy the balcony before checking that there is adequate room for it to be completely and safely extended. This includes making sure the trailer is not too close to any trees, fences, shrubs, other trailers, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions or relocate the trailer prior to extending the balcony may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

Before extending/deploying or retracting/stowing the balcony, always make sure no persons are standing directly in front of or in the path of the balcony.

Do not leave balcony open/extended during inclement weather including but not limited to: rain, hail, snow, sleet, or periods of excessive winds. Failure to close/retract the balcony during these types of weather could lead to property damage and/or personal injury.

⚠️ CAUTION: The "CAUTION” symbol above is a sign that a safety risk is involved and may cause personal injury and/or product or property damage if not safely adhered to and within the parameters set forth in this manual.

Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.

Always make sure the cables and support joints are pulling out straight and not coming in contact with any obstruction. Uneven and/or interrupted deployment of the balcony can result in damage of the panels and internal mechanisms.

Do not operate the balcony if any cable is frayed or damaged. Frayed or damaged cables lose their full capacity to function properly. Frayed or damaged cables may break when placed under tension, resulting in possible personal injury or product damage.

Always wear eye protection when performing service, maintenance or installation procedures. Other safety equipment to consider would be hearing protection, gloves and possibly a full face shield, depending on the nature of the task.

Resources Required

• 1 to 3 helpers depending on task
• Adequate jacks or balcony support(s) capable of hoisting, holding, and maneuvering 800-1,000 lbs
• Cordless or electric drill or screw gun
• Appropriate drive bits
• Foam tape
• 70 #10 1 ½" self-drilling screws (if backer tube subframe is utilized in trailer)
• 70 #10 1 ½" wood screws (if wood subframe is utilized in trailer)
• Caulk

Installation

NOTE: For laminated sidewalls, stuffing the aluminum tube hollow/cavity with SPF wood backers is recommended.

Balcony Installation

1. Apply foam tape around the inside perimeter of the balcony jamb to create a seal between it and the sidewall.
2. With the assistance of 1 to 3 helpers, position the closed balcony assembly on a rig (joist, jack(s), etc.) that can freely move and support its weight (800-1,000 lbs). Support from ceiling straps is encouraged to aid in the balcony remaining vertical while being inserted into the prepared cutout on the trailer. The balcony should be oriented with the glass panel on the top half.
3. Carefully insert the balcony into the prepared cutout on the trailer. (Refer to Figure 1, showing balcony part A and cutout part B).
4. Using a cordless or electric drill or screw gun, install the balcony to the sidewall using #10 1 ½" screws through each of the pre-drilled holes around the perimeter of the balcony mounting frame. (Refer to Figure 2). NOTE: Depending on the backers used in the trailer, choose the appropriate screws for installation. For aluminum tube subframes, choose self-drilling screws. For wooden subframes use wood screws.
5. Using silicone sealing caulk, caulk around the perimeter of the balcony sealing the assembly and the wall. (Figure 2 shows installation points for screws and a detail of screws being installed through predrilled holes around the mounting bracket).

Switch Installation and Electrical Connections

Switch Requirement

NOTE: Switch used in this manual's images is an example. This switch is compatible with the balcony and may be acquired separately. It comes complete with a Deutsch style connector to pair with the motor connector and an alarm to assist in proper operation. It is part number 2024000460.

• An OEM-supplied, waterproof, 30A @12VDC, double pole double throw momentary switch is required.
• Use of any other switch will interfere with system operation. Namely, motors will not be able to assist in manual operation of the balcony, causing the system to be very difficult to extend or retract manually.
• System comes with a female Deutsch-style connector on the end of the motor harness. Connect switch to the harness as per OEM requirements and RVIA standards.

Wiring The System

1. Connect a ground wire and hot wire from the power source to the switch (Refer to Figure 3). See the "Wiring Diagrams" section in this manual for a full wiring diagram of the system based on which switch is being utilized.
2. NOTE: The system requires circuit protection between 20 amp and 30 amp per RVIA standards and OEM requirements. A 20 amp self-resetting (Type I) breaker is recommended for best performance.
3. Install the switch near the balcony on the inside of the trailer, and wire it according to OEM requirements and RVIA standards.
4. A. Based on the switch chosen, it may be needed to remove the Deutsch connector from the motor harness (Refer to Figure 3A).
5. B. Alternatively, a Deutsch style connector (Refer to Figure 3B) may be sourced that pairs with the Deutsch connector on the motor harness included with the balcony. This connector will act as a pigtail. Wire it to the back of the switch in accordance with OEM requirements and RVIA standards. See the "Wiring Diagrams" section in this manual.

(Figure 3 illustrates the wiring diagram showing connections between the battery, a 20 amp breaker, a switch, and motors via a harness, including OEM-supplied wire connectors and Deutsch connectors.)

Operation - Cable Variant

Always check the interior of the trailer for obstructions in and around the mechanism before operating the balcony. Obstructions may include but are not limited to: people, pets, toys, appliances, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

Never deploy the balcony before checking that there is adequate room for it to be completely and safely extended with both hard stop arms fully engaged. This includes making sure the trailer is not too close to any trees, fences, shrubs, other trailers, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions or relocate the trailer prior to extending the balcony may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.

Stowed Position to Extended Position

NOTE: Make sure the trailer is connected to a power source.

1. Read and understand all warnings and cautions in the "Safety" and "Operation - Cable Variant" sections of this manual before proceeding with any operation of the balcony.
2. Press the bottom of the locking latch (Refer to Figure 4A) on one side of the exterior balcony, and move the bar latch handle to 90° upwards (Refer to Figure 5A).
3. Make sure all persons are clear and away from the balcony when removing the bar locks. No person, animal, property, or natural structure should be in front of or in the path of the balcony as the bar locks are being removed.
4. Standing to the side of the balcony and not in front of it, swing the bar lock assembly (Refer to Figure 6A) open and away from the balcony as far as possible.
5. Repeat the previous steps with the lock assembly on the other side of the balcony.

Once bar locks have been swung away from the balcony, it will pop open approximately 4.5". This is normal operation.

5. Once bar locks have been removed, springs in the assembly (Refer to Figure 7A) will pop the balcony out of the frame approximately 4.5" (Refer to Figure 7). Remember to stand to the side of the balcony when removing the bar locks.
6. After the balcony pops out of the frame, press OPEN on the switch (Refer to Figure 8A) to extend/deploy/lower the balcony (Refer to Figure 8).

NOTE: Switch depicted in Figure 8 is an example. Actual installed switch may vary based on OEM preference.

If balcony DOES NOT pop out of the frame approximately 4.5" after removing the bar locks, DO NOT press and hold the switch to deploy the balcony. Doing so could lead to internal system damage and/or unsafe situations. If balcony does not automatically pop open when bar locks are removed, reinstall locks and latches and contact a local dealer or repair facility.

(Figure 7 shows the balcony partially extended with a side view detail indicating a ~4.5" gap.)

(Figure 8 shows the sequence of the balcony extending from a stowed position to a deployed position.)

Extended Position to Stowed Position

NOTE: Make sure the trailer is connected to a power source.

1. Read and understand all warnings and cautions in the "Safety" and "Operation - Cable Variant" sections of this manual before proceeding with any operation of the balcony.
2. Press CLOSE on the switch to raise the balcony (Refer to Figure 9A).

Always check the interior of the trailer for obstructions in and around the mechanism before operating the balcony. Obstructions may include but are not limited to: people, pets, toys, appliances, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

3. When the balcony is almost closed, the motors will stop and the system will leave an approximate 4.5" gap at the top between the glass panel frame and the balcony frame (Refer to Figure 10). At this point, immediately stop pressing the switch. The balcony has been successfully retracted. The bar locks will be utilized to close and seal the balcony from this point forward.

When retracting or stowing the balcony, IMMEDIATELY stop pressing the switch when the balcony stops moving. Balcony will stop retracting when there is a ~4.5" gap between the glass panel and the frame, leaving the balcony open slightly. This is normal operation. Continuing to repeatedly press or hold the switch once the balcony has come to a stop could lead to internal system damage and/or unsafe situations. Once the balcony stops moving, stop pressing the switch, and use the bar locks to fully close and secure it.

4. Move to the outside of the trailer.
5. Grab the bar lock assembly (Refer to Figure 11A) on one side of the balcony and swing it into the closed position, pressing the balcony into the compression seal. It will be necessary to gently press the balcony closed while closing the lobar lock. Take care and make sure no fingers or loose clothing becomes caught in the balcony joints.

Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.

6. Rotate the bar latch handle (Refer to Figure 12A) 90° so that it slides into the locking latch (Refer to Figure 13A) with a click.
7. Repeat with the bar lock assembly on the other side of the balcony.

(Figure 9 shows the switch being pressed to close the balcony.)

(Figure 10 shows the balcony almost closed with a ~4.5" gap, with a side view detail.)

(Figure 11 shows the bar lock assembly being swung into the closed position.)

(Figures 12 and 13 show the bar latch handle being rotated to lock.)

Operation - Mesh Gate Variant

Always check the interior of the trailer for obstructions in and around the mechanism before operating the balcony. Obstructions may include but are not limited to: people, pets, toys, appliances, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

Never deploy the balcony before checking that there is adequate room for it to be completely and safely extended with both hard stop arms fully engaged. This includes making sure the trailer is not too close to any trees, fences, shrubs, other trailers, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions or relocate the trailer prior to extending the balcony may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.

Stowed Position to Extended Position

NOTE: Make sure the trailer is connected to a power source.

1. Read and understand all warnings and cautions in the "Safety" and "Operation - Mesh Gate Variant" sections of this manual before proceeding with any operation of the balcony.
2. Press the bottom of the locking latch (Refer to Figure 14A) on one side of the exterior balcony, and move the bar latch handle to 90° upwards (Refer to Figure 15A).
3. Standing to the side of the balcony and not in front of it, swing the bar lock assembly (Refer to Figure 16A) open and away from the balcony as far as possible.
4. Repeat the previous steps with the lock assembly on the other side of the balcony.

Once bar locks have been swung away from the balcony, it will pop open approximately 4.5". This is normal operation.

5. Once bar locks have been removed, springs in the assembly (Refer to Figure 17A) will pop the balcony out of the frame approximately 4.5" (Refer to Figure 17). Remember to stand to the side of the balcony when removing the bar locks.
6. After the balcony pops out of the frame, press OPEN on the switch (Refer to Figure 18A) to extend/deploy/lower the balcony (Refer to Figure 18).

NOTE: Switch depicted in Figure 18 is an example. Actual installed switch may vary based on OEM preference.

If balcony DOES NOT pop out of the frame approximately 4.5" after removing the bar locks, DO NOT press and hold the switch to deploy the balcony. Doing so could lead to internal system damage and/or unsafe situations. If balcony does not automatically pop open when bar locks are removed, reinstall locks and latches and contact a local dealer or repair facility.

7. Unhook the safety strap (Refer to Figure 19A) from the mesh gates so they can freely swing.
8. Swing the mesh gates to the open position (Refer to Figures 20 and 21) by sliding the compression feet (Refer to Figure 22A) at the bottom of each gate into their respective keeper bases (Refer to Figure 22B).
9. Lock the gates into place by turning the compression latches (Refer to Figure 23A) clockwise to the position indicated in Figure 24.

NOTE: Always lift the mesh gates upwards while moving or positioning them to avoid scratching the balcony floor with the compression latch feet.

Failure to secure both of the compression feet completely in the locked position in their respective keeper bases could lead to personal injury or property damage.

(Figures 14 and 15 show the locking latch for the mesh gate variant.)

(Figure 16 shows the bar lock assembly for the mesh gate variant being swung open.)

(Figure 17 shows the mesh gate balcony partially extended with a side view detail indicating a ~4.5" gap.)

(Figure 18 shows the sequence of the mesh gate balcony extending.)

(Figure 19 shows a safety strap being unhooked from the mesh gates.)

(Figures 20 and 21 show the mesh gates being swung open.)

(Figure 22 shows compression feet and keeper bases.)

(Figures 23 and 24 show compression latches being turned to lock the mesh gates.)

Extended Position to Stowed Position

NOTE: Make sure the trailer is connected to a power source.

1. Read and understand all warnings and cautions in the "Safety" and "Operation - Mesh Gate Variant" sections of this manual before proceeding with any operation of the balcony.
2. Release the compression latch on the feet on the bottom of each mesh gate (Refer to Figure 25A) by turning them counterclockwise to the open position (Refer to Figure 26).
3. Swing the mesh gates to the closed position (Refer to Figures 27 and 28), and secure them in place with the safety strap (Refer to Figure 29A).

NOTE: Always lift the mesh gates upwards while moving or positioning them to avoid scratching the balcony floor with the compression latch feet.

Failure to close the mesh gates and stow them securely with the safety strap prior to operating the power switch of the balcony will result in serious property damage and/or potential injury.

4. Press CLOSE on the switch to raise the balcony (Refer to Figure 30A).

Always check the interior of the trailer for obstructions in and around the mechanism before operating the balcony. Obstructions may include but are not limited to: people, pets, toys, appliances, etc. Failure to observe and remove obstructions may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.

5. When the balcony is almost closed, the motors will stop and the system will leave an approximate 4.5" gap at the top between the glass panel frame and the balcony frame (Refer to Figure 31). At this point, immediately stop pressing the switch. The balcony has been successfully retracted. The bar locks will be utilized to close and seal the balcony from this point forward.

When retracting or stowing the balcony, IMMEDIATELY stop pressing the switch when the balcony stops moving. Balcony will stop retracting when there is a ~4.5" gap between the glass panel and the frame, leaving the balcony open slightly. This is normal operation. Continuing to repeatedly press or hold the switch once the balcony has come to a stop could lead to internal system damage and/or unsafe situations. Once the balcony stops moving, stop pressing the switch, and use the bar locks to fully close and secure it.

6. Move to the outside of the trailer.
7. Grab the bar lock assembly (Refer to Figure 32A) on one side of the balcony and swing it into the closed position, pressing the balcony into the compression seal. It will be necessary to gently press the balcony closed while closing the lobar lock. Take care and make sure no fingers or loose clothing becomes caught in the balcony joints.

Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.

8. Rotate the bar latch handle (Refer to Figure 33A) 90° so that it slides into the locking latch (Refer to Figure 34A) with a click.
9. Repeat with the bar lock assembly on the other side of the balcony.

(Figures 25 and 26 show compression latches being released.)

(Figures 27 and 28 show the mesh gates being swung closed.)

(Figure 29 shows the safety strap being secured.)

(Figure 30 shows the switch being pressed to close the balcony.)

(Figure 31 shows the mesh gate balcony almost closed with a ~4.5" gap, with a side view detail.)

(Figure 32 shows the bar lock assembly for the mesh gate variant being swung closed.)

(Figures 33 and 34 show the bar latch handle for the mesh gate variant being rotated to lock.)

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Table

Manual Operation

In the event of a power failure or other extenuating circumstance where the balcony needs to be retracted but the switch is not operational, follow these steps to operate it.

1. Grab the balcony on the side of the glass panel where any fingers or digits will not be pinched in the hinge of the balcony as it closes.
2. Push the balcony up into the stowed position. The motors should kick in and assist, making it easier to retract the balcony.
3. Secure the balcony with the bar locks.
4. Contact a local dealer or repair facility for further assistance.

Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.

Wiring Diagrams

All electrical wiring harnesses shall be loomed and secured to prevent possible damage and installed in accordance with RVIA electrical standards.

The wiring diagrams illustrate the connections between the battery, a 20 amp protection breaker, OEM-supplied wire connectors, a switch (waterproof, 30A @12VDC, double pole double throw momentary switch), and the motors via a harness. Deutsch connectors are used for motor connections. A 20 amp self-resetting (Type I) breaker is recommended for best performance.

(Diagrams show the layout of components including motors, harness, battery, and switch with various connection points and wire colors.)

Notes

This section is intended for user notes.