Solera® Power Awning Owner's Manual
Lippert Components
Introduction
The Solera® Power Awning features an internal motor to steadily operate the awning. Additionally, the friction joint allows for rain dump and adjustable pitch features, and there is no rafter arm to lock in place. The friction joint also provides added stability.
Additional information about this product can be obtained from lci1.com/support or by downloading the free myLCI app. The app is available on iTunes® for iPhone® and iPad® and also on Google Play™ for Android™ users.
iTunes®, iPhone®, and iPad® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play™ and Android™ are trademarks of Google Inc.
For information on the assembly or individual components of this product, please visit: https://support.lci1.com/solera-18v-power-awning
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 LCI limited warranty.
[Warning Symbol] 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.
[Caution Symbol] 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.
This manual provides operational procedures for Solera® Power Awning. Operating the Solera® Power Awning in any other manner than described may result in personal injury, damage to the recreational vehicle or the awning assembly as well as voiding the Lippert Components Limited Warranty.
Operation
Note: Some coaches may not use the LCI switch (Fig. 3).
Extending the Awning
- Verify the RV battery is fully charged and connected to the electrical system.
- Note: if the unit is equipped with a locking latch, be sure to unlock the latch prior to extending the awning. After retracting and before travel, be sure to lock the support arms back into place. See Hybrid Awning Owner's Manual
- Press and hold EXTEND (Fig. 3A) until the awning is extended completely.
NOTE: Extension is considered complete when the fabric is completely unrolled, the valance seam is visible and a section of the roll tube is exposed (Fig. 4).
NOTE: The awning fabric should always be above the roll tube. However, if the extend switch is engaged too long or extend is hit inadvertently instead of retract, the awning will roll up backward. This is not a defect. To correct the fabric orientation, press the RETRACT button. The awning will then extend to its correct orientation and normal operation can resume.
Tying down the roll tube once the awning is extended will not allow the free-floating support arms to work as designed and may cause damage to the awning or RV.
Retracting the Awning
- Verify the coach battery is fully charged and connected to the electrical system.
- Note: The awning can be retracted without resetting the pitch.
- Press and hold RETRACT (Fig. 3B) until the awning is retracted completely.
Adjusting Pitch - All Solera Awnings
Note: The awning will pitch itself to purge the pooling of excess water and may dump a significant amount of water without notice.
- Pitch can be set by adjusting the articulating arm to tip one side of the awning to allow water runoff.
- Extend the awning to desired position.
- Choose the side of the awning for optimum shade or convenient water runoff. Pull downward on the joint of the articulating arm until desired pitch is set (Fig. 5) to allow for water runoff. Do not push the joints of the articulating arms up. This will put tension on the gas strut, which can cause the strut to break. Belleville washers and bolt (Fig. 6A) allow the joint to remain in the position set by the operator.
Note: The awning can be retracted without resetting the pitch.
Note: If the articulating arm does not hold position, it can be tightened by adjusting the bolt (Fig. 6A) in the center of the articulating arm.
Troubleshooting
Manual Override
In the event of power loss or motor failure, the awning can be extended and retracted manually. Perform the following procedure to manually retract the awning.
NOTE: This procedure may also be performed to extend or retract the awning in the event of dry camping or camping without a battery.
- Remove the rubber grommet (Fig. 7A) from the drive head assembly, exposing the manual override nut on the motor.
- NOTE: The drive head assembly is always located on the right side of the awning as it is viewed from outside of the coach.
- Using a 7/16" socket and cordless/power drill, spin the manual override nut counterclockwise to retract the awning (Fig. 8).
NOTE: A ratchet may also be used to turn the manual override nut. Using a ratchet will take a significant amount of time and should only be used if no cordless/power drill is available.
NOTE: Use caution when retracting the awning manually. The use of a step stool or ladder may be required to completely retract the awning.
- When the awning is completely retracted, remove socket or drive device and replace the rubber grommet in the drive head assembly.
NOTE: The motor's internal drive system prevents the awning from moving (extend or retract) on its own. If the motor is damaged or disabled, be sure to secure the awning in the retracted position with a strap around both the outer support arm and the mounted support arm before the manual override nut is released.
During incidents of high wind, heavy rain or extended time away from the unit, it is advisable to retract the awning completely to prevent damage to the awning and the RV.
Maintenance
Resources Required
- 5 gallon bucket
- Clean water
- 1/4 cup of dish soap
Fabric Care
Over-spray of cleaning solution can cause eye and sensitive skin irritation. Flush affected area with clean water and seek medical attention, if necessary. Wear eye protection and appropriate protective clothing to avoid personal injury.
Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.
If the awning is retracted while wet, extend the awning and let it dry as soon as conditions allow before retracting. This will help prevent the formation of mildew and add greatly to the life of the awning.
NOTE: Mildew does not form on the fabric itself, but on the accumulated dust, dirt and grime. Periodically clean vinyl or woven acrylic fabric using a mixture of 1/4 cup of dish soap and five gallons of warm water.
- Liberally apply the mixture on the top of the fabric and retract the awning for five minutes. This will apply the mixture to the bottom of the fabric as well.
- Extend the awning and hose off with fresh water.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Allow to dry before retracting.
