15 Windows, Awnings, Vents & Doors

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2020 Wayfarer: Chapter 15

Windows

Sliding windows are custom built for the Wayfarer and allow easy sliding access to open the coach to fresh outside air.

There may also be a reflective coating on the windows to reflect back a portion of the sunlight to reduce the heating of the motorhome interior and to reduce the effects of the sun’s “bleaching” of interior fabrics (curtains, upholstery).

Sun shades on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides can be deployed and moved at any time.

Windows throughout the coach are designated as “EXIT” windows in the event of an emergency.

To help make the windows slide more easily, we recommend using Plexus Plastic Cleaner which can be purchased through the Tiffin Motorhomes Service Department.

Awning

GG1000 Awning with Speakers

The Girard Systems power patio awning (Figure 14-2) is standard on the Wayfarer.

The power patio awning is extremely durable and can be operated during light rain and wind conditions. However, when periods of heavy rain, or wind is expected, or you leave the awning unattended, the awning should be closed. Please note that damage caused by wind and rain is not covered by warranty.

To operate the awning follow the instructions listed below.

WARNING! “To reduce the risk of electric shock the operator power is to be provided from a weatherproof junction box in the case of permanent wiring, as per 314.15 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.”

To prevent the motor protector from tripping do not exceed 2 minutes of operation per hour.

ALL ELECTRICAL WORK MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AND CONFORM TO APPLICABLE ELECTRICAL CODES AND STANDARDS.

 Turn off power before beginning any electrical work.

 Please consult your RV’s wiring diagram to locate any wiring prior to any drilling or any installation procedure.

 Ensure that placement of controls, cables, and wires are not in any way obstructed. This can damage the components and obstruct electrical current.

 Use only certified components

Girard Systems awnings may be operated in light wind and rain conditions. When periods of heavy rain and or high wind are expected the awning must be closed. Never leave the awning open and unattended.

Damage caused by wind and rain is not covered by warranty.

All awnings must be closed prior to moving the vehicle for any reason. As an extra safety precaution a visual check that every awning is fully closed is required.

Damage caused by failure to comply with these instructions is not covered by warranty.

Before using your awning, ensure that the area into which the awning will be deployed is free of obstructions (Trees, walls, pillars, posts, other vehicles etc.)

Damage caused by collisions with any of the above or similar is not covered by warranty.

BASIC SYSTEM OVERVIEW

1. Mechanical system – Consisting of:

• The enclosure (or cassette) protects the awning while closed.

• The roller tube which is mounted within the cassette.

• The top cover or fabric rolled onto the roller tube and connected to the lead rail that extends from the enclosure when the awning is opened.

• The folding arms that supports the lead rail and the fabric.

• Tubular motor which is mounted inside of the roller tube that controls the extension and retraction of the awning.

2. Electronic controls – Consisting of:

• 98GC781B Direct Wired Wall Switch

3. User Controls – Consisting of:

• 98GC781B Direct Wired Wall Switch used in conjunction with the 98GC780B Direct Wired Automatic Motion Sensor

Buttons Description:

IN Button retract the awning

STOP Command

OUT Button Extend the awning

TESTING AND ADJUSTMENTS

OVERVIEW

A. Adjusting Motor-limit switches

B. Manual Override

C. Adjusting Pitch and Elbow height

D. Motion Sensor Testing

A. ADJUSTING MOTOR LIMIT SWITCHES

TOOLS REQUIRED

Black plastic key provided with awning, or 4mm (5/32”) Allen wrench.

NOTE: The motor limit switches have been adjusted to the correct positions at the factory prior to shipment. When fully retracted the awning motor is set to stop the exact moment the awning box closes. When fully extended the fabric should be taut and the arms should be slightly bent, exposing a gap of about ¼” at the elbows.

Always check the motor limits after installation to ensure that the awning opens and closes correctly. Awning fabric can stretch over time, this will require an adjustment of the IN and/or OUT limit switch.

IMPORTANT: EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE MOTOR LIMIT TURNS OFF AT THE EXACT MOMENT THE AWNING BOX CLOSES. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL CAUSE THE MOTOR TO RUN WHEN THE AWNING IS CLOSED. THIS WILL DESTROY THE MOTOR.

1. The motors used in Girard Systems awnings are reversible.

2. The motor has limit settings for both OUT (extension) and IN (retraction).

3. The limit switches can be adjusted by use of the black key provided with the awning, or you may use a 4mm (5/32”) Allen wrench.

4. Extend the awning a few feet to gain access to the motor. Locate the motor. The limit adjustment screws are located on the head of the motor. Using the symbols printed next to the adjustment screws, turn the black key (or 4mm Allen wrench) to make the necessary adjustments. The motors are labeled with a + or a – to indicate the adjustment direction.

5. Approximately ¼ turn of the adjustment screw represents about 1” of awning movement. NEVER set outward limits so that the fabric is slack with full arm extension. For proper adjustment set limit switch to stop the motor just before the arms lock. This will expose about a 1/4” gap at the elbow.

B. MANUAL OVERRIDE

1. In case of motor issues, the GG 1000 has a manual override to close the awning.

2. Remove the endcap opposite the motor, by removing the 3 phillips head screws.

3. Using a 13mm wrench, turn the manual override shaft in order to close the awning, see Figure 10.

NOTE: The manual override is one-way; it can only close the awning.

C. ADJUSTING PITCH and ELBOW HEIGHT

NOTE: Adjustment of the Elbow height and pitch, will affect the height of the awning lead rail when it is fully deployed.

This adjustment is usually required after an arm replacement. Also, if the elbow of the arm hits the bottom of the casing as the lead rail closes.

Tools Required

• 17mm open-end wrench
• 19mm (3/4”) open-end wrench
• 4mm allen wrench

1. ELBOW HEIGHT

a. Extend the awning about 12”

b. Locate screw C located on the side of the shoulder, the top bolt. (Figure 11) Using a 17mm open-end wrench, rotate the bolt counter-clockwise to lower the arm position.

c. Locate screw D located on the side of the shoulder, the lower bolt. (Figure 11) Using a 19mm open-end wrench, rotate the bolt clockwise to raise the arm position.

d. Close the awning completely to ensure smooth operation, that the lead rail lies flush and square along the length of the cassette, and that the arms fit fold inside the cassette without interference.

2. ADJUSTING PITCH

a. Extend the awning to ¼ of its fully extended length.

b. Locate screw A, adjustment nut located on front side of the shoulder assembly (Figure 12, 13). Using a 17mm open-end wrench rotate the nut counter-clockwise to lower the pitch or clockwise to raise the pitch.

DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN AS THIS WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE AWNING.

c. Close the awning completely to ensure smooth operation and that the lead rail lies flush and square along the length of the cassette.

D. TESTING THE MOTION SENSOR (Wind Sensor)

1. Partially extend the awning (at least 3 feet).

2. Physically activate the motion sensor by shaking the awning lead rail.

3. At this point the awning should retract; if not, check that there is a 12VDC supply to the motion sensor and that the motion sensor is correctly programmed.

NOTE: The Motion sensor will send a retract signal to the motor of the awning it is programmed to on the RV. If there are multiple awnings extended that begin to retract simultaneously under windy conditions, the power system of the vehicle must be able to withstand the resulting surge of current. The surge will be the greatest when the awnings are fully extended. When testing the system verify all of the awnings will close when fully extended.

Vents

The kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom are all equipped with a 12VDC exhaust vent fan (Figure 143). A three-speed switch controls the fan speed of both. The vent fan should only be left in the “on” mode when the motorhome is parked and in use. The fan will not operate until the vent is open.

Doors

The primary entrance door to the motorhome has a key lock and a dead bolt for additional security. When the door is fully opened, the door hinge automatically holds the door in an “open” position. There is also a screen that allows increased air circulation when the entrance door is open.