6 Best RV Awning Wind Speed Sensors for Safety That Seasoned RVers Trust
Safeguard your RV awning investment. Discover the 6 best wind speed sensors that seasoned RVers rely on for automatic retraction in high winds.
We’ve all seen it at the campground. A sudden gust of wind rips through, and someone’s RV awning becomes a giant, flailing sail, threatening to tear right off the side of their rig. That’s a $1,500 mistake, and it happens in seconds. An awning wind sensor isn’t a flashy gadget; it’s the single best piece of insurance you can buy for one of your RV’s most expensive and fragile components.
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Why a Wind Sensor is a Non-Negotiable RV Upgrade
An RV awning is basically a giant wing bolted to a box. It’s designed to catch the breeze, which is great for shade but terrible in a storm. The physics are simple and unforgiving. A surprise wind gust can bend support arms, shred the fabric, and even damage the side of your RV where it’s mounted.
Many RVers think, "I’ll just be careful and retract it when the wind picks up." But what about the gust that hits while you’re on a hike? Or the sudden downdraft that comes out of nowhere in the middle of the night? Relying on your own reaction time is a gamble, and the stakes are high. A wind sensor automates this critical task, acting as a sleepless guardian for your awning.
This isn’t about convenience; it’s about asset protection. The cost of a quality wind sensor is a tiny fraction of a full awning replacement. It transforms a major liability into a reliable source of outdoor comfort. Think of it less as an accessory and more as a fundamental safety system, just like the smoke detector or the breakaway brake cable.
Carefree Direct Response: Reliable & Fast-Acting
The beauty of the Carefree Direct Response sensor is its simplicity and speed. It doesn’t measure ambient wind speed with a spinning cup. Instead, it’s an accelerometer that mounts directly to the awning’s roller tube. It measures the actual motion of the awning itself.
This direct-sensing approach is its greatest strength. The sensor doesn’t care if the wind is 15 or 25 mph; it cares when the awning starts bouncing and shaking violently. When it detects that signature "oh no" motion, it signals the motor to retract immediately. This makes it incredibly fast-acting, often retracting the awning before a less sophisticated system even registers a problem.
Because it’s reacting to awning movement, it’s less prone to false alarms from swirling breezes that don’t actually pose a threat. It’s a workhorse system that has been trusted for years. If you have a Carefree of Colorado awning, this is often the most logical and effective choice, providing a response that is directly tied to the stress on your hardware.
Dometic Power Awning Pro: Seamless Integration
Dometic is a giant in the RV world, and their Power Awning Pro sensor is built to plug directly into their ecosystem. If your rig is already equipped with a Dometic power awning and control system, this is often the path of least resistance. Installation is typically straightforward, designed to integrate without a lot of custom wiring.
The Power Awning Pro uses a more traditional anemometer, a small set of spinning cups that measure wind speed. You can set the retraction threshold to a specific MPH, giving you a bit more control than a motion-based sensor. This is useful if you know you’re comfortable with your awning out in a steady 15 mph breeze but want it to close automatically at 20 mph.
The main consideration here is compatibility. This system is purpose-built for Dometic awnings. While a clever DIYer might get it to work with another brand, it’s not designed for that. For the thousands of RVs with factory-installed Dometic awnings, this sensor provides a reliable, brand-matched solution that just works.
Solera Power Awning Sensor: A Lippert Standard
Easily extend and retract your Solera power awning with this interior replacement switch kit. The durable plastic construction and included harness ensure a simple, DIY installation for seamless awning operation.
If you bought an RV in the last decade, there’s a good chance it has Lippert (LCI) components all over it, including a Solera awning. The Solera Power Awning Sensor is the go-to for this incredibly common brand. Like the Carefree model, it’s a motion-based sensor that detects the up-and-down shaking of the awning arm.
This sensor is the definition of a factory standard. It’s not loaded with fancy features, but it’s proven, reliable, and does its one job well. When the awning arm shakes beyond a preset limit, it triggers the retraction. Simple as that. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it system that provides a solid baseline of protection.
The biggest advantage is its guaranteed compatibility with the massive install base of Solera awnings. You won’t have to worry about wiring harnesses or control modules not speaking the same language. The tradeoff for this simplicity is a lack of adjustability. The sensitivity is preset at the factory, so you can’t fine-tune it to your personal comfort level. For most users, however, the factory setting is perfectly adequate.
Girard G-LINK System: For High-End Awning Rigs
Step into the world of high-end Class A motorhomes and you’ll find Girard awnings. These are often massive, roof-mounted lateral arm awnings without vertical support poles. Protecting these expensive and complex systems requires a more advanced solution, and that’s where the G-LINK system comes in.
The Girard system uses a sophisticated wind sensor that communicates wirelessly with the awning’s control module. It allows for precise wind speed settings and can even control multiple awnings independently. This is crucial for large motorhomes that might have several awnings on different sides of the rig, each experiencing different wind conditions.
This is not a system you retrofit onto a standard travel trailer awning. It’s a premium solution for a premium product. If you’re buying a coach with Girard awnings, understanding how the G-LINK works is essential. For everyone else, it’s an interesting look at the high-end of the market, but functionally overkill for most RVs.
Fiamma Motor-Kit Sensor: Ideal for Van Lifers
Fiamma is the king of awnings for camper vans, truck campers, and smaller Class B and C RVs. Their awnings are lightweight and compact, and their wind sensor is designed with the same philosophy. It’s a small, motion-based sensor that attaches to the front lead bar of the awning.
This sensor, often called the "Wind Detective," is specifically designed to work with Fiamma’s F45s, F65s, and F80s motorized awning kits. It senses the classic up-and-down flapping motion that signals a wind gust is putting too much stress on the awning arms. When triggered, it sends the signal to retract, protecting the lighter-duty hardware common on these smaller rigs.
For the van life and overlanding crowd, this is the obvious choice. Fiamma awnings are ubiquitous, and this sensor is the only one guaranteed to integrate perfectly with their motor kits. It provides peace of mind when you’re parked on an exposed coast or in a windy desert, knowing your shade source is protected while you’re away from the van.
Somfy Eolis 3D WireFree: Versatile & Wireless
Protect your awning automatically with the Somfy Eolis 3D Wirefree RTS Wind Sensor. Its advanced 3D detection senses all wind movements, ensuring your awning retracts safely. This wireless, easy-to-install sensor is compatible with all RTS systems.
The Somfy Eolis 3D is the wild card of the group, and a fantastic option for retrofits and custom builds. Unlike brand-specific models, this is a universal, battery-powered sensor that can work with many different 12V motorized awnings. Its biggest selling point is that it’s completely wireless.
The "3D" in its name refers to the 3D accelerometer inside. It mounts on the awning’s lead bar and detects movement in all three dimensions—up/down, in/out, and side-to-side. This gives it a very accurate picture of the stress the wind is putting on the entire structure. When it detects excessive shaking, it wirelessly signals a receiver connected to the motor to retract the awning.
Because it’s wireless, installation is a breeze. You don’t have to snake wires down the awning arm and through the RV wall. This makes it a top pick for people adding a motor to a manual awning or for anyone who wants to add a sensor to an existing power awning without major surgery. Its versatility is its superpower.
Choosing Your Sensor: Compatibility & Key Factors
Picking the right sensor isn’t about which one is "best," but which one is best for your specific RV and awning. A mismatched sensor is a useless sensor. Use these factors as your decision-making checklist.
First and foremost is brand compatibility. This is the non-negotiable starting point. A Dometic sensor is made for a Dometic awning. A Solera sensor is for a Solera awning. Start by identifying your awning manufacturer and see what dedicated sensor they offer. This is almost always the safest and easiest route.
If you’re doing a custom build or have a brand that doesn’t offer a dedicated sensor, then you can look at universal options like the Somfy. When going universal, consider these key factors:
- Sensing Type: Do you prefer a motion/accelerometer-based sensor (Carefree, Solera, Somfy) that reacts to physical shaking, or an anemometer (Dometic) that reacts to a preset wind speed? Motion sensors are often faster, while anemometers offer more precise user control.
- Power Source: Most sensors are wired directly into your RV’s 12V system. Wireless models like the Somfy run on batteries, which will need to be checked and replaced periodically.
- Adjustability: Do you want to set the retraction threshold yourself? Or are you happy with a factory-preset sensitivity level? High-end systems offer more control, while standard models keep it simple.
- Installation: A brand-matched, wired-in sensor may require more work to install than a simple, stick-on wireless unit. Be honest about your DIY skills and what you’re willing to tackle.
Ultimately, the goal is automatic protection. Don’t get paralyzed by the options. Identify your awning brand, assess your needs, and get a sensor installed. The first time it saves your awning from a freak storm, you’ll know it was one of the smartest upgrades you ever made.
Your RV awning is your ticket to a comfortable outdoor living space, but it’s also a significant vulnerability. A wind sensor removes the guesswork and the worry, letting you enjoy the shade without constantly checking the weather. It’s a small investment that protects a big one, ensuring you have one less thing to worry about on your adventures.
