Let’s Talk About Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit
The Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit promises peace of mind for RV owners with automatic awnings. This kit is designed to automatically retract your awning when high winds are detected, preventing damage and potential costly repairs. The Lippert name is well-known in the RV industry, and this particular product aims to solve a common and frustrating problem for RVers.
I’ve spent years on the road, and I’ve seen firsthand the havoc a sudden gust of wind can wreak on an extended awning. I was looking for a reliable and easy-to-install solution to protect my investment. I dreaded the thought of being away from my campsite or even inside my RV and having the awning ripped off by a rogue wind gust.
Upon unboxing the Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit, I immediately noticed the solid build quality of the sensor and mounting hardware. Everything felt substantial and well-made, not flimsy or cheap. The sensor itself felt weighty, suggesting robust internal components.
I considered a few other wind sensor kits, but ultimately chose the Lippert kit due to the brand’s reputation and the promise of easy integration with my existing Lippert awning system. Other kits seemed to have mixed reviews regarding reliability and ease of installation. The Lippert kit seemed like the safest bet.
My first impression was definitely excitement. The potential to automate this critical safety feature was very appealing. Hopefully, this kit would deliver on its promises of effortless protection.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit at my seasonal campsite in the mountains of North Carolina, an area known for unpredictable weather. This location provided ample opportunity to test its performance in varying conditions. The mountains often experience sudden gusts of wind, especially during thunderstorms.
The kit performed admirably in both sunny and rainy conditions. I even intentionally created a “windy” situation with a leaf blower to test the sensitivity of the sensor. It reacted quickly and retracted the awning as expected.
The installation process was surprisingly straightforward, with clear instructions provided by Lippert. While I’m mechanically inclined, I believe most RV owners with basic tools and skills could handle the installation themselves. No additional adjustment or calibration was needed after the installation, which was a welcome surprise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit continues to perform flawlessly. It has weathered several significant windstorms without any false alarms or malfunctions. The peace of mind it provides is truly invaluable.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the sensor or its mounting hardware. The plastic housing appears to be UV-resistant and has not faded or cracked. The unit still looks as good as new.
Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe down the sensor with a damp cloth occasionally to remove any dirt or debris. No other care has been required.
In comparison to my previous anxiety about leaving the awning extended, this kit is a game-changer. It has completely eliminated my worries about wind damage. This outperforms my expectations and is worth the investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit
Specifications
- The Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit is designed to work with Lippert Smart Arm awnings. This ensures seamless integration and compatibility.
- The kit includes a wind sensor, mounting hardware, and wiring harness. All necessary components are included for a complete installation.
- The sensor is designed to detect wind speeds above a pre-set threshold (typically around 25 mph). This threshold is not adjustable but has proven effective in my experience.
- The kit is powered by the RV’s 12V DC electrical system. This is standard for RV accessories and ensures compatibility with most RVs.
These specifications are important because they determine the reliability and effectiveness of the wind sensor. The proper wind speed threshold prevents nuisance retractions while providing adequate protection in strong winds. The 12V DC compatibility ensures that it will work with the vast majority of RVs.
Performance & Functionality
The Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit performs its job exceptionally well. It reliably detects high winds and automatically retracts the awning, preventing damage. The system is responsive and reacts quickly to changes in wind speed.
The major strength is its reliability. The main weakness is the non-adjustable wind speed threshold, although the factory setting has proven to be satisfactory. The sensor exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit has a clean and functional design. The sensor is compact and unobtrusive and does not detract from the appearance of the RV.
The materials used are high-quality and appear to be weather-resistant. The installation is user-friendly, but an understanding of electrical wiring is helpful.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit is built to last. The materials used are durable and UV-resistant, designed to withstand the harsh outdoor environment.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. The kit should provide years of reliable service with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit does not have many customization options. It is designed to work with Lippert Smart Arm awnings as a complete system.
While there are no included accessories beyond the mounting hardware and wiring harness, some users may choose to add a separate indicator light inside the RV to confirm that the awning has retracted. This is not necessary but can provide additional peace of mind. This is compatible with popular aftermarket accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit
Pros
- Provides automatic awning retraction in high winds, preventing damage.
- Easy to install with basic tools and skills.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction.
- Seamless integration with Lippert Smart Arm awnings.
- Offers peace of mind and eliminates the need to manually retract the awning in unpredictable weather.
Cons
- Non-adjustable wind speed threshold.
- Specifically designed for Lippert Smart Arm awnings, limiting compatibility with other brands.
Who Should Buy Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit?
This product is perfect for RV owners with Lippert Smart Arm awnings who frequent areas with unpredictable weather or who simply want the convenience and peace of mind of automatic awning retraction. This is also ideal for RVers who are often away from their campsite and cannot monitor the weather conditions constantly.
Those with awnings from other manufacturers should skip this product, as it is specifically designed for Lippert systems. Those comfortable with manually retracting their awning and constantly monitoring the weather may not find this product necessary.
The only must-have modification might be adding an indicator light inside the RV, but that’s based purely on preference. I personally found it unnecessary, as I trust the system’s reliability.
Conclusion on Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit
The Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit is a well-designed and reliable product that delivers on its promises. It provides automatic awning retraction in high winds, preventing costly damage and offering invaluable peace of mind.
The price of $209.99 is justified considering the protection it provides and the potential cost of awning repairs. This is a worthwhile investment for RV owners who value convenience and security.
I would absolutely recommend the Lippert 715123 Smart Arm Wind Senor Kit to any RV owner with a compatible Lippert Smart Arm awning. Stop worrying about the weather and start enjoying your RV adventures with the confidence that your awning is protected. Get yours today and experience true peace of mind on the road!
