SureShade RTX Service manual

RTXINSTALL-082020
RTX Pull-Out Boat Shade
Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual
S U R E S H A D E T E C H N I C A L D O C U M E N T A T I O N
SURESHADE
A Lippert Components Company
1900 47th Terrace East
Brandenton, FL 34203
Tel: [phone]
International: 215-673-2307
www.sureshade.com

SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
CONTENTS
Introduction ………………………………………………….….3
Customer Support……………………………….……….…….3
Warranty Information…………………………………….….3-4
Important Instructions………………………………………….5
Safety Warnings………………………………………..……….5
Tools Required…………………………….…………………….5
Installation - Mounting Clamps…………..………………….6
Installation –Measuring for Placement…………………….7
Installation - Mounting the Actuators………………..……..8
Installation - Attach Roller and Crossbars………………….9
Installation –Tension the Roller………………….………….10
Shade Operation…………………………………………..….11
Care and Maintenance…………………………….……….12
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a SureShade retractable shade for your boat. Invented by
boaters for boaters, SureShade is the new standard for shade on boats. Our automated
or manual retractable shade systems are featured on over 50 boat brands as factory or
aftermarket installations. SureShade is the only U.S.-made telescoping marine sunshade
on the market, with patents in the U.S., Canada, Europe and China. SureShade is
committed to improving sun safety on boats with shade systems that give boaters
more sun protection... where and when they need it.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We take pride in offering an unprecedented level of customer service to our boat
builders, dealers and —most importantly —the boaters who use our sunshade systems.
Whether you purchased your sunshade system as a factory-install option, an aftermarket
installation through your local boat dealer or directly from us, you can have confidence
in continued customer service resources from SureShade. Should you require assistance
with your SureShade installation, our technical experts are available from 9am - 5pm EST
Monday through Friday via email at [e-mail] or call us at 877-333-8323.
Further customer resources and information can be found on our website at:
https://www.sureshade.com/customer-resources/
MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER TAG LOCATION
The canvas is identified by the white tag sewn into the canvas. Please do not remove
this label.
SURESHADE LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY STATEMENT
SureShade provides the following Limited Warranty of its electric and manual sunshade
awning systems. SureShade warrants that the shade framework —which consists of the
actuator drive assemblies, crossbars, roller assembly, mounts and in the case of an
electric shade, the motors, controller and wire that connects the actuators to the
controller —will be free from material defects and workmanship and will repair or
replace, at its sole discretion, any inoperable components that are reported within 3
years from the date of shade sale to original purchaser —boat builder, dealer or private
boat owner. SureShade will also replace, at its sole discretion, the canvas component of
the shade system (electric or manual) when reported defective within one year from
the date of canvas manufacture as indicated on the white manufacturer tag attached
to the canvas (tag must remain attached for warranty purposes).
Exclusions to this limited warranty are as follows:
•Damage resulting from abuse, misuse, neglect, improper installation, improper operation,
improper maintenance, attempted repair efforts resulting in further damage, power surges,
underpowering or forcing operation in low voltage situations, improper stowage for ground
transportation, inclement weather or other act of nature.
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
•Damage resulting from leaving the shade extended unattended
during inclement weather.
•Damage resulting from leaving shade extended in conditions that exceed the shade
framework’s wind rating of 50 mph (Applies to aft facing shade only. Forward shade must be
stowed at all times while boat is underway).
•Damage resulting from corrosion.
•Any shade product that has been altered or modified from SureShade factory specifications.
•Any shade that’s installed without SureShade-supplied or approved mounting components.
•Removal and/or dismantling of the shade and its components (including actuator drive
system) without proper notification to SureShade.
•Attempted controller reset that results in loss of controller memory, specifically the
manipulation of dip switches 1-4.
•Deterioration of the canvas thread and stitching.
•Travel time to/from boat to troubleshoot, repair and/or replace components.
•Labor cost and expenses associated with removal or reinstallation of other components in
order to access the shade product components.
•Any cost associated with production downtime or time spent troubleshooting or reviewing
troubleshooting documentation/videos.
•Excessive labor cost beyond recommended standard labor repair rates.
SureShade reserves the right to utilize reconditioned, refurbished, repaired or
remanufactured products or parts in the warranty repair or replacement process. Such
products and parts will be comparable in function and performance to an original
product or part and warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. In no
event shall any repair or replacement under this Limited Warranty exceed the fair
market value of the product as of the date of the owner’s claim. Acceptance of any
product returned for any refund provided by SureShade shall not be deemed an
admission that the product is defective. In order for a warranty claim to be deemed
valid, the following information must be provided to SureShade immediately after
discovery of any defect:
•Description of the nature of the problem
•Details of the boat that the shade is installed on —year, make, model and hull identification
number.
•Date of shade purchase, or in the case of factory install, date of boat purchase.
•Details of the installation —Factory install? Dealer install? Private install?
SureShade will make every effort to troubleshoot, determine root cause and fully resolve
the issue, either directly or with an experienced marine technician. SureShade is solely
responsible for determining and authorizing the remedial actions to be performed either
by a SureShade technician or an experienced marine technician approved by
SureShade. The remedy of repair or replacement of parts or materials that are found to
be defective in factory materials or workmanship covered by this limited warranty shall
constitute the owner’s sole and exclusive remedy against SureShade for any claims
whatsoever of economic loss resulting from product failure. Please contact us or call
877-333-8323 with any questions or concerns, or if replacement canvas or parts for
SureShade sunshade systems are needed.
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
•In the event of malfunction please visit https://www.sureshade.com/service/
and review applicable videos and documentation before continuing to operate
the system or making any repairs. You may also submit a service request via
email at [e-mail]. Do NOT attempt to repair shade on your own
or you could risk voiding the warranty.
•Never disassemble actuators without permission from SureShade factory or you
will void warranty.
•Do NOT install the shade anywhere it will obstruct or interfere with the navigation
lights or any other boat accessories.
•When tensioning the canvas, refer to https://www.sureshade.com/service-and-
technical-documentation/ for proper roller pre-load instructions. Improper
tensioning can cause spring malfunction, which will prevent the roller assembly
from operating normally.
•Your SureShade product has been designed and tested to withstand wind
speeds of up to 50 mph. However, it is recommended to retract the shade while
underway.
•To protect the shade and components, always retract shade during inclement
weather. Retracting the shade when NOT in use will prolong the life of the
canvas and components.
•Refer to the SureShade website for maintenance and winterization procedures.
https://www.sureshade.com/customer-resources
•Do NOT operate the shade without the crossbars attached.
•It is important to understand the Warnings, Cautions and Notices BEFORE starting
the installation.
SAFETY WARNINGS
•Keep hands away from moving shade parts.
•Keep clear of shade while extending and retracting.
•Keep shade clear of obstructions.
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
Safety labels must be legible to alert personnel of safety hazards. Replace any
illegible or missing labels immediately. Safety labels removed during any repair
work must be replaced in their original position before operating the shade.
TOOLS & SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION:
•SureShade RTX
•Tape measure
•Drill motor and 3/8-inch bit
•Adjustable wrench
•Allen wrenches (1/8 and 3/16 inches)
•Phillips screwdriver
•Marine sealant
Approximate Time: 3 hours
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
Mounting Brackets
There are 3 types of mounting clamp configurations included with your shade system
depending on your install type (hardtop, T-top, tower or arch) as shown below here in
figures 1a thru 1c.
Most important part of the
installation is to make sure the
actuators are installed parallel to
each other at the specified width
Fig 1a –standard mount Fig 1b –FIGURE 8 clamp Fig 1c –FIGURE 8 SWIVEL clamp
Installing RTX Pull-Out Boat Shade
The following instructions detail how to properly install SureShade RTX Pull-Out Boat Shade
system for DIY or aftermarket installations. SureShade RTX can be installed aftermarket on
a hardtop, arch, tower or T-Top. Installation instructions will vary per application.
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
1. Measure Width for Placement
Each RTX is custom-built to match the width and curvature (if any) of your
top. Be aware that the outside width includes two stationary actuators with
a pair of mounting clamps. These actuators require an area 4 inches wide
by 18 inches long to mount properly on each side. The roller and crossbars
require another 7½ inches when retracted, but these elements need not be
positioned completely under the top.
Make sure the area aft is clear of obstructions that might interfere with the
4½-foot-long shade.
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
2. Mounting the Actuators
•Position the actuators and mounting brackets on desired location (underside
or topside), making sure these cylinders are parallel. Keeping the roller and
crossbars attached at this point helps to ensure the mounting width ends up
correct.
•Ask a friend to hold one side while you hold the other. Mark and drill the holes
through the hardtop.
•Remove the roller and crossbars
•Hardtop Install: through-bolt each actuator (apply marine sealant to prevent
leaks) using the supplied stainless-steel 5/16-inch bolts, nuts and backing
plates.
•Tower or T-Top Install –secure figure eight clamps.
Position actuators properly by specified width and
parallel to each other on the hardtop surface,
mark you mounting positions, drill thru the
hardtop for thru bolting, attach crossbars and
roller.
Rotate the roller clamp to line up the
roller mounting screws with the clamp
Adjust Fig 8
clamps to make
actuators parallel
to each other
You may need to rotate the actuator in the
clamps in order to get the mid crossbar and
pull bar connecting screws to line up
Hardtop Mounting
Tower or Tubular
Framework (T-Top)
Mounting
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
3. Attach Roller and Crossbars
With the actuators installed, you can reattach the roller and crossbars. Loosen and
rotate the roller clamp on the actuator to line up with the roller mounting screws at
each end of the roller. You might need to loosen the mounting clamps for the
actuators to rotate each actuator to get the mid-crossbar and pull-bar
connecting screws to line up properly.
Once everything is lined up, re-tighten the mounting brackets and roller clamps
and install the mounting screws for the roller and bars on each actuator.
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
4. Tension the Roller
To enable the SureShade to retract properly and remain taut when deployed, the
canvas roller is spring-loaded. You might need to add tension or “preload” the
roller to make sure that the SureShade assembly operates correctly. To do this,
unzip the canvas from the outer bar and rotate both the roller and canvas several
revolutions as needed toward the crossbars, then re-zip the canvas to the outer
bar. Do not rotate the canvas in toward the hardtop; this will distort the internal
springs.
To preload the roller with tension, rotate the canvas
with the roller in the direction shown a few revolutions
as needed before attaching to the pull bar.
Depending on how much tension is on the canvas roller, in order to
release the locking pins you may have to push up and outward on the
crossbar to release the tension on the first locking pin.
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
5. Shade Operation
To test the RTX extension, center yourself in the middle of the push/pull bar for
even leverage. Lift the framework up and aft to reduce friction for easier
movement and extend until all locking pins are engaged.
To retract, lift the framework up and out one side at a time to release the locking
pins on each side. Center yourself and lift the framework up while pushing it in to
reduce friction for easier movement until fully retracted.
Retraction
1. To release the first stage locking pins, relieve pressure on the pins:
•Release the first stage locking on one side at a time
•Relieve pressure on the pins by lifting the framework up and pushing out (as shown) as if
you are extending the framework and release the locking pin, repeat on other side
actuator
2. Center yourself in the middle of the push bar for even pressure
3. Lift up and push in bar when retracting to reduce friction and for easier movement until fully
retracted
If you push too much on one side there is the chance of getting the framework stuck, if this occurs,
start over by extending the shade and then proceed with the retraction instructions again
Extension
1. Center yourself in the
middle of the push
bar for even pressure
2. Lift up and out (as
shown) on push bar
when extending to
reduce friction and
for easier movement
3. Extend until all
locking pins are
engaged
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SureShade RTX –Installation Instructions
Care & Maintenance
SureShade recommends following basic care and maintenance of SureShade shade
components to maintain peak performance and prolong the life of your sunshade system.
REGULAR CLEANING
We recommend using the cleaning product Nevr-Dull® Magic Wadding Polish for cleaning
SureShade system components. Petroleum-based cleaners and abrasive metal cleaners
should not be used.
To clean and polish, extend the shade fully and wipe down all components using the
Nevr-Dull polish. Then, use a rag to wipe off any excess and polish the tubes.
Clean the shades no less than every other month and perhaps more frequently in saltwater
areas and areas with higher-than-average temperatures (e.g., southwest Florida or the
Caribbean).
CANVAS
NOTICE: SureShade does not recommend removing canvas from the roller system, as it
may be difficult to properly reinstall or may result in damage to the rollers. Under no
circumstances should the canvas supplied with any SureShade system ever be placed in
a washing machine.
SureShade sunshade systems use Sunbrella® fabrics for canvas, and we recommend
following Sunbrella’s basic canvas care and cleaning instructions to prolong the life of the
canvas.
Basic canvas care includes:
•General, light cleaning with a hose on a monthly basis with clear water to remove
debris.
•A thorough cleaning every 2-3 years, which may include fabric guard and/or mildew
treatments.
•Conduct an annual inspection of your canvas to ensure that all threading is intact.
•A pull test on the thread to confirm that threading has not become dry-rotted from the
elements.
LONG-TERM STORAGE
SureShade sunshade systems are built with quality marine-grade construction and materials;
however, just like other parts of your boat, SureShade canvas systems need to be shielded
from snow and other harsh winter weather conditions to protect the canvas and mechanical
components.
SureShade recommends that customers take proper precautions to avoid damage during
winter storage (or ground transportation for winter storage), which include fully retracting and
securing the SureShade sunshade system and properly tarping or shrink-wrapping your boat.
Many boaters transport their boats to a storage location or a warmer climate during the
winter months. To ensure that the SureShade system is properly transported and to avoid
potential damage, visit www.sureshade.com/sureshade-groundtransportation-guide/.
Page 12

© Copyright 2020 Lippert Components, Inc. dba SureShade®
Manual information may be distributed as a complete document only, unless Lippert Components
provides explicit consent to distribute individual parts. All manual information is subject to change
without notice. Revised editions will be available for free download at lci1.com. Manual information is
considered factual until made obsolete by a revised version. Please recycle all obsolete materials.
For all concerns or questions, please contact SureShade, a Lippert Components Company
Ph: [phone] | Web: sureshade.com | Email: [e-mail]