What is the Green Adjustment Tool for My Mars Electric Awning and How Do I Use It?

This article is part of our Mars Caravan Body & Seals / Exterior Use & Care series. For the full overview, see "Mars Caravan Body & Seals Care – Exterior Maintenance Overview".

The small green plastic tool supplied with your Mars caravan’s electric awning is the awning adjustment tool. It is designed to adjust the open (OUT) and closed (IN) stop positions of the awning – in other words, how far the awning travels when it extends and retracts.

And just to clear up the most important question: no, it’s not a stirrer for your martini or campsite cocktail – even though it does look a bit like one.

It is not used to manually wind the awning in or out under normal conditions. The motor does the work; the green tool is only for fine-tuning the travel limits.

1. When Would I Use the Green Adjustment Tool?

• The awning stops too early when extending and you would like it to come out slightly further.
• The awning seems to over-extend or push the fabric too far out before stopping.
• When retracting, the awning:
  • Does not pull fully home into the cassette, leaving a small gap, or
  • Appears to drive too hard into the end cap rather than stopping cleanly.

2. Where Does the Green Tool Go?

• The awning motor is located at one end of the awning (the “head” end).
• Near this motor end, you will find one or two small recessed hex adjusters (often behind a plastic cap).
• These adjusters are usually marked with something like:
  • IN / OUT, or
  • OPEN / CLOSE, or
  • + / – symbols.

Note: Exact markings and location can vary by awning model. Always refer to any awning instructions supplied with your Mars caravan if available.

3. General Safety Notes Before Adjusting

• Only adjust the awning limits when:
  • The caravan is parked on level ground.
  • There is no strong wind acting on the awning.
  • The area around the awning is clear of people and obstacles.
• Make small adjustments only (½–1 turn at a time).
• Test the awning fully out and in after each adjustment.
• Stop immediately if the fabric looks stressed or the motor sounds like it is straining at the end of travel.

4. Adjusting the OUT (Open) Stop Position

The OUT or OPEN limit controls how far the awning extends when you press the open/extend button.

1. Check the current open position
   Extend the awning using the normal switch/remote and observe how far it travels. Decide whether you want it to stop earlier or extend a little further out.
2. Retract the awning fully
   Bring the awning all the way back in before making adjustments.
3. Locate the OUT / OPEN adjuster
   At the motor/head end, find the adjuster marked OUT, OPEN or similar.
4. Insert the green adjustment tool
   Gently insert the hex end of the green tool into the adjuster until it is fully engaged.
5. Make a small adjustment
   
   Turn the tool ½–1 turn in the direction indicated by the symbols:
   • Usually + or → = more travel (further out).
   • Usually – or ← = less travel (stops earlier).
6. Test the awning
   
   Remove the tool, then extend the awning fully and retract it again. Check:
   • The awning now stops where you want it.
   • The motor does not strain at the end of travel.
7. Repeat if needed
   If more adjustment is needed, repeat in small increments, always testing between changes.

5. Adjusting the IN (Close) Stop Position

The IN or CLOSE limit controls how far the awning retracts into its cassette when you press the close/retract button.

1. Check the current closed position
   
   Retract the awning and observe:
   • Does it sit flush and sealed against the cassette?
   • Does it stop too soon, leaving a small gap?
   • Does it appear to slam or over-drive into the end cap?
2. Locate the IN / CLOSE adjuster
   At the motor/head end, find the adjuster marked IN, CLOSE or similar.
3. Insert the green adjustment tool
   Insert the hex end of the tool into this adjuster.
4. Make a small adjustment
   
   Turn the tool ½–1 turn at a time:
   • + / → usually allows the awning to pull in a little further.
   • – / ← usually makes it stop earlier.
5. Test the awning
   
   Run the awning fully out and back in again. Check:
   • The awning closes snugly into the cassette.
   • The motor does not appear to strain or stall at the end.
6. Repeat if required
   Make further tiny adjustments if needed, always testing the full open and close cycle.

6. When to Stop Adjusting and Call for Help

Stop and contact Mars Campers support or your nearest showroom/service centre if:

• You are unsure which adjuster is for IN or OUT on your specific awning model.
• The awning motor labours, stalls or makes unusual noises at the end of its travel.
• The awning fabric looks over-stretched, bunched or twisted.
• You cannot achieve a good open/closed position within a few small adjustments.

When you lodge a support ticket, please include:

• Your van model and VIN.
• Photos of the awning head/motor end and the adjusters.
• A short description (e.g. “stops too early when opening”, “doesn’t pull fully home when closing”).

Summary

The green adjustment tool is a simple but important part of your Mars electric awning kit. It allows you to fine-tune the open and close stop positions so the awning extends and retracts smoothly without straining the motor or fabric.

Adjust in small steps, test between changes, and if in doubt, stop and get in touch with Mars support so we can help you protect your awning and enjoy easy, reliable operation on every trip – martini glass strictly optional.