AWNINGS... Zippity doo Dah GREAT

[ROBERT CROSS]

The most annoying Zip-Dee concern I had was how it was installed.

The rear support arm was not plumb causing the awning to roll up like a crooked window shade, the rear wheel could not be locked down.

Moved the lower mount forward to follow the rivet line all the way to the top.


Bob

[Tagsmom]

New AS owner, 2015 22 sport. Tell me more about electric awnings, plz.

[m.hony]

My center support fell against the side of the trailer once. All it did was mar the belt line trim in exactly the same spot along the belt line where it is stored for travel. It seems if I stretch the center support out tight and click it into place it does not fall.

[Foiled Again]

Pool Noodles - Slide them over the rails - (be especially thorough with the center support and get it right down to the free end, if it falls and hits something it's cushioned!

Head bonking can probably be avoided due to the garish color of pink or lime green pool noodles.... and is much less painful when it happens (after dark only of course.)

[m.hony]

What she said...
The pool noodles on the awning arms can protect yo head...
I got a blue noodle specifically to match the Airstream blue.

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Pool Noodles - Slide them over the rails - (be especially thorough with the center support and get it right down to the free end, if it falls and hits something it's cushioned!

Head bonking can probably be avoided due to the garish color of pink or lime green pool noodles.... and is much less painful when it happens (after dark only of course.)

Woohoo! Great idea! I'll put a noodle on that pesky center support and at least it won't mar the side if it pops out again.

Thanks Foiled!

Vivian

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I pushed and pulled on the awning arms and it was always difficult to deploy my awning. Until I saw a video showing that instead of pushing and pulling on the awning arms, try pushing on the awning roller. [it goes up so easy] Try this, and you won't need, or want, those awning handles.

[Landshark]

I saw that same video, and it made a HUGE difference--I can raise the awning a lot easier by pushing on the roller--but I wondered if the handles would give me a better angle to push and allow me to push the awning higher since the handles are mounted on the arms? What do you think?

Vivian

[ROBERT CROSS]

I have found the handles are just as helpful when taking down the awning. Much easier releasing the locks. Silicone on the arms also makes up & down less stressful.
I always retract the center support first.

Bob

[AWCHIEF]

I just watched the video and discovered that I have been doing it all wrong. Went out to the trailer and opened and closed it the correct way. Amazing how much easier it is.

[guskmg]

I too, hated to fool with the big and long clumsy Zip Dee. It was a real PITA, especially during an approaching thunderstorm. So, I bit the bullet and had the Mothership install an automatic kit. They use your awning, tube, and rail with all new hardware. Nothing shows as the electronics are all hidden in the front end kitchen counter cabinet. When my wife is walking up to the trailer during set up, I just say "Abra Kadbra", press the remote switch in my pocket to extend, and were are ready to sit under the awning. The first time I convinced her the awning deployed automatically as she approached the trailer door. She is an awning freak, so now I can keep Mama happy. Otherwise, when Mama ain't happy, nobody is happy. The Automatic awning can be positioned at any amount of extension, tilted for water run off, front or rear, or be retracted with a standard electric power tool in an emergency. I am already used to the larger thickness arms that hold the electric drive motors. It uses vey little DC because of the high geared system. If the arms get out of sync, just extend the awning out fully and redo what you wanted. This has not been a problem. So far we are pleased with the set up.

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Thanks. I'll look into getting a set. Should be standard equipment.

Kelvin

Absolutely! It can save you hand gashes on every use ... especially when tearing down.