Awning Advise Please

[69trotter]

We've been restoring our "dream come true" 1969 Globetrotter for the past couple of years and are now in the final stages of polishing. We love this trailer and it looks so good now that we are considering adding an awning. There is an existing awning rail, but no signs of supports. Our two previous Airstreams had Zip-dee awnings and I have to admit that I did bump my head on the supports more than once I sort of like the look of the pole-type sold by Vintage Trailer Supply, but wonder how difficult they are to put up and down. Does anyone have experience with this type of awning??

[Grand Master]

By 1969 pole awnings were on the way out in the Airstream world. Zip Dee awnings were introduced about 1966.

In my humble opinion, vintage style pole awnings are good if you occasionaly want an awning for a show or open house. If you want to use your awning regularly when traveling, then go with a Zip Dee. The Zip Dee is a 1 minute, single person up or down operation. The pole awning takes two people and several minutes to do the same. Another issue with the pole awning is they have to be stored someplace when not in use.

[tkasten]

I agree with Grand Master - Zip Dee is so easy to put up and down when we travel and it made our 65 Safari restoration spectacular.

[Alumaholic]

While Mike is right about the shortcomings of pole awnings, I would add they will always collect rain, so they must be taken down when you see rain coming. The modern, retractable awnings handle rain well, and actually provide an outdoor space to sit and enjoy a gentle drizzle.

One more thing, some new Airstreams in the late '60s and '70s were equipped with Carefree awnings. We had one on our 1976 Safari 23' and we loved it. The Carefree design seemed inherently stronger that the Zip Dee awnings we have had since then on our '76 Sovereign 31', our 2000 Safari 27', and now our 2007 Classic 30'.

It would be fun to research your Airstream and determine whether it had a Carefree or Zip Dee awning. Then, return it to its original condition.

[Bill M.]

Pole type awning is lighter in weight and does not require drilling the airstream. Know of a very expensive new Timeless trailer with a pole type awning for the look and the weight. It looks great set up. Try the pole awning and see if it fits your needs. Could still add the Zip Dee later if you wanted to.

[seldencove]

I love my awning from VTS. It takes my wife and I about 10 minutes to set up. My awning is on the large size too at 17' x 9'. Once we set it up I leave it up, I don't worry about wind or sudden downpours.I like the clean lines of my trailer also without an attached awning and arms mounted to the side. There is also someone on the forums named Kristi that make awnings that people here recomend highly.
Good luck.

[ddstech]

Pole awnings are great. Our globetrotter took all of 10 min to set up. I found the poles and ropes could easily be adjusted to lower the end of the awning for better drainage.

[69trotter]

Thanks for all your responses. I can see that this will take some mulling over. I've looked at the ZipDee website, but can't find info on price or ording. Anyone know about how much they cost? Our awning rail is about 10' long.

[Alumaholic]

They will know exactly what you need, and they will provide valuable advice on how to ( and how not to) install your awning. Remember, when it is time to tension the roller, you must know what you are doing, and you must have help. This step can be dangerous.

[Becky B.]

Originally Posted by 69trotter

Thanks for all your responses. I can see that this will take some mulling over. I've looked at the ZipDee website, but can't find info on price or ording. Anyone know about how much they cost? Our awning rail is about 10' long.

My daughter had a Zip Dee installed on her 19 foot Argosy at the Zip Dee factory this spring. She ordered a special fabric, so it cost about $100 more than normal. Installed it cost about $1800. A pretty big investment! (She loves it, though. Her trailer had a Carefree or A & E and she hated that one!) I have a Zip Dee on my Sovereign & love it too. Don't know how I feel about one on a little Bambi II like I'm working on. It's alot of arms in such a short space.

[87MH]

Check this unusual awning out:

All Aluminum Slat Awning for a mid 60's 22' Safari - Airstream Trailer Classifieds - Airstreams Trailers For Sale

I have never seen one like it, but it sure looks cool.

It is not mine, but I helped take it off. Uses conventional "ZD" starting channel.

The owner took it off and replaced it with a new ZD at a costing of what was stated earlier. The owner has several small AS's of the same vintage and he wanted them all to look the same - thus the new ZD awning.

Best way to describe it is that it is just like the wrap around aluminum strips at the start of the ZD awnings next to the trailer - only the whole thing is constructed of aluminum slats.

The owner has it stored next door and I could get get measurements for you if interested.