Awning install on 2014 23D International

[GMFL]

Here is my Write Up / Unofficial Guide to installing a Zip Dee Streetside and Rear awning on my 2014 Airstream 23D.
First ordered the awning straight from Zip Dee. Jimmy in customer service was awesone to work with. He asked for the year and length on my trailer. From that information he knew the awning lengths (13' 5 1/4" and 47") color (charcoal tweed) and mounting hardware.
Cost of the awnings was ($892.00 for the street side and $308.00 for the rear) $1200.00 plus $286.00 freight
Awnings shipped eight days after I ordered them and arrived to days later to my home.
This job took a total of five hours and 45 minutes to install both awnings and you'll need one person to help you. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10 I would give this job a 6. This job does not require any major technical skills just the ability to measure accurately and the courage to drill holes in the side of your Airstream. All mounting hardware was included in the kit in all it was needed to complete the job was:

Drill
Tape measure and 16' flexible ruler (for fine measuring)
(2) ladders
5/32 inch drill bit
13/64 drill bit
(2) 7/16 inch wrenches
(2) tubes of sikaflex 221 caulk
painters tape or stucco tape
pop rivet gun ( I have an Alcoa pneumatic rivet gun) which made this job a lot easier than using a manual pop rivet gun.

The ownings arrived into large cardboard tubes

[GMFL]

Inside the tubes

[GMFL]

First step was to lay out the awning rail using the measurements provided in the installation instructions from the day I want you to stab list a mark on each end in the middle of the trailer I chose to tape the awning rail so that it would lift up like a hinge then tape the bottom in place. This would allow me to layout mark and drill all the holes then remove the bottom tape lift up the awning rail sweep and duster any drill shavings and apply bead of caulk under the rail before I pop riveted in place.

[GMFL]

Rail in place. I use painter tape to mask off a straight line. Once you remove the tape you get a nice straight line.

[GMFL]

Rear awning rail mounted same process

[GMFL]

Mounting the awning arm was of the same process using the measurements that zip be provided in the instructions again mounting hardware was providing drill holes in the appropriate place squirts of Sica flex down in the hole but the hardware up pop rivet in place

[GMFL]

Pictures of awning on his mounted.

[GMFL]

Now we really need some help (extra set of hands) the next step is simply sliding the awning "Bead" into the awning rail while keeping the awning from hitting the side of the trailer.

[GMFL]

Next connect the awning arms to the awning roller and charge the awnings bring your proper number of tires by turning one of the awning arms clockwise (15-17 turns for mine) and bolt in place.

[GMFL]

Once all that's done for the street side awning use the pull tab cloth strap to locate the appropriate mounting spot for the retention hook up to the side of the trailer. Do this by simply hooking the hook into the retention strap and swinging it towards the trailer until it makes contact with the trailer wall with the awning fully deployed.

[GMFL]

Here are a few final pictures of my install again is not very difficult to do as long as you take accurate measurements and have the courage to drill holes and an extra set of hands for help this project is very doable and enjoyable.

[GMFL]

Almost forgot the last step once everything is mounted an in-place close the awning against the side of the trailer and adjust the top of the awning so that the arms go straight up-and-down do this by sliding the bead inside the awning rail until everything is square. Once that is done Zip Dee provides to set screws in which you screw through the awning rail into the awning be putting everything in place and preventing anything from sliding or moving.

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by GMFL

First step was to lay out the awning rail using the measurements provided in the installation instructions from the day I want you to stab list a mark on each end in the middle of the trailer I chose to tape the awning rail so that it would lift up like a hinge then tape the bottom in place. This would allow me to layout mark and drill all the holes then remove the bottom tape lift up the awning rail sweep and duster any drill shavings and apply bead of caulk under the rail before I pop riveted in place.

HUH? Glad I'm not trying to follow that!

[GMFL]

First step was to lay out the awning rail using the measurements provided in the installation instructions. Mark height on each end and the middle of the trailer. I chose to tape the awning rail so that it would be able to lift it up like a hinge. Tape the bottom in place while drilling holes this allows you to drill all the holes with out the rail moving. Then remove the bottom tape lift up the awning rail sweep and dust any drill shavings, apply bead of caulk under the rail, and pop rivetin place.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

HUH? Glad I'm not trying to follow that!

Note correction
Thought I did a better job than that. Voice texting and in a hurry. Without very good proof reading.
Thx

[Troutboy]

Nice work Ronnie!

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

Nice work Ronnie!

Thanks Rich. Without you it would have been much harder to complete!

[Troutboy]

Over on that airstream addicts site on Facebook, they are talking about factory install aftermarket, and the prices have been 3000 or more...... you saved a good amount

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

Over on that airstream addicts site on Facebook, they are talking about factory install aftermarket, and the prices have been 3000 or more...... you saved a good amount

Yep,
Got $1500.00 in it with the Sitka flex 221 and 5:45 in time and......
"I Know it is done RIGHT"
Again, Rich Thanks for all the pictures you sent. Helped a ton with my confidence level to be able to see photo details.

[Troutboy]

No problem, glad I could help. I'm sure I'll be asking for your help if I do this maxim skylight thing.