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01-08-2014, 12:22 PM
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#1
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insearchoffun
Currently Looking...
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 26
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Awning lock latch alignment adjustment help
We have a 2012 30' Classic. The locking latch on our curbside awning appears to be mis-aligned. The awning doesn't clear, which is causing damage to the shell where it meets the fabric. Consequently, it makes it difficult to open and retract. Anyone know of some sort of adjustment that can be made. It seems like the shell should completely cover the fabric? I've attached a couple pictures, one normal latch, and the other is our latch.
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01-08-2014, 12:39 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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Yup, been there. Mine was caused by a rain induced bend in the roller tube. (My Bad) I got most of the bend out, but I then had contact with the lock just like you. I also noticed that the lock latches at the end of the tubes seemed a little high for the knob shafts to fit in without lifting the roller slightly. (NOT part of the rain bend issue) The fix was to remove the solid aluminum rods at the bottom of the support arm and take some bend out of them...flatten them slightly. Before, at the beltline molding, the arms had about 1" of clearance between the molding and the arm. I flattened the lower rod until I had about 1/4" clearance between the molding and arm.
I now have no scraping of the road latch and the end lock knob rods align perfectly with their respective slots in the latches.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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01-08-2014, 12:43 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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I also used some "shoe goo" and worked it well into the abraded fabric to prevent future fraying.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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01-09-2014, 05:52 PM
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#4
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insearchoffun
Currently Looking...
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 26
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Thanks Rivet Master. Had to think about your process for a bit, but I think I understand. I'll have to analyze it a bit and see if I can find the same solution. Looks like the fabric is okay so will put the shoe goo fix in the memory bank for now.
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01-09-2014, 06:32 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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Here is the link to many ZipDee service videos which one can use conversion software translate to even run on an iPad:
Instructional Videos
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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01-09-2014, 07:31 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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The safety lock on my main awning was really loose ever since we got the trailer (used)
and was difficult to engage. It seemed so loose I was always afraid I was going to lose it.
I lived with it that way for a couple of years (and never did lose it) but eventually I got up there with a screw driver together with the release rod t hold the latch and tightened it up just so it still had enough slack to rotate freely but was not flopping around, and then put a little loctite on the threads.
It has been fine ever since, has not come loose again, and lines up as it should for locking.
Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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01-09-2014, 08:25 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1977 Argosy 24
Currently Looking...
Milltown
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,087
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What does everyone think about not using the safety lock on a new install? I put a new Zip Dee on my Argosy but have not put the safety lock on yet. It seems poorly designed and I have had 2 other AS that never had the lock with no problems ever. Do you think it is necessary?
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01-09-2014, 08:40 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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A side gust of wind might start the unlatched awning moving and if it were to get under the fabric of the awning could create a large user unfriendly sail that could tear up both the awning and the trailer. Failure to install the part could be grounds for denial of a damage claim since it is part of the installation instructions.
Remember, insurance companies make money by denial of claims, not paying claims.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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01-10-2014, 03:54 AM
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#9
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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Am I missing something or has the design changed? On my main 20+ foot main awning, there are wheel locks on both ends as well as a can lock on one end. There is zero chance of any wind gust getting this to unfurl as long as those devices are locked in place. I have literally survived a hurricane and no awning opening!
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01-10-2014, 06:37 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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exallen, I think I do see some fabric abrasion on your second pic. Might not be any big deal, but I didn't want it to start fraying on mine.
Atomic, I am not sure what you mean by "can lock". Mine has two wheel locks and the road latch that OP has pictured.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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01-10-2014, 06:43 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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Thanks, Switz, I had forgotten that was one of Zip Dee's videos on adjustment.
Allen, it is the one entitled: "Adjusting Arms on a Zip Dee Awning".
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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02-20-2014, 01:59 PM
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#12
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insearchoffun
Currently Looking...
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by exallen
We have a 2012 30' Classic. The locking latch on our curbside awning appears to be mis-aligned. The awning doesn't clear, which is causing damage to the shell where it meets the fabric. Consequently, it makes it difficult to open and retract. Anyone know of some sort of adjustment that can be made. It seems like the shell should completely cover the fabric? I've attached a couple pictures, one normal latch, and the other is our latch.
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Turns out the awning (30' classic is long) had a slight sag. Windish in Lakewood took care of it and it seems to be working fine now. The fabric did have a little ware, but not enough to doctor. Thanks to all that helped with your ideas.
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02-20-2014, 09:03 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1976 27' Overlander
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 796
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicNo13
Am I missing something or has the design changed? On my main 20+ foot main awning, there are wheel locks on both ends as well as a can lock on one end. There is zero chance of any wind gust getting this to unfurl as long as those devices are locked in place. I have literally survived a hurricane and no awning opening!
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I'm interested in this answer as well.... I'm installing my new zip dee now and wondered the same thing... How necessary are they?
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02-21-2014, 02:38 AM
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#14
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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I am beginning to think the lock is to support the tube to prevent sag however I have seen these installed by the factory only a foot or so from the end of the tube.... my sag theory does not apply in this case. Still don't see why necessary. This is a fairly new addition as units from the past never had these. With that being said, I have a parts list dated from the early 1980s that lists the little lock as an accessory.... just like the "awning helpers" and center rafter vertical support.
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02-21-2014, 04:16 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,071
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My 1983 310 motorhome does NOT have the lock mechanism. When i first got the rig and watched the Zip Dee training video, i was concerned when i saw that the lock was missing and apparently had never been installed. I called Zip Dee and they told me that the older units just didnt have the traveling lock. I have not had any problems with the awning while on the road and they didnt make any recommendatuin to install one.
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02-21-2014, 09:34 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1976 27' Overlander
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 796
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Now, window awnings are a different story- yes? i.e. they dont have the wheel lock.
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02-21-2014, 09:39 AM
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#17
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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I guess both my coaches have the awning springs wound tight! There is a zero chance of them billowing out even in gale force winds. It takes a good grunt to pull any of them out.
I have a box of unused locks should anyone really want them.
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02-21-2014, 09:41 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1976 27' Overlander
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 796
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Even for the street side and rear window awnings? I guess my concern would be if those window awning springs broke... the catch would hold them up, similar to the main patio owning wheel locks.
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02-21-2014, 12:18 PM
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#19
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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Hmmmm
I hadn't given any thought to the springs breaking while in transit.
In this case you're right... no wheel locks or "z" lock to keep it from becoming a parachute.
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