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Old 01-08-2014, 12:22 PM   #1
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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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Old 01-08-2014, 12:39 PM   #2
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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.
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Old 01-08-2014, 12:43 PM   #3
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I also used some "shoe goo" and worked it well into the abraded fabric to prevent future fraying.
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Old 01-09-2014, 05:52 PM   #4
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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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Old 01-09-2014, 06:32 PM   #5
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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
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Old 01-09-2014, 07:31 PM   #6
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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.
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Old 01-09-2014, 08:25 PM   #7
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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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Old 01-09-2014, 08:40 PM   #8
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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.
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Old 01-10-2014, 03:54 AM   #9
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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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Old 01-10-2014, 06:37 AM   #10
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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.
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Old 01-10-2014, 06:43 AM   #11
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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".
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Old 02-20-2014, 01:59 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by exallen View Post
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.
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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Old 02-20-2014, 09:03 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicNo13 View Post
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!
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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Old 02-21-2014, 02:38 AM   #14
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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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Old 02-21-2014, 04:16 AM   #15
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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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Old 02-21-2014, 09:34 AM   #16
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Now, window awnings are a different story- yes? i.e. they dont have the wheel lock.
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Old 02-21-2014, 09:39 AM   #17
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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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Old 02-21-2014, 09:41 AM   #18
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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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Old 02-21-2014, 12:18 PM   #19
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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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