New Awning Zip Dee or Carefree..???

Happycampers · 03-07-2004, 06:05 PM

Our newly acquired Argosy has no awning.. what would be the best to put on???? Thanks Annie

George Jr. · 03-07-2004, 06:29 PM

No contest.....ZIP DEE.

Happycampers · 03-07-2004, 06:34 PM

We have a Carefree on our 1976 Airstream and it is all right and we like it.. don't have any experience with Zipdee but have heard that they can be tempermental.. Annie

overlander64 · 03-07-2004, 07:23 PM

Greetings Annie1976!

I agree with George Jr. - - none of the other awnings, at least for Vintage Airstream products compares to the Zip Dee. My Overlander came with an A & E Travel Awn 5000 that was plagued with temperatmental operation from its first day - - after spending nearly the cost of a new Zip Dee on repairs for the Travel Awn, I splurged for new Zip Dees. They are so much easier to setup than the A & E and most other brands that I have observed. The other issue is finding the correct curvature for the arms as used on the Vintage Airstream products - - Zip Dee is about the only company that still readily supports the proper curvature. I know that there isn't any question in my mind that my Minuet will receive a Zip Dee awning when the time is right.

Kevin

Chitown AirStreamers · 03-07-2004, 11:46 PM

Did Zip Dee install it? Were you happy with the work? I get worried about someone drilling into my 30+ year old airstream skin.

Cedars · 03-08-2004, 01:25 AM

ZIP DEE!!

Because we were new and ignorant and the weather caught us unawares, we had a problem.
However.
We called Zip Dee and made an appointment at the factory in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Man! I wish everone did business the way this company does! Not only would they not sell us a total, new, replacement awning, they fixed ours. Said since it was fixible no need to buy another! Fixed the problem, straightened the main tube, straightened the arm supposrts, added a third arm, upgraded all parts to current parts! Because of all the money we saved on not buying a whole new set up, we were able to have them install the 10 foot window awning on the traffic side, the small awning for the bedroom window, and the rear window awning. For less than the patio awning would have been.
We then, while still at the factory, splurged on the shade cloth curtain for the patio awning, and they custom fabricated an end piece of the same shade cloth.
Six weeks later we discovered we had lost one of the little locking wheels. I gave them a call, and they sent us a replacement at - Get This - NO CHARGE!!!
It is a great product with great support from the factory. Check out their webpage for comprhensive maintainence guides.

Elizabeh in Iowa

Silvertwinkie · 03-08-2004, 07:36 AM

Zip Dee.....

Nuff said.

overlander64 · 03-08-2004, 07:55 AM

Greetings Chitown AirStreamers!

Quote:

Did Zip Dee install it? Were you happy with the work? I get worried about someone drilling into my 30+ year old airstream skin.

If I am not mistaken, Zip Dee will refer you to one of their authorized dealers for a regular install. While they often perform repairs and warranty work to existing awnings at their factory near Chicago, it is my impression from something that I have read that they refer initial installs to their authorized dealers.

Ace Fogdall RV in Cedar Falls, Iowa handled the install (on my Overlander - - awning(s) are in the planning stage for the Minuet) of my curbside patio awning as well as the awnings over the bedroom and bathroom windows (all matching Zip Dee Products). As a very Vintage Friendly Airstream Dealer, I have been thoroughly satisfied with all work they have done on both of my coaches. They very carefully measured for all three awnings before the order was placed, and were equally careful to insure that the awnings were properly installed. (Cedar Falls is about 300 miles from downtown Chicago.)

Good luck with your awning decision!

Kevin

Pahaska · 03-08-2004, 08:45 AM

After having 3 competing products on former SOB trailers, I have had 2 Zip Dees on my 2 Airstreams. I would never put another type of awning on an Airstream. The ZipDees set up and stow easily and fit the curvature of the Airstream correctly.

You can set up the Zip Dee from the ground with just the awning rod, but I carry a 2' stepladder to open and close the locking wheels by hand. Much easier that way and I'm sure that they are secure.

George Jr. · 03-08-2004, 09:31 AM

If your unit has awning rail from factory, self installation is a piece of cake.

I ordered Zip Dee direct for my 25' Land Yacht (now in new home in Florida) and me, a friend and six of our favorite beverages installed in under 3 hours.

Zip Dee instructions are clear and complete.

Good Luck,

Cedars · 03-08-2004, 11:27 AM

per Kevin:
(Cedar Falls is about 300 miles from downtown Chicago.)

Shipping to Ace Fogdale would have been over $150. (We live next door, in Waterloo) The main tube alone would have been $115!
Since we were heading that way, east, it made sense to do a factory stop for us, and save the shipping costs and time.

When we had to have repairs done to even get home when we trashed the awning, the factory referred us to a dealership just down the street from them.
When we thought we needed to replace the awning, the factory was happy to give us an appointment and do it there.
Actual costs were less by not only the 'no shipping' but in labor.

Maybe I need to get over being so cheap!

Elizabeth in Iowa

87MH · 03-08-2004, 03:09 PM

The ratchet stop on the middle Zip Dee ridge support went south at the Canton Rally.....couldn't find the "internals".

Called Zip Dee today to order a new part, gave "Linda" the shipping info, started to give her a Credit Card number...got cut off. She said part would be in the mail tomorrow, no charge. Also was advised that if, by some chance the part would not fit, just to call her, and she would send another -- and this is on a 20 year old awning!!.

It's hard NOT to do business with these people.

Zip Dee all the way.

Big Dee · 03-08-2004, 04:07 PM

Zip Dee has a simple formula for success.

Quality Company + Quality Product = Satisfied Customer

Inland RV Center, In · 03-08-2004, 04:26 PM

Zip Dee proudly strives to satisfy their customers.

On the other hand, if you buy a Carefree and try to put it on yourself, you will most likely find that is does not fit correctly!!!!!!!!

When you call Carefree, they will tell you, time after time, "AIRSTREAM PUT THE AWNING RAIL IN THE WRONG PLACE!!!!!"

Therefore, your stuck with the awning.

We speaking from first hand experience, with both brands.

We will not, "EVER" sell another Carefree product, because of their corporate "we don't care attitude.

Someone in the past forwarded our negative post to Carefree.

You are certainly free to do it again, as they are well aware of what they tried to pull on us, but missed the boat.

Andy