which way does rear awning rail mount for Zip Dee?

[Mixter]

My rear awning rail is upside down from all the others... wondering if its a problem?

I've been tackling leaks one at a time as I'm putting my shell back together... Wow- so many leaks!

The rear awning RAIL appeared to be leaking, but couldn't tell where. It was pop riveted on, so I decided to just drill it out, clean it up, and buck it back on with a ton of vulkem.

The area was tight to get bucking bar back behind it, and the install just seemed odd to me- like not sure if this is Airstream factory work.... Now that I'm completely sealed up on top, bottom and sides, I'm looking at it and realized that its upside down from all the other awning rails, which were mounted with the rivets on the top and the rail on bottom side.

However, the rear rail was mounted upside down from all the others, with rivets on the bottom, and the rail tube on top.... Does this matter???

Not sure what was there, or why it was done like that, as it had only the patio awning when I bought it and it was a Carefree. The rear and the sides had huge plastic/ nylon brackets olympic riveted next to the windows. I dont know what kind they were.

I've since bought all zip dees as replacements for the renovation. Doesn't "look" like it will be a problem, but wondering if anyone else's was done this way, and why.

Thanks much!
Mic

[Lumatic]

The rear awning rail is sometimes mounted upside down depending on the position of the rear marker lights so it will interfere with the window or marker lights. Should not be a leak problem as long as the Vulkem caulking is intact

[Mixter]

awesome- Thanks!

[Mixter]

Does Airstream use pop rivets to install the window awnings? Or is this a PO install method? I'm seeing a bunch of rusty steel head pop rivets both on the awning rails and even some on compartment hinges...

I'm guessing these are all a PO installed... maybe missing rivets replaced/ redone...? Can't imagine AS used steel rivets to install hinges or rails... Pop rivets- maybe, if they were an add-on accessory that the original owner bought.

[Mixter]

Just found this pic of a rear awning and rail- Its exactly like mine. Says its Carefree... makes sense now. Big plastic mounts, and this one even has the upside down rail.

http://cdn.airforums.com/forums/atta...5&d=1137513773

[Mike Leary]

Our 22' Zip Dee came down and would not come back, spring? Is it a bearcat or can I handle it alone? Thanks, M

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Our 22' Zip Dee came down and would not come back, spring? Is it a bearcat or can I handle it alone? Thanks, M

This post would probably get better response as, or under, a different thread as this thread in on rear awnings.

But in answer to your question, you can do it alone, but 2 people is safer and easier to both you and the equipment. The bearcat is if the spring is under tension and gets away from you. The arm can and has broken arms. I was lucky and it only got my thumb.

http://cdn.airforums.com/forums/atta...1&d=1241971561

See my thread "Airsteam Owies" if the above peeks your taste for blood and gore.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

you can do it alone, but 2 people is safer and easier to both you and the equipment. The bearcat is if the spring is under tension and gets away from you. The arm can and has broken arms. I was lucky and it only got my thumb..

A 22' awning freaks me out, I've heard horror stories, and not interested in campground stories.Thanks. M

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

A 22' awning freaks me out, I've heard horror stories, and not interested in campground stories.Thanks. M

Mike.

The rear (only) Zip Dee spring can easily and safely be replace by one person.

Proper instructions are the key.

Andy

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Mike.

The rear (only) Zip Dee spring can easily and safely be replace by one person.

Proper instructions are the key.

Andy

Thanks, Andy. Does Zip Dee supply instructions with the new spring?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Thanks, Andy. Does Zip Dee supply instructions with the new spring?

I think so.

But, call Zip Dee at 800-3382378 and ask for Linda.

Andy

[Mike Leary]

I found out from the factory that cut sheets for installation are available on their website. What a great group of people!