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Old 09-20-2014, 09:31 AM   #1
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Zip Dee awning lift handles - well worth it!

I had a chance to use my handles for the first time a couple weeks ago, and they're a big help. If you're on the fence about them, like I was due to the price, go ahead and bite the bullet.
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Old 09-20-2014, 09:37 AM   #2
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I bought a pair a few years ago, and was not as enamored as you. Although they, in theory are a big help, mine began slipping on the awning arm after awhile. Especially after cleaning and a silicone spay application. They just don't bite well on the awning arm. Took them off and just lift by the roll tube.
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Old 09-20-2014, 09:59 AM   #3
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I guess it might be the case then that your choices are (a) fastidious maintenance or (b) lift handles. My trailer sits out in 115 heat all summer, which cooks the silicone out pretty quick.
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Old 09-20-2014, 10:14 AM   #4
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I installed the handles before our last trip and since I am 5'6" I like them a lot.
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Old 09-20-2014, 10:18 AM   #5
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It could be that the "biting edge" needs occasional "sharpening" too. I just decided they weren't worth the hassle. I'm 5'10" and can reach the roll all the way to the top notch on tip toes. If the site slopes off a lot, I use the step stool, which I use to get a good pull on the horizontal arms anyway.
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Old 09-20-2014, 10:19 AM   #6
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Maybe I just am not using them right, but they seem more trouble than they are worth to me.
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Old 09-20-2014, 10:28 AM   #7
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You have to be sure that you keep quite a bit of torque on the handle while lifting.
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Old 09-20-2014, 10:29 AM   #8
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I put a set on a few years ago when we first got the trailer because I was having some difficulty putting the awning up.

I liked them a lot at first and found they did indeed make things easier, but more recently, I find it just as easy - maybe easier - to just push up on the awning roller.

If there is an advantage to the handles, I suppose maybe it is that when you get the awning higher, you can move the handles to a new position further down the awning arm to make it more convenient.

Mine are still installed - sometimes i use them, sometimes not!

Brian.
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Old 09-20-2014, 12:49 PM   #9
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At 80 yrs. old not as strong younger. I use lift handles then lower on arm then take another lift easy for me, also I have destroyed right rotator cuff and torn right bicep both non repairable, for me they are great. lifting on tube not an option. Before had carefree awning had lift handles on arms with out them could not raise arms. I tried to lift arms when at zip-dee fact. very hard put handles on with awning install well worth little extra money, Alo I found on amazon a resin 2 step stool that folds flat or open by a handle use to turn hold down knobs get much tighter than with hook, use hook turn small hook then to open awning. I learned about stool trick from airtandem [thanks Mike]
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Old 09-20-2014, 01:43 PM   #10
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Short (5'6"), Stumpy (no way am I going to put that in print), and grateful to have a pair.
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Old 09-20-2014, 01:59 PM   #11
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Yeah I am 6 feet tall and sometimes it's hard to reach up and push the roller to get to 4th notch - but I manage

I can see how these would be nice - it makes no sense but I cannot bring myself to buy them - oh don't worry - I find other ways to blow much more money on the trailer


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Old 09-20-2014, 02:05 PM   #12
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Hmmm, you learn something new every day. I'd never heard of these things so had to go Googling. I've never felt the need of help with the awing but I suppose the handles would be quite useful.
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Old 09-20-2014, 02:07 PM   #13
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Hmmm, you learn something new every day. I'd never heard of these things so had to go Googling. I've never felt the need of help with the awing but I suppose the handles would be quite useful.

I am 6 feet - at times i simply cannot push the awning rail high enough without a step stool - in those cases I grab lower on the awning rail and push up - it's a bit clunky to do

Wondering if some AS's awnings are not as tall as talk as others ?


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Old 09-20-2014, 02:08 PM   #14
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In all fairness, I know there will be the day (God willing I live long enough) that I'll re-install them and need them.
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Old 09-20-2014, 02:25 PM   #15
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We have them too. I use them about half the time. Other times I just grab the arm and pull it out.
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Old 09-20-2014, 02:46 PM   #16
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I will get a lot of flack about this but people spend much money to buy AS & tow vehicle plus many other things for AS but cry handles to expensive when zip-dee awnings are in $3500 to over $4000 range.
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Old 09-20-2014, 02:50 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by featherbedder View Post
I will get a lot of flack about this but people spend much money to buy AS & tow vehicle plus many other things for AS but cry handles to expensive when zip-dee awnings are in $3500 to over $4000 range.
You'll get no flak from me featherbedder, I hear you!
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Old 09-20-2014, 02:51 PM   #18
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Zip Dee awning lift handles - well worth it!

Quote:
Originally Posted by featherbedder View Post
I will get a lot of flack about this but people spend much money to buy AS & tow vehicle plus many other things for AS but cry handles to expensive when zip-dee awnings are in $3500 to over $4000 range.

Insert flack here!



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Old 09-20-2014, 02:55 PM   #19
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Insert flack here!



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Hah, hah!
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Old 09-20-2014, 02:57 PM   #20
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I have them and use them each trip. The 4th notch on the front would be a challenge without the handles at least for me anyway. I too use a small step stool for the round knobs.
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