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09-20-2014, 09:31 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
1978 25' Tradewind
Metro Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,524
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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.
__________________
"Between what matters and what seems to matter, how should the world we know judge wisely?" - E.C. Bentley, Trent's Last Case
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09-20-2014, 09:37 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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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.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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09-20-2014, 09:59 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1978 25' Tradewind
Metro Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,524
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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.
__________________
"Between what matters and what seems to matter, how should the world we know judge wisely?" - E.C. Bentley, Trent's Last Case
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09-20-2014, 10:14 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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I installed the handles before our last trip and since I am 5'6" I like them a lot.
Larry
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09-20-2014, 10:18 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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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.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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09-20-2014, 10:19 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Maybe I just am not using them right, but they seem more trouble than they are worth to me.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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09-20-2014, 10:28 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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You have to be sure that you keep quite a bit of torque on the handle while lifting.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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09-20-2014, 10:29 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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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.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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09-20-2014, 12:49 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
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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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09-20-2014, 01:43 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2013 25' FB Flying Cloud
2011 23' FB Flying Cloud
Branson
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 734
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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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09-20-2014, 01:59 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Hoover
, Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,530
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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
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them...We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”
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09-20-2014, 02:05 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2011 28' International
Chatham
, Ontario
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,401
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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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09-20-2014, 02:07 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Hoover
, Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,530
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrUKToad
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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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 ?
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them...We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”
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09-20-2014, 02:08 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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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.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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09-20-2014, 02:25 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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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.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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09-20-2014, 02:46 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
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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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09-20-2014, 02:50 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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Quote:
Originally Posted by featherbedder
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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You'll get no flak from me featherbedder, I hear you!
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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09-20-2014, 02:51 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Hoover
, Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,530
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Zip Dee awning lift handles - well worth it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by featherbedder
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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Insert flack here!
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them...We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”
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09-20-2014, 02:55 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PharmGeek
Insert flack here!
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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Hah, hah!
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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09-20-2014, 02:57 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
2022 Atlas
Homosassa
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 729
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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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