Zip Dee Awning Will Not Retract

[kennytheecat]

The awning that came with the airstream we bought has never retracted since we got it. I still use it, but when we need to roll it back I do it all by hand. And now I would like to get to work on repairing it. I am assuming the spring is busted.

How do I go about checking that?

I have read on some of the threads you just need to drill out the four rivets on the spring side, but I am not sure how to tell which side is the spring side. Our awning is on the curbside.

Is the spring on the side closest to front or back?

And should I assume the spring is the problem and just get to opening it up or is there something else I should check first?

Thanks in advance.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by kennytheecat

The awning that came with the airstream we bought has never retracted since we got it. I still use it, but when we need to roll it back I do it all by hand. And now I would like to get to work on repairing it. I am assuming the spring is busted.

How do I go about checking that?

I have read on some of the threads you just need to drill out the four rivets on the spring side, but I am not sure how to tell which side is the spring side. Our awning is on the curbside.

Is the spring on the side closest to front or back?

And should I assume the spring is the problem and just get to opening it up or is there something else I should check first?

Thanks in advance.

DON'T TOUCH THE AWNING, PERIOD.

Unless you are familiar with the spring setup, leave the awning alone, as it can severely hurt you.

But, you can call Zip Dee, at 800-3382378, and explain the situation.

They will verbally teach you how to check it out correctly, and/or send you the instructions.

Since you have a computer, they can send the info to you that way as well.

Once you are properly informed, you can solve the roll up issue, post haste.

Andy

[BigAl]

Andy's right. If the spring is under tension it can take your hand off if you do something in the wrong order.
AL

[kennytheecat]

The spring was fine. All I had to do was rewind it. I don't know why the PO didnt have it wound. Maybe I will find out! But as of yet the awning works great.

[TBRich]

Isn't it great when something is less of a problem than you originally thought it was going to be?! Whew!