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ThreeFingers · 09-16-2011, 10:28 AM

We own a 2008 27' International CCD FB that came with the Zip Dee awning. I have had to take apart the main support arm due to the aluminum main arm bar bending to a point that I was unable to retract the awning. I have bent back the bar many times to make the awning function. I called Zip Dee and found out that AirStream orders for our model International the "Alternative Aluminum main arm bar" due to weight. I was also told that everytime you have to bend the aluminum arm back straight it becomes weaker and will bend with less effort. So long story short, I just ordered from Zip Dee their Stainless Steel main arm bars ($83.00 each). They tell me they will flex, however due to the temper of the steel they will return to straight.
Has anyone tried the Stainless Steel? If so how did they work for you?

dznf0g · 09-16-2011, 10:52 AM

Exactly which pieces are you talking about? The end "sliding" arms running from the tube ends down to the lower AS sides, which are three piece arms?

The main roller tube????

ThreeFingers · 09-16-2011, 11:05 AM

The tube that has the solid aluminum insert with holes in it to adjust how far the awning opens, it is attached to the AS on the lower AS side and the other end is attached to the roller ends.

dznf0g · 09-16-2011, 11:29 AM

Ok, Mine has a ribbed solid aluminum rod at the bottom, an aluminum center tube section in the middle, and a stainless section which attaches to the roller tube end. I can tell you that the stainless is very strong.

Last month I forgot to tilt my awning before bed and it rained cats and dogs. In the morning, I found the rear support center section bent in a complete U shape, but both end rods were fine. I had to tweak the stainless section ever so slightly, when I got the new center section, but I mean just a tiny bit. I would recommend the stainless rods if you are having issues with the aluminum.