Any Thoughts on the Awning option?

[vswingfield]

I would order them if I were you. Especially where you live.

I only have the large curbside awning on my Excella and would like to add more. I recently passed on a large streetside awning on ebay that went for only $100. It wasn't the $100 as much as the shipping and the installation that was worrying me. I'm already kicking myself, but disposable income is short right now.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by barrettjl

Any Thoughts on the Awning option?

Yeah, don't leave home without 'em! We don't have ZipDees on our vintage rig, but I can't imagine camping without an awning of some sort...it sure makes the inside more enjoyable and expands the comfortable living space outdoors in "weather" - both warm sunshine & the liquid kind!

Shari

[az-streamer]

our AS came with the 3 awnings [main side, rear and off side] when we bought it from the p.o.

i guess it came that way new - i doubt they had them added.




but - living in AZ i sure am glad we got 'em. make a huge difference when you're trying to sit outside in 100+ degs w/o any other shade.

if i'm near enough i use bungee cords to secure the awning to a ramada or other structure - just in case of windy conditions.

i don't now if i'd buy one new w/o awnings all around.

[barrettjl]

Thanks for the feedback! I've changed our order to include the awnings. There are 3 on the 25FB, one over the back and two on the street side, one over the windows by the sofa and one over the bedroom windows.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by barrettjl

Thanks for the feedback! I've changed our order to include the awnings. There are 3 on the 25FB, one over the back and two on the street side, one over the windows by the sofa and one over the bedroom windows.

What about the main curbside "patio" awning? Was that one also added or was it already included with your intial order? To me, THAT's the most important one ~

Shari

[barrettjl]

Good question, and I wasn't clear about that. The curb-side awning is standard. The option is just the 3 additional awnings (rear, and two street side).

[nvestysly]

Short answer: buy the awnings - all of them available for your trailer.

We don't have a rear awning but wish we did. Maybe that's an upgrade when we go the the Jackson Center service center in May.

The street side awning is easy to pull out and it can stay out in most weather conditions. We use this one frequently and it really helps keep the solar load to a minimum on that side of the trailer.

The curb side (or door side) awning is very useful too. Don't be discouraged by the fact that it cannot stand much wind and rain. Simply extend it when you need it and retract when you're done. There are a few minor tricks to easily and quickly extending and retracting the curb side awning - be sure to install the Zip Dee sliding handles to help with extending/retracting the arms. Also take time periodically to wipe away any dirt on the extension tubes and spray the tubes with silicone (the clear silicone spray, not silicone grease).

Lucius

[BAB]

Think you'll be glad you ordered them. I added them when I ordered "Silver Leaf" last summer. Very easy to operate, look good, and doubtless will reduce heat load when the sun is beating down on the aluminum.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by barrettjl

Good question, and I wasn't clear about that. The curb-side awning is standard. The option is just the 3 additional awnings (rear, and two street side).

Only one street side, but it's a long one!

[HCR]

Get ALL awnings. Airstreams get HOT in comparison to fiberglass trailers.

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

The awning certainly helps keep the AS cooler, but we rarely use it. No matter when we extend it, it suddenly gets very windy and it has to be put away. We learned early with an old SOB not to leave it up over night to avoid having to jump out of bed and rush out to put it away in the middle of the night. We tend to be out doing things during the day so we don't want it up all day either. We might use it more if it was one of those electric models I've seen.

Yes, be sure you roll up the big awning at nightfall. You never know when the wind will come up or even a sudden big gust will twist and ruin it. And yes, if we're going to be gone for a long time during the day, we roll up the big awning: better safe than sorry! But even so, all the nuisance is well worth the sun shade and sheltered sitting-out, socializing space.

Vivian

[Lily&Me]

I think you want to have at least one awning.

We don't use ours all the time, but wouldn't want to travel without it.

There are times when weather is optimal for sitting outside, but would put you in full sun without the awning.

Heed the warnings about putting it up if you are away and at night. Also, develop a really good tie-down system.

We have found that long bungees, hooked to the awning at one end and stakes in the ground at the other, are the most effective against gusts of wind.


Maggie

[Travel Bird]

We are ordering our 27' International Serenity soon and for sure, we are getting the awning package.

[bilby05]

Originally Posted by WineStream

We wouldn't be without our awnings. Our trailer had them when we bought it. The Argosy motor home that we bought last year had no awnings. But, we don't want to camp without them so we're dropping the money on zip-dees all-around before we start camping in the motor home this year.

We have no awnings, but would love to have them. Even with the new AC we become a portable sauna in the summer. My question is: where is the best place to purchase them? Hardware and canvas. I have checked out the zip dee site and see the options for canvas, but the hardware seems to be quite variable. Is there a best location to purchase used hardware? Would like to have them all around.
thanks, bill b.

[tkasten]

Call Zip Dee and give them your trailer ser. # They can tell you the exact sizes you will need.

[casa3805]

Yep, the awnings are a great option, and they do make a difference. We have them on both sides and the rear where our bathroom is.
And you have more options for the awnings after you put them up...These make a wonderful shaded area on both sides. And naturally you can just keep purchasing additions like end caps for the awnings to go with these long shade covers....Shade helps in the Texas summers!

Wow, funny to look back on this pic. We have made quite a few changes since this was taken....ahhh fun memories...but I digress. Awnings are good!

[RoccoJohn]

I've found that the awnings really help in keeping the sun from entering into the windows , thereby reducing the heat inside the trailer. Especially noticeable blocking the sun through the rear window on my 27FB.

[Airtandem]

Change the order for the street sid to the single awning. You WILL need it to improve frig function. There is alot of heat there.

[barrettjl]

Originally Posted by Airtandem

Change the order for the street sid to the single awning. You WILL need it to improve frig function. There is alot of heat there.

I called the sales person to ask about this, who then called Airstream again. Yesterday they told him the 25FB awning option was 2 awnings street side. Today they went and "checked with engineering", and now say it is a single awning street side. There is no option to change it in any case.

On longer trailers, there may be separate awnings, but on the 25 (and the 27 on their lot), it is a single awning.

So, to correct my earlier post, the awning option we ordered on our 25FB is one awning over the rear and a long single stree-side awning that covers the sofa windows and bedroom window.

[ROBERT CROSS]

????? And the streetside is standard on all? most?.....right, rong??????

Bob