Zip Dee Awnings: While Boondocking

[Ray Eklund]

I preferred the Manual Zip Dee Awnings on the 2006 and 2014 Airstreams.

I do not like the Electrical Zip Dee Awning on the 2019... at all.

Why and What is the Difference?

The Manual Awnings were EASY to set up within five to eight minutes. It took less than 5 minutes to manually retract the awning, if the wind picked up. If I were on a time test for the fastest tine, maybe three to four minutes to set up and two to three minutes to retract the awning.

Lots of OPTIONS for Sun, Rain, Snow and Wind. Quick changes for changing conditions while at the trailer. Leaving the trailer... retract for safe storage.

You could also lower the awning, secure with rope and pegs / five gallon bucket of rocks on typical days near pine tree wind breaks. You have to use your 'noggin. Think before you do something.

It would take as much time to secure the mechanical awning if breaking camp. We often camp for than two days at one location. I may look young in my photo, but it is the lighting.

The electrical is very... slow to open and close. It also is not as secure as the manual adjustable, sliding bars system. The Electrical System is an accident waiting to happen, sooner than later.

The mechanical awning ends could be secured with a light rope secured to a Tent Peg in the sod, or a five gallon bucket of rocks if you needed the shade and wanted to secure the awning from a gust of wind.

The electrical is much too flimsy and the cloth is always loosely stretched once extended. We rarely use it as it is slow to open, not as tight fabric once extended and takes much too long to retract the awning back.

The mechanical we could easily take the side away from the entry door, angle it for rain runoff and secure that end with a rope and peg, or five gallon bucket on the ground. The bucket also would hold rainwater for Dog Water, if needed.

The difference for the consumer is convenience and the awning cloth was tight and did not sag.

The difference for the Airstream Dealer is the added profit. Electrical problems for extending and retracting the awning. Also more to fail and need expensive parts or a major repair after an 'injury'.

The mechanical awning had several parts that could be damaged. The Claw to attach to the awning rod. The awning interior solid rod could be bent, if a wind would be strong and not secured to the ground. If the sliding rod bent, it made it difficult to slide out or in. A new solid rod would be needed. The awning was secured with two attachments with a 'wheel bolt' to tighten and secure the ends when retracted. Easily... with a step stool. The step stool could be used for other needs, as well.

Step Stool: Window cleaning and cutting low hanging tree branches and... make up your own optional uses.

I have had TWO Airstreams with mechanical Zip Dee awnings. They were excellent, the awning cloth gets tighter with age. Like my tanned skin. Repels water in both examples.

My 2019 has the electrical over the entry side and a mechanical on the opposite side. One I like... the other is a poor excuse for an awning for the price. When you need to replace electric motors... consider getting the mechanical awning. Although the unused hardware would be difficult to hide stick onto the trailer.

You may say you really really love the electric awning. Hey... Great. You may also pay someone to fix your Airstream when something falls off. Your choice.

I like simple. Simple is good. Simple is cheaper than more complex modern mistakes added to our Airstream.

What is your experience? Am I being Neanderthal and like simple. Or need to think more like a Human Bean with money to burn?

I had to shorten this post, due to my lack of attention and avoided any controversial subjects like Tow Ball Grease and Tire Pressures while operating you awning.

[Ray Eklund]

There must be contrary opinions. Mine is focused on time to close an awning and then the possibility of some part failing, while on the road.

I forgot to mention that rather than the Step Stool... the manual awnings come with a rod with a hook on one end. Like at a Carnival, where you could catch someone and pull them over to sell a ticket.

I read some time ago an electric motor failed on the Forum.

What ifs were my business at one time. After two years working for Wyoming's OSHA, the 'what ifs' were a major theme of Safety and what could go wrong.

What about those with the Electric Powered System? Your experience and opinionare critical with a discussion.

If one motor fails, can the awning be closed, or opened?

An awning is rolled up for 90%+ of the time you own the trailer for the majority. Often for shade. Rain is next. Hurricanes... not needed.

Boondocking Off the Grid one must understand the pros and cons of everything. Some minor, like current windows that swing out.

I am working on our Landscaping. I take a break and then get back to raking and shoveling and trimming. It keeps me in shape to Boondock. I depend on my tow vehicle to operate as transportation. If the GPS dies... no big deal. I am already lost.

[Jeff7176]

I love my manual awning. I can stow it in about a minute if need be. Fortunately, I’m rather tall and have never used the little stick and a hook tool.

[KelloggKid]

We love our Airstream but between the shift to electric awnings, on-demand water heater, and electric refrigerator I won't be buying another new Airstream. These supposed "convenience" items may appeal to some and might work great if you spend most of your time in full hookup parks. But for those of us who boondocks or camp in campgrounds that lack amenities I feel like these are major setbacks. It's a shame that Airstream doesn't offer alternatives for those who prefer camping over glamping.

[hikingcamera]

Originally Posted by KelloggKid

We love our Airstream but between the shift to electric awnings, on-demand water heater, and electric refrigerator I won't be buying another new Airstream. These supposed "convenience" items may appeal to some and might work great if you spend most of your time in full hookup parks. But for those of us who boondocks or camp in campgrounds that lack amenities I feel like these are major setbacks. It's a shame that Airstream doesn't offer alternatives for those who prefer camping over glamping.

I hate to break it to you, but if you have an Airstream you are glamping, no matter where you camp.

[rbs]

if it would have been an option, we would have certainly went with manual opposed to powered. Ours runs slow, slower than slow actually, requires some manipulation, but it does open and close. It would be interesting to learn the cost of converting from powered to manual, anyone have it done?
Wondered why Airstream sticks with Zip Dee, when there are several manufacturers that seem to offer a better product?

[thewarden]

I would have preferred the manual over the not so relax, Relax awing. Since 2018 we have replaced the control board three times and both awning arms. Thousands of $$$s. It stopped working again a couple of years ago. I manually retracted it with the supplied tools I got very proficient at using, and I will never use it again.

[Ray Eklund]

My favorite are the manual Zip Dee Awnings. I have no complaint, which for me, is a remarkable achievement in itself.

The awning on the curb side has a cloth strap, centered to pull down the awning. Then you could hold the strap, secure and adjust each sliding bar to get the angle of the awning how you want it.

My 2019 27FBQ International has a manual on the street side. It is secured by a 'claw'. I zip tied the claw that secures the awning to the side of the Airstream. The claw, is not always snug and can fit loosely, when retracted tighter. It is simple and works every time.

It depends on how the awning rolled back when not in use. I advise anyone with this Claw Secure to the trailer be Zip Tied.

My 2019 Oliver Elite II has a Dometic Awning. It is a manual. You have a rod to engage the 'gear box' to manually unwind the awning. It is designed similar to the the 2019 Airstream Electric Awning, but crank it out.

The awning is supported, much like the Airstream Electric Zip Dee.

The difference is your awning fabric is always loose. You are suppose to unwind and then 'tweak' the cloth by cranking to close. But is is still floppy.

So... there is always something to make perfect.

Zip Dee has a perfect awning... the manual. The fabric will tighten with time and water proof after using for awhile.

If you see a Dometic... have someone show you how it operates. I understand Oliver did not want to blemish the side of the white fiber glass... but I am more interested in Function... and not a clean, sleek look.

I occasionally see Detached Awnings along the Interstate. Most likely from RV's and not travel trailers, as they seem to be very large. Be content your manual or electric awning is still attached as you travel.

[Gleverett]

You know there are those owners with handicaps that prefer the electric awnings and have never had a problem with them.

[Ray Eklund]

Originally Posted by Gleverett

You know there are those owners with handicaps that prefer the electric awnings and have never had a problem with them.

****
You are correct, although I do not know. I still prefer the Mechanical Awning over the Electric.

Have you found the Electric Power System easy to operate? What other options have you found that could correct difficult operation for various handicaps?

Do you use the Power Awning often or occasionally? How do the electric motors sound while using them? I recall mine sounding like a Dough Mixer that was on slow. Not a confidence builder as a product.

Have you contacted Airstream Jackson Center about Handicap Options? I could imagine Special Order Airstreams could be manageable, at an additional cost.

This opens up a Can of Worms for very specific changes on and within all Travel Trailers. Are there other obvious changes for specific handicaps?

Possibly a very interesting Thread to start. I am just old. I Boondock and have my specific needs for that kind of camping, as well. My needs are specific for Off the Grid Boondocking options.

Are foldout steps appropriate or can be modified?

Are the interior aisles easily accessible or possible changes?

Is there a specific Hitch Assembly that is easier to operate, weight, parts?

Are there better WD and SC Hitch options?

Is there a Tow Vehicle that is best suited for access, loading and hitching and towing an Airstream?

What length of an Airstream is easiest for a Handicap Person to work with?

I would open a Thread to Handicap Options for Airstreams, but I found it best for me to keep to Boondocking, a subject I know well from doing.

[uraljohn]

Availability of a Manual Zip Dee Awning was the reason we went to the Flying Cloud VS International in 2019.

We upgraded from 2017 International Serenity 23D (Equipped with a Manual Awning) to a 2019 Flying Cloud 25 RBT. The minute we found out that we could not delete the "Relax" Power Awning on a 2019 International we switched to the Flying Cloud. Actually glad we did. Like the FC cabinet doors/locker doors way better. Love our manual awnings (we have the full awning package), standard water heater, manual stabilizers, no porthole bathroom door, Etc.

Different strokes for different folks. I like old school for simplicity.

[Scott S]

Human Bean, compared to me you are living in modern times! My 1960 is definitely old school. A couple of decades ago my wife and I opted for a pole, line & stakes awning. While it is not good for an overnight stop, it has proven more durable to adverse weather than the Zip-Dee style awnings. Up until a couple of years ago I have been well pleased with our decision. Now we are older and less physically able. A manual Zip-Dee is now what I want. I really think that Airstream has made a mistake in going with the electric awnings. Yes, they are trendy, but as people are finding out, they have their problems and boy do they seem to be expensive ones! It is highly unlikely I would ever purchase a brand-new Airstream, but if there wasn't a manual awning offering, or at least an option to delete the electric awning, I can't see myself staying loyal to the brand I have loved for 55 years.

[hikingcamera]

Originally Posted by Scott S

Human Bean, compared to me you are living in modern times! My 1960 is definitely old school. A couple of decades ago my wife and I opted for a pole, line & stakes awning. While it is not good for an overnight stop, it has proven more durable to adverse weather than the Zip-Dee style awnings. Up until a couple of years ago I have been well pleased with our decision. Now we are older and less physically able. A manual Zip-Dee is now what I want. I really think that Airstream has made a mistake in going with the electric awnings. Yes, they are trendy, but as people are finding out, they have their problems and boy do they seem to be expensive ones! It is highly unlikely I would ever purchase a brand-new Airstream, but if there wasn't a manual awning offering, or at least an option to delete the electric awning, I can't see myself staying loyal to the brand I have loved for 55 years.

100%. That's how I feel about the ARB pole, line, and stakes awning in our last trailer. I could confidently leave it up overnight through pretty stormy weather. It was also bolted to a steel exoframe on our old trailer, not sure how well it would hold up on the rails on our Airstream.

[Dennis C]

The only Airstream that I have ever owned had a power main awning. It worked perfectly and it fully extended or fully retracted in about a minute. It certainly wasn’t slow. It was tight and secure when it was open. Maybe I just got lucky…

Camping out west and in the mountains means windy conditions are common. We only opened our awning when we were actually sitting out under it, and we closed it quickly when the wind began to blow. My approach was to close the awnings the first time that the thought “I wonder if I should close the awnings” popped into my head.

[ASWinos]

Back in my day, a truck always had a clutch. The dang clutch always worked, not like those darn autymatic transmissions. Momma and Poppa had 9 kids cause they knew they would lose a few along the way.


Our electric awning still works, at least until it doesn't.

[Mikebrady62]

I have really enjoyed our Powered Relax Zip Dee awning. No problems ever. Just turn it on and cycle it closed even though it is already closed. Then extend the awning fully in way under a minute. It does take some maintenance as prescribed in the manual but it just takes a small amount of cleaning and silicone lubricant a couple times a year. If yours is taking too long to open or close try it out. I was always told by my dad, " Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you." I have read that some have had to replace the control board, I think that is a small percentage though.
We do only use ours when we are at the camper and retract it as soon as it gets too windy but hey... relax, its only a push of a button and 30 seconds later the job is done.

[GettinAway]

I hated my electric awning when we bought our Globetrotter. It was not reliable. I was considering swapping it out for a manually operated awning. We never had any problems with our 04, and 11 manually operated awnings. Then I read about the batteries being needed to be at full charge for the electric awning to work. I had to get the generator out once, when a storm was coming in, just to get it to retract..
Then we had the lithium battery upgrade done. Wow, what a difference.. I’m now a believer. I love it. It sometimes goes in and out two or three times a day. All depends on wind, if I’m around, etc.. I can be sitting inside ready to call it a night, lean over and hit the button and listen for all the familiar sounds as it closes up completely.
I shoot some silicone oil in the little holes on the arms, and on the telescopic poles above. Wipe everything down, and it’s no trouble at all. I oiled the manual awning arms also.
Im still not 100% sure I love the powered stabilizers, but I'm getting there. I just do a little fine tuning with a cordless drill, once the first one makes contact. Seems to be an “ok” upgrade.
Given a choice now, I’d opt for the powered awning every time.

[Knotflying]

Our 2019 GT has the electric and we simply love it. Once in a while it will retract 1/2 way in with a dip vertically down (if that makes sense). I will simply hit the extend button then retract again all is well. That is the only possible negative we have on our zipdee. The only caveat I will add is I ALWAYS make sure nothing is in the extend space for the awning in the event it decides to go low instead of out and up.

[Sophiehaus]

Originally Posted by KelloggKid

We love our Airstream but between the shift to electric awnings, on-demand water heater, and electric refrigerator I won't be buying another new Airstream. These supposed "convenience" items may appeal to some and might work great if you spend most of your time in full hookup parks. But for those of us who boondocks or camp in campgrounds that lack amenities I feel like these are major setbacks. It's a shame that Airstream doesn't offer alternatives for those who prefer camping over glamping.

I totally agree. Airstream needs an off-road or boondocking trim level. I would like to see a boondocking addition that includes a three way refrigerator (electric, battery, gas) a two way 6 gallon water heater (electric, gas) a three inch lift, lithium batteries, manual awnings, Maxim skylight, single A/C, 16 inch rims, and fantastic vent covers. It could be the Cabelas addition, lol.

[KCurtis]

Keep those electric awnings lubed up and it will solve many of the problems.