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Old 07-11-2015, 09:27 AM   #1
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1991 29' Excella
Mission , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Zip dee awning problems

I recently purchased a 29 ft excella and was trying to roll out my awning. In the process, I bent the aluminum bar that attaches the awning to the airstream. Rolled out it lined up straight and held up but when I went to roll up the awning would not retract all the way. The bent brace prevented it from completely rolling into the protective shield. Not want to leave it like that I pushed on the awning arm and managed to detach the arm from the base of airstream. The screws holding the awning the to the airstream were completely striped off by the force.
I've ordered the new part from Zip Dee, but I am worried about not being able to secure the bracket back to the airstream once the part arrives.
Has anyone ever had this problem? And if so what recommendations do you suggest to assure that the bracket will be securely attached.

Thank you.
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Old 07-11-2015, 09:35 AM   #2
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Biloxi , Mississippi
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My brackets are attached with two large screws and a single large rivet. The screws go directly into a frame member.
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Old 07-11-2015, 09:57 AM   #3
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1991 29' Excella
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Correct, mine is the same. However, the screws were yanked out from the bracket and the base of airstream and I am wonder if the screws will be able to tighten up enough to support the awning.
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Old 07-11-2015, 10:11 AM   #4
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You might have to go to larger screws.
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Old 07-11-2015, 11:59 AM   #5
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2015 25' Flying Cloud
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I have a similar problem, the screws are good but the rivet broke and now have a dent on the side of the AS we're the when opening up the awning.

I will have to take dealer when I get back at the end of July.
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Old 07-11-2015, 01:32 PM   #6
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1991 29' Excella
Mission , Texas
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Thank you for your input. I'll try original screws if not then I'll jump to a bigger size. It just hurts to see that I damaged my AS. ��
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Old 07-11-2015, 04:00 PM   #7
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beaumont , Texas
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zip dee

This is a common problem. A good solution is to make a mounting plate,,, out of aluminum plate. 1/4 in.. a little larger than the original mount size.Use the same location al original, with the rivets to the internal frame, slightly larger screws for the new mount. It looks just fine when finished, you can get the aluminum stock at any hardware store. and the screws also. Be careful with the rivets, got the right ones for the job.. the right length.and diameter,Once you have your parts, it is about a 20 minute job. good luck.. I know there are posts about this in the forum.. with pictures.. I think Zepp was the poster.
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Old 07-11-2015, 07:17 PM   #8
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1969 27' Overlander
Bonner Springs , Kansas
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You probably wont want to use this method for this. I think the plate suggestion is the best.

I had stripped threads in a water heater one time. I filled the threads that remained with JB weld. Once it dried, I re threaded this connection. It has been solid for ten or eleven years. Something that can be tucked away for future reference.
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Old 07-11-2015, 07:44 PM   #9
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Metro Phoenix , Arizona
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You might consider using a rivnut.
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Old 07-11-2015, 11:09 PM   #10
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1974 31' Sovereign
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Vintage trailer supply makes oversized Olympic rivets. That's what I used for mine. I also had to do the reinforced mounting plates to strengthen the area from PO damage half a!?d repair.
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Old 07-11-2015, 11:16 PM   #11
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Here's a link, Gesipa Olympic Rivets

The 3/8" 6-6 should work, unfortunately you have to buy a bunch . I think OODM or inland rv sells them individually.
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Old 07-12-2015, 08:56 AM   #12
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1975 31' Sovereign
North Fort Myers , Florida
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I you search Youtube there is a video from an AS dealer that shows how to straighten your support guides and not have to buy new ones.
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Old 07-12-2015, 05:26 PM   #13
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1988 29' Excella
Browns Mills , New Jersey
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I don't know if this will help, be we made a patch for the center support when the same thing happened. I will attempt to post a picture. Good Luck!
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Old 07-12-2015, 05:28 PM   #14
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1988 29' Excella
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here's the picture of the patch for our center support of our ZipDee awning. hope it helps.
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Old 07-12-2015, 05:35 PM   #15
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1988 29' Excella
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second attempt to send picture. Here's another thought..contact ZipDee, they are great to work with.having an issue uploading the picture..
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Old 07-12-2015, 06:47 PM   #16
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1991 29' Excella
Mission , Texas
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I will try Dixie's solution once my part is in. I am looking forward to learning how to fix these problems on my own and with the help of fellow owners, it should be helpful. Once again, thanks for all the suggestions. I will post pictures of my progress.
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Old 07-12-2015, 07:23 PM   #17
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1991 29' Excella
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Once again thanks everyone for their input. I will try Dixie's suggestion and try to post as I go. Sandi and bob. No photo uploaded.
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Old 07-13-2015, 04:54 PM   #18
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beaumont , Texas
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zip dee

You can do it. I have found so many people willing to help, and with a vast knowledge of all things airstream. The exterior design of these things is just rivets and sheet aluminum, both of which can be repaired. I think this is why so many are still on the road. Don/t be shy, if you need some help, ask, you will hear from a lot of members.
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