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Airy · 04-23-2011, 11:52 AM

Hello and Happy Easter to all!

We have a 1994 Ecxella 1000 we are beginning to do some maintenance and upkeep on, having bought it from the original owner last year. My question is this: It has 6 awnings, all in good shape, but I don't really want awnings. Are these things that Airstreamers might be interested in? Is there are market for such items?

I'm new to this, so please forgive me if the question seems simplistic.

Thanks in advance!

DanielB · 04-23-2011, 12:02 PM

The awnings actually do serve some practical purpose. They didn't put them on there just because they are ugly.
I might hold on to them for a while just to see if you might want to use them after all.
They do block sunlight and are awesome if you want to have your windows open when it is raining.

Gypsy Jo · 04-23-2011, 12:24 PM

Awnings are nice to have when it is sunny and warm it is like having your own shade.
But if you still want to get rid of them I might be interested. Would need sizes, pics would be good to.
Jo

Naper · 04-23-2011, 01:54 PM

You might want to hang on to them. If you ever decide to sell your AS not having the awnings will affect the resale value.

**azflycaster** · 04-23-2011, 01:55 PM

There are brackets that are attached to the skin of the trailer with screws and rivets. If you remove these (2 per arm) you will need to do something with the holes (3 per bracket).

overlander63 · 04-23-2011, 02:17 PM

Those awnings were installed there to help the air conditioner keep the interior of the trailer below the temperature of molten lead. I'd think twice about removing them.

richinny · 04-23-2011, 02:42 PM

you'll miss the awnings!

Mike Leary · 04-23-2011, 02:49 PM

Cripes, I'm just across the pond from you, I'll come up and help you remove them (If they are Zip-Dee) and haul them away for free.

**jcanavera** · 04-23-2011, 02:55 PM

An Airstream's aluminum skin will not reflect sun like a light colored SOB. My '01 Safari only came with a street side awning and I soon learned that in full sun heat, the AC unit was not capable of keeping the interior comfortable. I added an almost full length awning on the curb side and found that AC performance was improved.

If you do decide to remove the awnings you can always put in a rivet into the holes that were used to support the awning. The worker who installed that new streetside awning made an error and drilled two holes too low. When I went to pick up the trailer, the dealer told me the mistake and showed me that I now had two extra rivets that covered the holes. Since the rivets were in the same vertical line as the rivets that held trim, you would never had know that they were not originally supposed to be there.

Bottom line keep the awnings. I think you will eventually want to use them one day.

Jack

Michigander · 04-23-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airy

Hello and Happy Easter to all!
.........It has 6 awnings, all in good shape, but I don't really want awnings.........Is there are market for such items?

Thanks in advance!

I think you should keep them, also. If you really want to get rid of them and they are in decent condition, then post them in the classifieds. Somebody will buy them as long as you price them right. (See tool bar above.)

Mike Leary · 04-23-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michigander

I think you should keep them, also. If you really want to get rid of them and they are in decent condition, then post them in the classifieds. Somebody will buy them as long as you price them right. (See tool bar above.)

My offer still goes, but I'd like a Zip-Dee for the rear window, which I will buy from you. The others may be hard (expensive) to ship if their length is over 6'.

Melody Ranch · 04-23-2011, 06:45 PM

You will be very, very, sorry.

scf31 · 04-23-2011, 07:18 PM

dont do it, keep em,

Mike Leary · 04-23-2011, 07:39 PM

I hope my (tongue firmly in cheek) offer has, hopefully, convinced the OP to keep the awnings.

6PackCharlie · 04-23-2011, 10:16 PM

You camp somewhere hot, and you will wish you had them.

overlander63 · 04-24-2011, 06:32 AM

I think 14 responses, all basically letting the OP know we think they're nuts for wanting to get rid of perfectly good awnings, has allowed them to see the error of their ways...

sandlapper · 04-24-2011, 07:09 AM

Keep them, sooner or later you'll be glad you did. Promise.

Airy · 04-24-2011, 07:34 AM

Happy Easter!

I thank you all for your input.
It's great having such expertise/experience available on this site.

I know you people in warmer climes advise against it, but lack of sun is the issue here in the PNW. Everyone I know who uses the awnings up here says they rot from the wet...

I think I am going ahead with getting rid of the awnings, but first I will have to figure out how to get them off, and then look into the classifieds (thank you for the info).

What do I do to cover the holes if I take these out? Clear Silicone caulk?

Mike, I will look at see if it is a Zip-Dee (is that a brand name or something?)
I am sure one of those will fit. What is the dimension again that you need?

You are all great - what a treasure this site is for newbies like me.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

Melody Ranch · 04-24-2011, 08:32 AM

You will be very, very, very sorry. Who told you an awning with Sunbrella will rot. Please reconsider.

Mike Leary · 04-24-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airy

Mike, I will look at see if it is a Zip-Dee (is that a brand name or something I am sure one of those will fit. What is the dimension again that you need

Yes, Zip-Dee is the brand most Airstreams run, you should see their logo on the awning arm. I'll do some measuring, seems like the window is around 4' wide, maybe one of the forum members has a rear window awning that could give the dimensions. I'd get a rivet gun and use vulcum (sp?) caulk to seal them. My offer to help is still good, have not been over on Whidbey Island for a while. Pics of your trailer?