Any Special Storage Requirements for ZipDee Awning over Winter

[wabislander]

I have just put on a new ZipDee awning on our newly acquired 1978 Sovereign. After a rain, when I open the awning there is some water run-off that has accumulated (not puddling, just water in aluminum roll and on ends of awning). I am concerned when I close up the trailer for the winter that I will get moisture accumulation and mildew over the winter. Trailer is in Canada all year and only in use from June to September. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[HowieE]

No

The awing will pump moisture from the ends do the temperature changes but that will not cause a problem.

[idroba]

The Zip Dee Sunbrella material will not mildew. One of the beautiful things about the ZD awnings. If it is dirty from being extended for a long time, clean it prior to putting the rig away as some of the things that fall on the material can become food for mildew, but even that will wash off when you go to clean it, if it happens.

The only thing that a has ever happened to my Zip Dee fabric was that once ants got into it and built a nest when rolled up, and chewed some small holes in the material.

[CRH]

The threads in mine started to rot....Matter of fact, I just got it back from the upholstery shop from being restitched and am putting it on right now.

[wabislander]

Thanks for all the feedback.

[Jacob D]

Would you mind saying how much your new awning cost to purchase & install?

[wabislander]

I don't have the exact figures so these are ballpark.
Awning: around $1,500
Mounting hardware: around $600 (this is all of the necessary hardware, arms, boldts, screws)
Mounting track: around $60
Olympic Rivets: don't recall but there are around 4 rivets per foot on the mounting strip
Shipping to dealer: around $200

Because of the location of my trailer, I picked up the awning at the dealer and installed it myself. The directions were not great but I was able to figure it out. The most difficult part was attaching the awning to the mounting strip. If was a 4 person job (2 holding the awning arms, one on the trailer roof attaching and one feeding the mounting piece.

DEALER
Got it from Out of Doors Mart in North Carolina. They were very helpful with all of my questions.

[CRH]

What did "awning" include for $1500?

[wabislander]

The awning was (pardon my lack of mechanical ability) the awning itself mounted on the support rod and aluminum covering that wraps the awning when retracted. The main rod contained all of the needed spring assembly. Out of the box/tube, the awning just had the connecting bolts extending out from each end that you then attached the ZipDee logo'd hardware from the awning to the arms mounting to the trailer.

The ZipDee logo'd attachment hardware and all other mounting arms and brackets were part of the hardware kit and not included with the awning.

Hope that helps.

[NavyCorpsman]

I have the same coach. My Zip Dee is original and in near perfect condition. Make sure that it is bone dry before you roll it up for extended periods. If you should happen to get a little rain and have to move, remember to extend it when you get home, brush off any leaves and let it thoroughly dry. I leave my awning "as-is" with no waterproofing. It would only break down over time and cause problems.

[Tinkstream]

Sadly, ants have chewed several holes in my rolled up main awning. Disgusted...