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2wheelin · 03-29-2010, 08:09 PM

I have a 72' 31ft Sovereign rear bath that I have been in the process of "returning it to road" condition. My question, I have the oportunity to buy a used awning off of the same make. Mine did not have one! Will I have a problem with interference with my vista view windows? Is it worth installing or more trouble than it's worth? Is there a problem with them unfurling during travel? Please respond soon, I'm buying it tomorrow!

Thanks

Curt

memgrove2000 · 03-29-2010, 08:20 PM

Curt, We have the same trailer. Our awning on the curb side (over the entry door) is mounted above the Vista view window on that side. When the awning is open you can see it in the vista view window. It does not interfere with the operation of the window or the awning. When the awning is rolled up you cant tell it (the awning) is there. The benefits of the awning way out way the draw back of not seeing out that window while the awning is open.

**Kevin245** · 03-29-2010, 08:23 PM

We love our awnings and would add one if we purchased a trailer that did not have one already installed. The advantages an awning offers for us is that it helps keep the trailer cooler and it is great to sit out under during a rain shower. Our awning rail is mounted above the vista view windows so the awning does cover them but we never look out them anyway and the window shades haven't been opened in years.

Both of our trailers have old CareFree of Colorado awnings on them and we've never had an issue with them unfurling while traveling. Most brands lock when stowed for travel to prevent this from happening.

The only consideration for me would be parts availability if the unit being purchased was no longer in production.

Kevin

memgrove2000 · 03-29-2010, 08:42 PM

Here are a couple of pictures that may help you see. The first one is awning open and we are hiding from the rain, The second is at the Terra Port at the Airstream Service center and Factory just this last saturday (while I was installing the new tires).

AIR-Quarius · 03-29-2010, 08:54 PM

We removed our awning...after researching that some or most airstreams did not have mechanical pull outs...but more of a piece of appropriate fabric that slide into place in the 'C' channel thats runs down the top. So we will get an awning but not the big heavey extra weight mechanical contraption.

overlander63 · 03-29-2010, 09:02 PM

The awnings were a dealer installed option for most of the 1970's. If you look at the awning rail, it will tell you if the awning will cover the vista view or not. If the rail is above the window, it will (of course). Also, if the awning you found is still on the trailer, you can look at it to see where the rail is.

**azflycaster** · 03-29-2010, 09:27 PM

The first option I installed on my 75 was an awning on the curb side. I have since added another on the street side. The vista view was a small problem as the mounting point for the RH curved clamp sat right on the frame for the window. A slight adjustment to the clamp solved the problem.

If the awning is secured with a travel clamp, there is no way the waning can come loose during travel.

Boondocker · 03-30-2010, 08:01 AM

Awnings are pretty handy. Esp in the west where there may not be shade trees to get under. If it were me and I was going to add an awning I would probably pass on the time correct and go with a Zipdee.

I have a rope and pole awning on my Trade Wind. The down sides are you have to pound stakes and it can be a pain to put up. The upsides are it can stand a pretty strong wind and once up, it provides more shade than mounted awnings. Once mine is up I wouldnt trade it, but I have to admit, that it would be nice to be able to pop it out for lunch stops. Its all trade offs I suppose.

Lumatic · 03-30-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2wheelin

I have the oportunity to buy a used awning off of the same make. Mine did not have one! Will I have a problem with interference with my vista view windows? Is it worth installing or more trouble than it's worth? Is there a problem with them unfurling during travel? Please respond soon, I'm buying it tomorrow!

Thanks

Curt

In the 70s the awnings installed on Airstreams were Carefree brand. Earlier units had EZ Awn and I think A&E were also used. While Carefree is still around, parts are not. The other companies I think are defunct. I would put in a Zipdee as parts are standard and available. Installing yourself? It's not rocket science but a process of tweaking until you get it to work right. Unfurling during travel? 99.99% due to the awning not being properly locked down.

2wheelin · 03-30-2010, 11:54 PM

Thanks All,

Well I bought it! It will need some work but I think it was worth the $150 asking price, after looking at postings of awnings. It is a Zip Dee, were the trailer mounted tracks all the same for all awnings? Thanks again all! The pics will help with installation!

Curt

2wheelin · 04-06-2010, 12:58 AM

Mike, Richard, Lumatic;

I knew my trailer had an awning on it at some time, I went to line up the existing holes with the arms and found they do not match. It must have had a different brand installed prior? So I will use your photos to try to install this, but I appear to have different mounting feet than yours Richard? Is your awning newer?

Thanks

Curt