Awning retrofit 2019 International 25RBT

[WickTed]

Greetings,
We are new Airstreamers with a 2019 International 25RBT. bought used. From the beginning the Zip Dee electric awning did not work. The dealer ordered and installed all new parts. However, after 3 months at dealer it still did not work. We were under the time crunch for our planned and much prepaid trip to Alaska, so we picked up the trailer with non-working awning.

In looking for alternatives, we ran across this NESO.com website and ordered the "gigante" in blue whale print, extra set of poles and screw stakes. We fastened on edge of the 135" square NESO to the corners of the awning, set out the stakes and propped up the poles. This has worked great in 30mph winds over a few days and a pop-up thunderstorm. Not a rain shelter, for sure, but it held up with a little sag that went away after drying. The material is not UV resistant over a long period, but at ~200 for all the stuff we ordered, it has been a life saver to create some shade. See pics on next post? (I am new at this, sooo).

Ted and Vickie

[Sadie9285]

Hi Ted
I purchased a Neso tent as well for those days it is too risky to put out the awning. Would you mind taking closeup photos of how you attached the tent to the Airstream? What did you use to attach the tent. I'm vertically challenged and require a 3 step step stool to reach the roller bar. Thanks!

[kb0zke]

Looks like a viable solution to power awnings. Probably a little more work than just pulling out a manual one, but a whole lot cheaper than replacing the whole thing.

[WickTed]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

Looks like a viable solution to power awnings. Probably a little more work than just pulling out a manual one, but a whole lot cheaper than replacing the whole thing.

Sadie,
Sorry, I have no pics. I use para cord to attach to the awning arms at roof. I connected a medium sized carabiner after some experimenting which made connecting and disconnecting faster. Staked out corners with poles located to allow door opening etc. Not perfect, but worked well.
Ted

[WickTed]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

Looks like a viable solution to power awnings. Probably a little more work than just pulling out a manual one, but a whole lot cheaper than replacing the whole thing.

KB0zke,
Worked well in Alaska mists. NOT good for rain. Too much stretch. Have now repaired Zip Dee awning and keep NESOs for other options, like over picnic table, or beach shade.
Ted