Awning tool for '04 Safari

[DJW]

Howdy, our new to us '04 Safari has a perfect awning. What I can't figure out is how to easily deploy it. I think I saw an "awning" tool in one of the other AS we looked at, but can't remember. Seems like there must be a devise to reach up and pull it down. Maybe also a doohicky that lets you unscrew the holding clamp wheels?

Thanks,

Don

[Foiled Again]

Yes there is a tool. I need a new one because I bent the sh..... out of mine (long story). Mine is about 4 feet long and is made of solid aluminum tubing - about 3/8 inch in diameter. It's handle is like a cane - and covered in plastic. At the opposite end there is a 90 degree bend about 1 inch from the end. This is what hooks into the little holes in the screw down thingies so you can loosen or tighten them. It also can turn the safety latch. When getting ready to pull out the big awining, you also use the business end to hook into the fabric tab that pulls the awning. Once you pull that out and can reach it by hand you no longer need the tool.

Funny thing - I've never seen one for sale at the Airstream factory store or at camping world, etc. Shouldn't be too hard to make one though.

Paula

[arodriguez60]

Here is a video from utube on how to deploy your awnig

YouTube - Zip Dee Patio Awning Operating Instructions For Airstream

[J5MM]

Thank you so much for posting that video! The awning is my job when we are setting up camp and I have been brought to tears a few times doing this on my own. I never even thought to pull up on the awning itself to extend it -- always was pulling up on the metal slide bar and almost lost my fingers a few times. Duh!

[ROBERT CROSS]

These have saved a lot of fingers at our campsites...


https://store.airstream.com/product_...roducts_id=298

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

These have saved a lot of fingers at our campsites...


https://store.airstream.com/product_...roducts_id=298

And they are well worth the money.

[J5MM]

Well I am happy to report this past weekend I succesfully and quickly deployed and retracted my awning in a matter of minutes, all by myself I actually couldn't wait to do it based on that video above and wow, what a difference. Hubby was impressed too (and quite happy I am sure not to have to console me and my tears).

Now that awning tool -- may have to give that a try...

[clancy_boy]

Opinion - I find the awning tool completely useless. It's much easier for me to bring out the folding plastic step I got from CW and stand on it to unscrew the two locks. I also use it to get the pull cord in the center of the awning. I never felt good about using the tool to tighten the lock screws and always got the step to double check - now I just use the step. The lever handles sold by AS and the awning manufacturer are a good thing to have. If you are handy and have acces to some - they are real easy to make cheaply.

[ck21084]

I also can not stand using that tool. I just prefer to reach up and twist them. I then pit my finger in the loop and pull. I am however 6'6. This helps some times but man is the door short.

[ROBERT CROSS]

never tried to stand on these....

[ck21084]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Yeah.... it is hard to stand on these....

Lol. Funny

[J5MM]

good idea on the step stool ClancyBoy. Thanks for that. I actually stand in the doorway and undo the screw on the awning on the left side of the trailer and use the tool for the 2nd one...and I agree, the tool is a pain in the *bleep* although I do find it very useful for fishing things out of the back of the truck that I can't reach.