Installing street-side "patio" awning

[SYC2Vette]

Our 20 footer did not come with the optional street side "window" awning. We are adding a Zip-Dee "patio" awning to the street side. Interestingly there is a full length extrusion on that side already to accommodate a patio awning, but if we installed a window awning it would require a new extrusion installed below the existing one.

Is there any reason (other than some added weight) we would not want to install a full size patio awning on the street side?

[SpinWhite]

A full length street side Zip Dee patio awning would sure make that side cooler and maybe help the refrigerator work better. Search for this " Street-Side Awning for 2007 Safari FB 25'? " in the exterior restoration > awning. A nice discussion on street side awning. Plus pictures.

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by SpinWhite

A full length street side Zip Dee patio awning would sure make that side cooler............ Search for this " Street-Side Awning for 2007 Safari FB 25'? " in the exterior restoration > awning. A nice discussion on street side awning. Plus pictures.

Thanks that is helpful, the discussion contained links to other useful discussions. Some mention of site width being a potential issue for extending both awnings, but most of the sites we have stayed at were plenty wide enough and often had views from both sides of the site. Also our 20' is short enough to angle it rather than straight in. Placed order but backordered due to "Pacific Blue Fancy" fabric being out of stock. In line behind other orders so looks like Dec/January which is fine.

[SpinWhite]

Will you be installing a patio or the shortie awning?

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by SpinWhite

Will you be installing a patio or the shortie awning?

The full patio awning, same as the oem "curb side"

[Captn.Ken]

I really like our street side awning. It was on our 2018 Flying Cloud 26U when we bought it. It does help with keeping that side of the trailer cooler.

[Streamracer]

Interesting, I've never seen a patio awning on street side of any trailer.

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by Streamracer

Interesting, I've never seen a patio awning on street side of any trailer.

I believe it should work fine, just need to verify clearance to rear strut mounting and utility connections.

[SpinWhite]

SYC2Vette have you gotten and installed your street side patio awning? I called AS customer service to get the length of the awning for our FC 23FB. I also asked if they knew of any problems installing the patio on the street side. He said there shouldn't be a problem.

[Shiny16]

The patio awning on mine is always retracted when unattended for fear of sudden gusts or rain. The short awning on the street side stays out with no worries. I’m not sure a patio awning on the street side would get much use.

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by SpinWhite

SYC2Vette have you gotten and installed your street side patio awning? I called AS customer service to get the length of the awning for our FC 23FB. I also asked if they knew of any problems installing the patio on the street side. He said there shouldn't be a problem.

It is on the way, shipped Monday Oct 26, (the fabric restocked quicker than predicted).

Looks like if I angle the AS in the covered parking I can get enough clearance to the support posts to install it and deploy it. On our 20 footer the mounting locations are same as the existing patio awning and there is no problem with clearance to any components or utility connections.

[Shiny16]

Cool thing is it might look like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when they are both deployed.

[SYC2Vette]

Installed the arms this morning, no real surprises.

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by SpinWhite

SYC2Vette have you gotten and installed your street side patio awning? I called AS customer service to get the length of the awning for our FC 23FB. I also asked if they knew of any problems installing the patio on the street side. He said there shouldn't be a problem.

Although my 20' worked with an awning identical in length to the factory "curbside", for your application just be sure to check the arm locations for potential window or utility interferences.

[SpinWhite]

Thanks for keeping me updated.

[SYC2Vette]

Completed the installation, and happy with it. A couple of comments.

1) The full size patio awning is fairly heavy, so it does cut into your available GW, additionally it carries most of the weight up high, so not a great location although I don't expect any noticeable effect of that.

2) The ZipDee youtube video, and the written instructions are pretty straightforward as far as installation, just be aware that you may need to fine tune some of the locations for the brackets before you drill any holes. Go slow. Also, a helper is needed for at least the spring winding step, I did everything else by myself with the aid of two adjustable step ladders, but some steps would be easier with a helper. Again, mandatory to have a helper to hold the roller in place while you wind the spring.

[SYC2Vette]

Another update. I was having an issue where when rolled up, there was a fold of material at one end. Turns out the awning is approximately 1/2" longer at one end to compensate for what I guess is AS not being exactly the same width from top extrusion in front vs top extrusion at rear.

So by reversing the awning end to end, the difference is essentially doubled to creat the fold when rolled up.

I talked to Zip Dee and they said a solution would be to add material in the space between the fabric and roller to effectively increase the diameter at that end. I am going to try a length of foam and/or something more rigid. I already tried a doubled a piece of nylon strap and that helped.

So, bottom line is before you go forward on whatever model you may want to attempt this on, deploy the existing patio awning and measure from the edge of the metal cover slat to the seam at the roller. If they are different then see if you can order a custom from Zip Dee, or know that is a potential issue to deal with.

[SYC2Vette]

Adding a photo of the completed installation. Love it. Imagine we will often use the "partially deployed" option too.

[SYC2Vette]

Recently returned from our second long trip with new "streetside" awning and this upgrade has been a very useful addition.

With the awning deployed on the "sunny side" the interior temperature was dramatically reduced.

When there was a good view out that side raising it to the top adjustment provided shade without obstructing the view.

Even in a tightly spaced park like Clear Creek in Golden Colorado, there was enough room to fully deploy both awnings without intruding on our neighbor's space. With the awning in the lowest position it also provides for increased privacy.