Visit our Popular Forums

silvermoon · 06-07-2006, 05:13 AM

We had our first awnings made at a local tent and awning place. They used a plastic insert that is sewn inside the fabric. It seemed to be standard type of construction. I have since seen the material on some sites that carry awning material.

Boondocker · 06-07-2006, 07:04 AM

How big of pain is it using a detachable awning? I like the vintage look, but is it worth the pain?

InsideOut · 06-07-2006, 07:28 AM

But by the second or third time it took only slightly longer than my neighbors with a Zip Dee. I can now do it by myself in under 10-12 minutes for intial set-up at a site and about 5 if its being reset-up, because the stakes and lines are already in place.

And taking it down is no problem, actually in a sudden wind storm it's even easier, loosen the lines and the wind actually helps it come out of the rail.

Shari

dmreilly10000 · 06-07-2006, 08:06 AM

When I bought my 1991 Excella 1000, the dealer had 2 that were almost identical on the lot. Both were about in the same condition. I chose the one I did because it had Zip Dee Awnings all around. That made the difference for me.

InsideOut · 06-07-2006, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmreilly10000

When I bought my 1991 Excella 1000, the dealer had 2 that were almost identical on the lot. Both were about in the same condition. I chose the one I did because it had Zip Dee Awnings all around. That made the difference for me.

If they were the same price, I would have done the same. Value add...

Shari

Boondocker · 06-07-2006, 08:59 AM

Hey Shari,

Can you post some detailed pictures of how the smaller awnings attach?

and I wonder if you could tell us what information the company that made your awnings asked for? thanks

InsideOut · 06-07-2006, 09:09 AM

I can post some more pics of the small awnings but not until later this evening, I will need to set one up tonight after work.

All the info I gave the order folks is on my website, the valance edge type, length of the awning rail and fabric. If you look at their website it's pretty easy to navigate and/or call them and they can talk you through the order, the gal I spoke with Tonya, was WONDERFUL! Not sure if she's still there though...it's been awhile since I placed my order. Their fabrication/shipping was also really quick, I think I had the awning in about two weeks from when I placed the order...about half the time they quoted.

Good luck if you decide to order through them, you won't be disappointed.

Shari

InsideOut · 06-07-2006, 09:26 PM

Opps...I almost forgot! It started getting dark so I rushed out to take the pics I promised...here they are, sorry for the poor quality, I can take more in the daylight this weekend. These will have to do for now ~

Basically, each finished window awning is exactly the size of the window plus the valance (hanging down part) at the bottom. They each have two pockets at the bottom corners and two or three "female" snaps at the top (two on all the windows except the back one which is bigger). The window frames have corresponding "male snaps riveted onto the frames. I used stainless steel rivets & snaps for this because I felt they were stronger.

Of course if you have Corning frameless windows, these awnings won't work for you. I have two different style frames on our windows, the front & back are different from the sides. I don't use a front window awning because we have the fiberglass rock shield there.

To use them you slip the pockets on the bottom corners of the open window and snap the tops to hold them in place. You can close the windows with them on, but not latch them. I am lucky all my windows are the same size, except the back one, so the awnings are all interchangeable. If your window sizes vary or if your snaps are a little "off" you may need to label which ones go where.

Shari

Ultradog · 06-07-2006, 10:25 PM

So many good reasons for having the awnings. Still, aesthetically, I prefer these trailers without the hardware and appurtenances hanging all over them. Also, mine has the long curbside Zip Dee. I'm 6'1" agile and mechanical
yet would probably not put it up if I didn't have a help mate.
Perhaps InsideOut is on the right track: Find something with the look plus the ease of deployment.

Forrest · 06-07-2006, 11:13 PM

Without a doubt the more stuff we put on the less aerodynamic the Airstream becomes. It probably doesn't take too much to ruin the airflow, both on the roof and hanging down from the pan. I even suspect that a rolled up awning creates lift in a crosswind, or when being passed by a big truck. Instead of the pressure flowing around the body, the awning tube creates a low pressure area on top. I'd love to see a study on that to test my hypothesis. It could explain some instances where drivers have lost control.

Forrest · 06-07-2006, 11:27 PM

Still, I love my ZipDee awning. Shari said she can get her vintage style awning up almost as fast, but she's dreaming. I've timed getting my ZipDee fully deployed, locked in position, and can easily do it in under sixty seconds and often only take 45 seconds. I've watched Shari staking hers out by herself and five minutes is if everything goes well. Keep in mind that a vintage style awing has to be staked. There is no option on that. I can stake my ZipDee for added stability, but don't have to. There are places where a ZipDee can be deployed, but you can not drive stakes. Sites where you are parked on a lot of loose gravel, or sand that will not hold a stake. Sites that are so rocky that you can not drive a stake. Sites that are asphalt or concrete (parking lots for instance). Sites that are water logged and the ground is too muddy to hold a stake. So on and so forth, and in all those situations a ZipDee can still be used. But there is a price to pay for that convenience.

InsideOut · 06-07-2006, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Without a doubt the more stuff we put on the less aerodynamic the Airstream becomes. It probably doesn't take too much to ruin the airflow, both on the roof and hanging down from the pan.

Interesting, however aesthetics and price were more of a concern for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Keep in mind that a vintage style awing has to be staked. There is no option on that.

True. However I haven't run into a place I couldn't set it up. I have tied a rope to a tree before...

One other thing is when we are at a tight gathering, like some rallies, we do require more room between our trailer and the next one in order to set it up...uh, is that a bad thing?

Whatever works, not everybody is going to agree...as I stated in Post #13, "it's another point of view" for the aesthetically-minded or $$$-challenged folks.

Shari

47WeeWind · 06-08-2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Keep in mind that a vintage style awing has to be staked.

Meaning its far more difficult to kill vampires with a Zip Dee.

InsideOut · 06-08-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Interesting, however aesthetics and price were more of a concern for me.

The other driving concern was the awning arm interfering with the door. Our door is hinged on the right. The ZipDee arm would be right next to the hinged side of the door, which would prevent the door from being opened 180 degrees. Whether or not the awning was lowered, the arm would interfere. With the door-in-a-door of the early 60's that means I wouldn't ever be able to latch open the screen portion either, it would only open 90-degrees. I do know there used to be releasable arm bracket that would allow the door to open when the awning was employeed, however it wouldn't help it the awning was stowed and that part is no longer available.

Shari

wheel interested · 06-08-2006, 06:16 PM

Well the vintage awning sure looks great with the vintage units. I find the rope lines very nostalgic and camp like. I wonder if I could make some window awnings for the safari using your method of attachment or something similar. Good pictures Shari.

What I would like to see at the next event though is the awning deployment competition, I think the sport could catch on and be even bigger than log rolling.

InsideOut · 06-08-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheel interested

I wonder if I could make some window awnings for the safari using your method of attachment or something similar. Good pictures Shari.

No reason you couldn't as long as your windows hinge open at the top!

Shari

Kevbo10 · 06-08-2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Without a doubt the more stuff we put on the less aerodynamic the Airstream becomes. It probably doesn't take too much to ruin the airflow, both on the roof and hanging down from the pan. I even suspect that a rolled up awning creates lift in a crosswind, or when being passed by a big truck. Instead of the pressure flowing around the body, the awning tube creates a low pressure area on top. I'd love to see a study on that to test my hypothesis. It could explain some instances where drivers have lost control.

oh my... the flying nun on one side and dumbo on the other... lost control??? hypothesis... how bout somebody has way 2 much time on there hands... lord pass the mushrooms... kevbo

loudruff · 06-08-2006, 10:10 PM

This is a photo of our vintage awning. We bought it inexpensively at an SOB Dealership "Garage Sale". We had to replace the spline and found the appropriate sized wire at the local hardware store, so that it would slide into the track and not pull out the side. An easy fix.
Lou and Larry

Forrest · 06-08-2006, 11:05 PM

I suppose you just might be pimping me kevbo, but one of our unit members had his 30' Airstream go airborne when he attempted to pass an eighteen wheeler loaded with hay bales. Witnesses told him that his Airstream simple lost contact with the road surface and was pushed off the highway. There are serious implications, but pooh-pooh on me for using my imagination.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 06-08-2006, 11:55 PM

I sure would like to clock Forrest setting up his awning in 45 to 60 seconds. I can't even unscrew the awning hold downs in that time. I guess with a little more practice, my wife will be able to time me with a stop watch instead of the sun dial we use now.

Bob