main awning blown loose

[BScott]

We came up to Tucson for two nights for a Dr appointment. We set up the main awning and we went to Davis Monthan to get some groceries. A large thunder storm came through with a lot of wind. When we returned the awning was hanging by one side and closed in an awkard manner. Got my step ladder out and saw that onlt three rivits were left holding it up. None of the arms were damaged, I wont know about the material until I can get it opened. Today I we nt to the AS dealer here and bought a bunch of rivite and a rivit tool. What kind of issues can I expect when the wift and I go to put it back up since it is spring loaded. Any help would be greatly appreciated...

[Lumatic]

Be careful with the arm on the spring side of the roller. People have been seriously injured including broken arms. The awning brackets should be attached to the frame members under the skin. You may have to rivet a plate to the body if the original holes are wallowed out. Zipdee awnings use stainless screws not rivets but you probably have a EZ Awn or Carefree.

Needless to say NEVER leave your awning out unattended and unless you want to run outside at 3am in your PJs, skivies or birthday suit it's a real good idea to not trust the weatherman and put your awning up before you go to bed.

[BScott]

It's a Zip Dee and it had rivits, do you think I could put screws in instead of rivits.

[Melody Ranch]

AND....do not forget to use plenty of Tempro or a good polyurethane sealer on each rivet (or screw) you use.

[Lumatic]

Personally I would use stainless screws. That is what Zipdee recommends. The people at Zipdee are user friendly, will give you some good advice and have the screws you need to use. In 72 I'm pretty sure Zipdee was not the Airstream factory installed awning so yours was put on later. Another good thing about Zipdee is parts for older awnings are still available and easy to get as the basic design has remained the same over the years,

[CRH]

I am not sure the OP isn't talking about the railing, especially if he had to use a ladder to see the missing rivets.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by CRH

I am not sure the OP isn't talking about the railing, especially if he had to use a ladder to see the missing rivets.

I assumed he was talking about the arm mounting brackets. The awning railing would be riveted.

[BScott]

I'm talking about the aluminum piece that attaches the awning to the roof.

[CRH]

Rivet it back on. Like said above, seal rivets with Sikaflex, Tempro, or Vulkem.

[badkat]

My main awning arms are hard to click sometimes setting it up. What would you use to make it easier to lock?

[BScott]

Got the awning back up and working good. Was worried the material was torn but it was good. Thanks for all the suggestions and support. Ready for our trip the 12th of this month to the beach at Del Mar, CA. The Marines have full RV hook ups right on the beach...