Manual Zip Dee Awning question

[Driftin Di]

We finally have good enough weather here in Nor Ca after all the rains to get out on the roads. We put up our new Zip Dee Awning on our 1958 FC 22" and it is all a manual install requires 2 adults to get it on and out. We needed a step ladder as well. Anyone have a suggestion for on the road how to make this process easier and not require the step adder? We decided not to upgrade to an automated Zip Dee so as not to ruin the authenticity of our AS but this is quite a bt of work to get on and off. And I know we have to take it off to travel and each time we move on and off. Any folks out there with advice?
Much appreciated!
Dianne

[Bill M.]

You should not need a step ladder. Do you have the Al rod that is used to unscrew the wheel locks on the top and to pull out the latch and awning? Using the rod you unscrew the wheel latches and fold them out of the catch. Then pull the awning latch. Then hook the rod in the loop of awning material in the center and pull down the awning all the way. Then hook the horizontal supports. Then push the awning up at each end while pulling out the support arm catches.

If this procedure does not work then you need to trouble shoot the awning. If rolling the awning up is your problem then the roller on the right end of the awning with the latch probably needs replacing. There is a bearing surface there that corrodes and can not be lubricated from the outside. It costs about $120 to replace the end. If you do not want to spend that you might try taking the old one out (you have to drill the rivets) and soaking it in something for a while. Cheap as I am I replaced mine and was amazed at the improvement. Is the spring good? Lubricate all the arms and sliding parts with Silicone spray. Keep at it until it rolls and slides easily. Maybe get someone to show you how easy it is on a properly working awning. If the latches are the problem get up there once and turn and lubricate them until they move freely. Look at the parts list on the Zip Dee site.

Hardest thing we did Airstreaming was to learn how the awnings work and to fix them on our 2 trailers. We got a lesson from the Zip Dee rep at a national rally. And it still took me a couple years after that to find and fix the sticky roller bearing. But once done they work fine.

Over all I have had to replace the main spring on one large window awning and the latch and roller on the right end on both main awnings. The awning is steel and Al and the Al corrosion will lock everything up when the awnings are not used for a long time. The more and more often you use it the better it will keep and work.

You really do not want an automatic awning. And the original awning will work easily with one person on the ground ONCE IT IS COMPLETLY LUBRICATED and adjusted.

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by Driftin Di

We finally have good enough weather here in Nor Ca after all the rains to get out on the roads. We put up our new Zip Dee Awning on our 1958 FC 22" and it is all a manual install requires 2 adults to get it on and out. We needed a step ladder as well. Anyone have a suggestion for on the road how to make this process easier and not require the step adder? We decided not to upgrade to an automated Zip Dee so as not to ruin the authenticity of our AS but this is quite a bt of work to get on and off. And I know we have to take it off to travel and each time we move on and off. Any folks out there with advice?
Much appreciated!
Dianne

Why would you take off to travel? Awning slides into awning rail at top stays there, then there are arms that fasten onto lower side front and rearward. I use fold flat step stool to turn locking wheels both ends easy in and out. My suggestion go on zip-dee web site to see how to do. If you are using rope and free standing poles with guy ropes why Pur. Zip-dee Maybe explain further what you are doing with awning as I have seen zip-dee that does not have arms attached to trailer and detaches from rail to travel

[Lumatic]

Google Zipdee you tube video

[64airstream]

Driftin,

I'm thinking you have a vintage style pole and rope awning (probably made by ZipDee or of ZipDee material). We use one on our '64 Safari for the same reason you stated. The installation requires a second person because the awning trailing end binds in the awning rail (pulled down slightly by gravity). We made a small device to make this a one person job. It is simply a small pulley mounted to a 6" piece of aluminum rod (diameter of the awning rail). Slip it into the front part of the rail and run a guide rope rope from the awning (eye nearest the trailer) through the pulley and toward the back of the trailer. Now feed the awning into the back end of the rail while pulling back on the rope through the pulley. You keep the awning from binding and pull it through at the same time. I still need a step stool.

(By the way, we added a fold down regular ZipDee awning to our '68 Overlander. It just makes it easier...)

Good luck,

Roy and Marie

[CRH]

If it's a slide in awning, spray some silicone in the track before each time you put the awning on.

[VT Wanderer]

There's a great video on you tube - check it out -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLsKflCqhkY

[Sovereign85]

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/s...1&action=click

[USAtraveler]

Originally Posted by 64airstream

Driftin,
I'm thinking you have a vintage style pole and rope awning (probably made by ZipDee or of ZipDee material). We use one on our '64 Safari for the same reason you stated. The installation requires a second person because the awning trailing end binds in the awning rail (pulled down slightly by gravity). We made a small device to make this a one person job. It is simply a small pulley mounted to a 6" piece of aluminum rod (diameter of the awning rail). Slip it into the front part of the rail and run a guide rope rope from the awning (eye nearest the trailer) through the pulley and toward the back of the trailer. Now feed the awning into the back end of the rail while pulling back on the rope through the pulley. You keep the awning from binding and pull it through at the same time. I still need a step stool.....

Good idea! I've been dealing with the same thing as Dianne and wondering if there is an easier way. You've invented it! But how do you lock the 6" length of rod into the channel to keep it from just sliding farther into the channel when you pull the cord? How did you attach the pulley to the rod?
I carry a short 4' step ladder in the truck bed, but it could also lay on the floor of the trailer, of course.

Thanks for great tip!

[64airstream]

USA,

I just cut threads on the last 3/4" of the rod (with a die) then stacked up a nut, washer, the pulley (eye), another washer, then the final nut. The first nut/washer seat against the front end of the rail to give you the leverage you need. The alternatives to cutting threads is to buy a piece of all-thread the right diameter. It doesn't really matter if the portion of the rod inserted into the rail is threaded or not. Another alternative would be a wooden dowel, a pulley and some duct tape.

Good luck,

Roy and Marie

[USAtraveler]

Thanks, Roy

I've got the picture. I think I have enough "stuff" laying around to build one per your directions. I may substitute a long machine bolt if I can't find a short length of rod in the right diameter. Heading off for the holiday weekend next week, so I've got a deadline to finish it. Hope Diane sees

[rmatkovich]

Originally Posted by Driftin Di

We finally have good enough weather here in Nor Ca after all the rains to get out on the roads. We put up our new Zip Dee Awning on our 1958 FC 22" and it is all a manual install requires 2 adults to get it on and out. We needed a step ladder as well. Anyone have a suggestion for on the road how to make this process easier and not require the step adder? We decided not to upgrade to an automated Zip Dee so as not to ruin the authenticity of our AS but this is quite a bt of work to get on and off. And I know we have to take it off to travel and each time we move on and off. Any folks out there with advice?
Much appreciated!
Dianne

Watch to Zip dee u-tube. I have been ASing for over 25 years and have never had my wife help putting to awning out only in if there is a heavy wind that came up all of a sudden she will help me put it up. Zip dee awnings R the easiest awnings to put out and up.

[MelGoddard]

I just use my little step ladder.
Easier than fiddling around with that dizzy hook rod.
It just gets used to pull the awning down/up.
K.I.S.S.!