Need 1978 Sovereign AWNING

[Thelma4Colo]

Have a 31' 1978 Sovereign Land Yacht. Need an awning and hopefully both arms and hardware.

KR in CO

[justapauling]

If I can figure out how to get mine off you can buy mine. I live in southern Washington though...

[justapauling]

I should mention that I have a 1978 31’ sovereign too and I am planning on removing the Large curbside awning that runs the length of the trailer for polishing. No real plans to replace or re install. Currently it is stuck in the up position and zip Dee is closed for corona virus stay at home orders. so I’m having trouble trying to remove it without advice.

I could not tell you the state of the fabric.

[Thelma4Colo]

Thank you for reaching out. Any chance of some detailed photos to look at? I may be able to offer advice on removing and can look into shipping options if a viable awning. Have you ever rolled it out? That might be the first step to see if it works. Also, what are you looking to sell it for?

Kent

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by justapauling

I should mention that I have a 1978 31’ sovereign too and I am planning on removing the Large curbside awning that runs the length of the trailer for polishing. No real plans to replace or re install. Currently it is stuck in the up position and zip Dee is closed for corona virus stay at home orders. so I’m having trouble trying to remove it without advice.

I could not tell you the state of the fabric.

justapauling, If your awning is a ZipDee it may be in the travel lock position. I do know if it is a Carefree awning the the lever arms are normally in the lock/travel position when awning is rolled up. But for either one be careful to unwind the awning tube tension springs before you try to remove it from the trailer. Search here on the forums for posts regarding awning roll spring tension and awning installation/removal and you may find other members have posted about this very subject. Once the tension is removed from the roller tube the awning can be slid off from the awning rail by sliding the fabric out of the rail toward the rear of the trailer (as you stand looking at the trailer). In affect slide the fabric & roller tube assembly to the left (toward the rear end of the trailer) out of the awning rail. With the length of your awning you may need a couple of helpers to get it off the roof without bending it. Once the tension is removed from the roller tube springs you then remove the rear most arm and pull the awning roller assembly from the front arm assembly. Supporting the roller tube while sliding the fabric out of the mounting rail (silicone spray on the welt & cord may ease in the sliding) . Be sure to remove the mounting rail too even if you don't sell it with the awning as they are hard to find in good condition! Once the awning assembly is removed it is easy to un-bolt or unscrew the arms from the trailer at the base of the arms. You will have to drill the tops off the rivets that hold the awning rail to the coach. Be careful not to loose all the mounting hardware (bolts/nuts/washers/knobs and any spacers). Be sure to note where all the parts go in a message to the buyer so they can install it correctly on their trailer. Also know that the best skin repair/reseal can and should be done with caulked aluminum pop rivets before you polish the trailer as holes thru the skins anywhere allow water in between the skins (not good). Hope this long winded post helps! Ed

[featherbedder]

If awning has been on AS since new it will very dif. if not impossible to slide out of railing even w/silicone spray as it tends to grow in. Maybe if not replacing drill rivets remove awning w/rail attached then easier to work on ground to try remove fabric from rail.

[justapauling]

Originally Posted by Thelma4Colo

Thank you for reaching out. Any chance of some detailed photos to look at? I may be able to offer advice on removing and can look into shipping options if a viable awning. Have you ever rolled it out? That might be the first step to see if it works. Also, what are you looking to sell it for?

Kent

Currently it’s stuck in the up position. I can’t seem to get it to come down. Both latches are unlatched and and try as I might even with one person on each end I can’t get the thing to roll down.

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by justapauling

Currently it’s stuck in the up position. I can’t seem to get it to come down. Both latches are unlatched and and try as I might even with one person on each end I can’t get the thing to roll down.

justapauling, Did I miss something? Did you post any pictures? Did you state if it is a ZipDee or Carefree or other brand? It's hard to know how to advise you without knowing a brand as the arms and any latches will vary by manufacturer. If it is a Carefree the arms are latched to the mounting hardware to help prevent accidental deployment during travel. I am not talking about the fabric or roller assembly but the arms themselves. Not sure about what is involved if it is a ZipDee but I would bet they have something similar. Ed