The best awning? Want to hear all opinions!

[GracieDog]

Hello, we have a 24' - 1968. Theres a long track for an awning already Would love to get a no fuss, hearty awning that won't break easily in wind. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[aftermath]

Well, the Zip Dee awning that came with my 2006 is the best ever. I had one of those vinyl things on an earlier trailer and it was always trouble. No matter how I cared for it, it would get wet, get moldy and really look bad. Cleaning it was another challenge. The fabric on mine is still clean and looks pretty new. I think the roll up cover makes all the difference.


I do know these are very spendy to buy new. Perhaps there are others that are improved from what I used. I would get one that has a cover of some kind. You get a little rain in Vashon, I am assuming.

[rideair]

What you want and the length of your trailer make it a tough decision IMHO. I had a 1966 22' Safari with a vintage rope awning, three poles, heavy springs on the tension ropes. That awning was able to withstand the winds of the OBX in NC when all others with their Zip-Dees were running to take them down. If you don't mind the setup of the old school system, the vintage rope awning system is the way to go.

With that said, a 24' trailer, you're starting to get to the upper limit of a vintage rope awning (IMHO), I think at that length you're at four poles, but could be wrong and it does normally require two people to get it setup quickly. But they still look great and will hold-up to the winds. A Zip-Dee on that length of trailer is no-fuss, one person operation, setup in less than 5 minutes, even if you take your time, but will never hold-up to the winds of a vintage rope awning. Plus with the Zip-Dee, you never have to worry about being on a spot that will not allow you to drive stakes in the ground.

I can tell you this, I use a Zip-Dee on my 1966 Overlander, and 1996 34'. I use a vintage rope on my 22' 1956 Safari.

Enjoy,

[Halford1]

yeaaaaaa I miss the 3 poles with ropes for 12 ft long awning. It was a tough awning. I had it with my Coleman Niagara popup... one person can easily set it up after when one knows how to do it solo. I sometimes wish I have this for my FC, ZipDee is OK but hate the arms.

[azflycaster]

There are pluses and minuses to either option. The Zipdee sets up fast and stores in place on the side of the trailer. They are not cheap, but well made. They are a bit fragile and I rarely leave mine deployed when away from the trailer and often stow at night. I had a bad (expensive) experience with a zip dee on my previous trailer.

The vintage awning (3 poles and stakes in the ground) are much more reasonably priced and can withstand much higher winds. They are harder to put up and down and must be stored when traveling. The vintage awning looks great on a vintage trailer.

A big factor is also how you use the trailer. If you are traveling with numerous one night stops, the Zipdee works best, but if you are a weekend on the lake type of camper I would lean towards the vintage.

[rideair]

Richard,

You bring up a great point that I had forgotten all about. The one night camping issue vs. a weekend/week long stays.

Enjoy,

[Bubba L]

I agree with Paul. My wife made rope and pull awnings for both our trailers from Dickson Fabrics. I made the rope pulls with pulleys and springs. In wind the springs allow the awning to bellow without damage. If rain is forecast, I lower one end a bit for drainage. It takes us about 5 minutes to set up. Good luck

[drbrick]

We have the original ZipDee (2004) on our International 25 - it's like new. One just needs to be mindful with it.

[TouringDan]

We have a Carefree awning for our 66 Tradewind. It works fine. It is probably less expensive than the Zipdee.



Dan

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by drbrick

We have the original ZipDee (2004) on our International 25 - it's like new. One just needs to be mindful with it.

^
X2....As long as it's a MANUAL. The arm 'handles' help a LOT.

Bob
🇺🇸

Arm's? noodle 'em.