Zip dee automatic awning

[Nomad, 2nd]

Well, I joined the "Doh" club.... I rushed away with a computer problem today, and, well, there WAS a drought!


Now I'm looking at replacing my bent Rollar tube, and one of the support arms (only the bottom most piece, it was slightly bent since before I got it.)

My idiot tax.


But looking on their website I saw the automatic awning, which will retract if there is too much wind.


I'd rather spend money up front and not have worries later. (I still have to call tomorrow to see how much)

Fortunately I'll be here for at least a month, so I have time to fix it.

Anybody got one? Worth doing? No good? Thanks

[idroba]

Only hearsay, but I think you may find "sticker shock" when you learn the price of them.

[Safari-Rick]

As far as repairing your awning, Zipdee has a parts list. I got caught in a wind a few years ago and ordered the parts and was not a problem fixing the broken arms.

[wolverine]

Originally Posted by Safari-Rick

As far as repairing your awning, Zipdee has a parts list. I got caught in a wind a few years ago and ordered the parts and was not a problem fixing the broken arms.

We recently had to replace the entire front support arm damaged in an accident and found that Zipdee's customer support very responsive and their replacement parts reasonably priced. Their parts packaging is excellent, they ship the parts very quickly, and provide schematic instructions to simplify installation. Just give them a call, tell them what parts you need, and you will be impressed with their response.

You will most likely be shocked when you hear what they are asking for the automatic awnings. Replacing parts will be a more economical solution for you.

[overlander63]

The price of that tube isn't so bad, but the crating and shipping is roughly the same as the part. For example, a 22' roller tube is about $280, crating is about $25, and shipping was $230. Of course, everything else should be able to ship in the same container, but make sure you're sitting down when they give you the shipping estimate.
Now, even that amount is still a quarter of the cost of a new non-powered Zip-Dee.

[Nomad, 2nd]

Originally Posted by Safari-Rick

As far as repairing your awning, Zipdee has a parts list. I got caught in a wind a few years ago and ordered the parts and was not a problem fixing the broken arms.

Oh, I found the parts list (sans prices) before posting.
I was glad, because I knew it was an expensive screw up!

I saw the retrofit of the existing awning to automatic, and thought I'd ask....

[clemdogmom]

My local AS dealer told me in order to install the electric awning, he would have to take panels off the outside and reinforce with wood, bringing parts and labor costs to more than my AS is valued.

[lewster]

"But looking on their website I saw the automatic awning, which will retract if there is too much wind."

Most Airstreamers have no experience with power awnings that have a wind sensor retract system.

The ONE THING that you should never rely on with regard to an awning is a wind sensor! I have seen many 'automatic' lateral arm awnings from Girard, Carefree and Zip-Dee that were left extended by the coach owners who were not in the area and a big gust of wind (NOT covered by warranty or able to a response by the wind sensor) either ripped fabric, sheared awning arms or actually flipped the awning up onto the coach roof! Wind sensors are designed to respond to a steady wind at the pre-set wind speed for a minimum of 15-20 seconds. Gusts will destroy your awning, as the sensor has no time to respond and retract the awning!

These are high-end awnings costing upwards of $6000. I have also seen these types of problems on motorized awnings with 'normal' rafter arms like the Zip-Dee style. Have a wind sensor.....same problem!

Unless you have lots of $$$$ to burn, stay with the manual versions of the Zip-Dee awnings!

[switz]

The automatic patio awning option costs $3,551 for a 2014 Classic. I do not know option price for other models.

[daymonjones]

Yeah, but no matter the cost, if and when I order new I'll get the power awning. I like the idea of pushing a button...