Zip Dee Awning installation - Stove Vent cover in the way

[JackP]

Hi Everyone,

I just installed a new Zip Dee awning on my '72 overlander. The installation went smoothly except that the cover for the stove vent is in the way, keeping the awning from laying flat against the trailer when closed.

I am worried about bending the awning as it kinda teeters on the vent cover. It also doesn't close all the way, leaving awning material visable from the underneath. The last problem that the vent cover causes is that the spin locks don't line up properly (because the awning doesn't lay flat against the trailer) and I have to take the wheel all the way off to get it in place and then reattach the wheel.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? I'm thinking of taking a hammer and pounding down on the vent cover...


Thanks,

Jack Paulishen
New Haven, CT

[ventport]

I would remove the vent cover and have one made with a lower profile. If you do not use the vent, you could remove the cover and rivet a plate over the hole.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by JackP

Hi Everyone,

I just installed a new Zip Dee awning on my '72 overlander. The installation went smoothly except that the cover for the stove vent is in the way, keeping the awning from laying flat against the trailer when closed.

I am worried about bending the awning as it kinda teeters on the vent cover. It also doesn't close all the way, leaving awning material visable from the underneath. The last problem that the vent cover causes is that the spin locks don't line up properly (because the awning doesn't lay flat against the trailer) and I have to take the wheel all the way off to get it in place and then reattach the wheel.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? I'm thinking of taking a hammer and pounding down on the vent cover...


Thanks,

Jack Paulishen
New Haven, CT

There is a special cover made that allows the Zip Dee awning, to complete rest on the shell and not the stove vent cover.

#83608.

Andy

[Ganglin]

I can't tell what year you trailer is and you don't have it listed in your profile information. But, on ours the vent cover is much lower profile - like this one from Inland RV's site - but made from aluminum.


Click to view Part #: 83608

Stove Exhaust Vent Cover, Fiberglass, Gel Coat Gray
[Link to this product]

[funkill]

Mine is the same way! I didn't install the awning but I have the same condition with it not closing 100% and the roller being *off* so that it is not aligned/centered between the turning wheels It didn't occur to me that it might be due to the vent but, now as I look at a few recent pics - it is! Whew - thanks for the insight to something I just never spent too much time examining!

Looks like a low profile vent might be the answer!

Laura

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by funkill

Mine is the same way! I didn't install the awning but I have the same condition with it not closing 100% and the roller being *off* so that it is not aligned/centered between the turning wheels It didn't occur to me that it might be due to the vent but, now as I look at a few recent pics - it is! Whew - thanks for the insight to something I just never spent too much time examining!

Looks like a low profile vent might be the answer!

Laura

Many years ago, Zip Dee had that modified cover made with aluminum.

However, in time, the stamping mold broke.

Zip Dee then declined to have another one made.

Therefore someone else had one made but with fiberglass.

That stove exhaust vent cover replacement, now allows the Zip Dee awning, to firm rest completely on the shell, instead of on top of the stove exhaust vent cover.

Andy

[Melody Ranch]

Lets support this guy. I have not recieved the vent cover yet, but it looks good. A real hard item to come by and a real nice addition to your Airstream.

Airstream Aluminum Stove vent cover bambi caravel: eBay Motors (item 320558809311 end time Jul-13-10 12:26:46 PDT)

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Lets support this guy. I have not recieved the vent cover yet, but it looks good. A real hard item to come by and a real nice addition to your Airstream.

Airstream Aluminum Stove vent cover bambi caravel: eBay Motors (item 320558809311 end time Jul-13-10 12:26:46 PDT)

The photo shows a great copy, but it doesn't resolve the issue.

The awning must lay flat against the shell.

In the case of the above mentioned vent cover, the awning will sit on top of the vent cover, since that cover does not have the extended upper "flat" area.

Note the extended upper flat area of the posted photo.

Andy

[Melody Ranch]

ahhhh shoot! I was hoping that this was a solution. Thanks.

[JackP]

Thanks for all the replies!

I ordered the new cover from Andy (I also bought the awning from him). The folks at Inland RV (especially Andy) have been terrific.

I recommend them without reservation.

Jack

[15YearsAfter]

Is it not also possible to patch the existing hole and move the vent down 2 to 3 inches allowing you to keep the aluminum cover?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 15YearsAfter

Is it not also possible to patch the existing hole and move the vent down 2 to 3 inches allowing you to keep the aluminum cover?

No.

The stove vent will no longer fit the wall properly.

Could it be done?

Probably.

But it would take tons of time, and, talent, instead of simply replacing the cover.

The available cover, "is an exact" copy of the modified Zip Dee cover.

Andy

[15YearsAfter]

Hi Andy,

Do you need to enlarge the vent hole, it appears that the flat area of the new cover will block the existing opening.

Thanks,

Judy

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 15YearsAfter

Hi Andy,

Do you need to enlarge the vent hole, it appears that the flat area of the new cover will block the existing opening.

Thanks,

Judy

Judy.

No, the hole does not need to be enlarged.

In fact, the hole is not restricted in any way or to any degree.

Andy WOW. POST # 10,000.

[Journalist]

I took some photos of one of the zip dee vents yesterday. I'll post them up once I'm back home. The fiberglass copy from inland is very close to the original.