Visit our Popular Forums

AWCHIEF · 09-21-2014, 09:32 AM

Ditto on the step ladder for the knobs and the latch. I have a short 3 step ladder that I always carry along. It is much easier than trying to use the hook to unscrew and tighten the knobs.I do have a shout out to ZD customer service. When I bought my trailer it was missing one of the foam handle covers. I gave ZD a call fully prepared to buy one. They sent my a replacement free of charge.

aftermath · 09-21-2014, 09:46 AM

For me, 5'8", I have no trouble setting up the awning. When the ground slopes away I use the plastic folding step that I carry to access the bed of the truck.

When I first got the trailer the awning hadn't been lubricated in a very long time. It was hard to extend the awning by pushing on the roller. The physics of trying to extend this when lifting on the handle would be more difficult in my opinion. After lubing the arms it is easy to extend.

I could purchase the handles and they might make things easier although I doubt it. My ongoing goal is to keep everything simple. Don't pack stuff you don't need and don't buy things just to be buying things.

dznf0g · 09-21-2014, 10:50 AM

"Don't pack stuff you don't need and don't buy things just to be buying things."

WELL, you're no fun at all!

Pahaska · 09-21-2014, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I bought a pair a few years ago, and was not as enamored as you.

Mine are still on my awning, but I never use them. I'm 82 and about 5'8" and I still find it is just easier to just push up the awning with one arm and pull the latch with the other hand. I find using the handles very awkward.

I'll probably pull them off some day and flea market them. For now, they just hang there.

jasperkins · 09-21-2014, 06:20 PM

What? There's a 4th notch? I thought that was why I have the door wheel to roll across the awning 😃

dznf0g · 09-21-2014, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasperkins

What? There's a 4th notch? I thought that was why I have the door wheel to roll across the awning 😃

Yup, fourth notch doesn't need any roller....at least on mine.

dkottum · 09-21-2014, 07:48 PM

I can reach the top pushing on the roller and would have no use for them. Wifey can't, so they may be useful to her. However we seldom set the awning at the top, normally a notch down for better wind behavior, drainage in a rain shower, and sun protection.

PharmGeek · 09-21-2014, 08:23 PM

Mine rubs on 4th notch on one side and 3rd in the other - I'm still figuring out how I wanna go about fixing that

Door roller vs something g to prop up between the gutter above the door frame and the base if the awning

Or ask dealer to correct under warranty - not sure what they would do

I like the 3 step ladder idea for getting into my truck - and for the awning

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

dznf0g · 09-21-2014, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

Mine rubs on 4th notch on one side and 3rd in the other - I'm still figuring out how I wanna go about fixing that

Door roller vs something g to prop up between the gutter above the door frame and the base if the awning

Or ask dealer to correct under warranty - not sure what they would do

I like the 3 step ladder idea for getting into my truck - and for the awning

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Hmmmm, we should have the same body shell and awning. Are you sure you are getting the horizontal arm pulled all the way out with full spring tension on the fabric on both ends? Mine won't rub unless I am in the fourth notch on the door end and the SECOND notch on the aft end. But if there is sag in the fabric it will on 4 and 3 combo.

SteveSueMac · 09-21-2014, 08:47 PM

Pharm - are you raising the awning to the 4th hole on the side closest to your door? I thought I was going to need the roller you're talking about until I realized I had one more notch on that arm. It made all the difference an the door clears it perfectly. I go to the 3rd notch on the other arm for drainage.

If you're going to the max near the door, I would call the dealer for a warranty repair. Good luck!

PharmGeek · 09-21-2014, 08:48 PM

No sag - very taught .....and if both on 4th - a
It just barely misses touching

I'll try again tomorrow - maybe I am missing something still

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

PharmGeek · 09-21-2014, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Pharm - are you raising the awning to the 4th hole on the side closest to your door? I thought I was going to need the roller you're talking about until I realized I had one more notch on that arm. It made all the difference an the door clears it perfectly. I go to the 3rd notch on the other arm for drainage.

If you're going to the max near the door, I would call the dealer for a warranty repair. Good luck!

Yup - 4th in the front - 3rd in the back for drainage

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

dznf0g · 09-21-2014, 08:53 PM

Well, maybe the hand roller wheel upper mounts are affixed a bit too low. That would be an ugly repair. I'd probably go with the door roller instead if that's the case.

SteveSueMac · 09-21-2014, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Well, maybe the hand roller wheel upper mounts are affixed a bit too low. That would be an ugly repair. I'd probably go with the door roller instead if that's the case.

Door roller is certainly a good option, but I'd definitely register it as a warranty item and see what they're willing to do about it. That's just me. And believe me - I work well with the dealer and the factory so long as they're willing to work with me. If they said replacing it would risk damage to the trailer and the door roller would accomplish the same result - I'd be ok with that. I just think they should offer a solution first.

Everyone's mileage varies :-)

PharmGeek · 09-22-2014, 05:48 AM

That's my plan - thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

SteveSueMac · 09-22-2014, 06:28 AM

Good luck - keep us posted!

Tater · 09-22-2014, 08:18 AM

I would go to dealer first. I'm thinking it can be adjusted in some way so hopefully that's all that is needed. 4 in front and 3 rear should do it without rubbing.

mefly2 · 09-22-2014, 09:22 AM

Just buy the handles !!!

AWCHIEF · 09-22-2014, 09:34 AM

Or not !! Your choice as the one that has to write the check.

AnnArborBob · 09-22-2014, 10:02 AM

I know we've got a couple of discussions going on simultaneously here...

PharmGeek, just to confirm what others have said, I do not get any awning rubbing on the door when the poles are in the 4 hole/3 hole configuration (with 4 by the door.) If you are getting some dragging in that configuration, then I would speak with your dealer. ZipDee does make a middle arm that is intended to help minimize dragging on longer/older awnings. Yours is new enough that it shouldn't need this, however.

Good luck!