This weekend I tackled giving the Coach its first bath in years. I spent the first day just on the roof with a brush/wand and pressure washer to get all the algae and dirt off. The second day it was the sides. It looks much, much better -- but now its down to buffing the whole thing to restore some shine.
For the first time since acquiring it, I extended the awnings. Other than a small amount of dirt on the edges that cleaned right off, they are like new --- except --- for the long passenger-side one which does not want to extend. The segmented aluminum jacketing that encapsules the awning when in the stored position will not "roll back" into a tube shape. When I use the tool to catch the fabric loop to pull out the awning it won't budge.
I notice that this awning has a much more complex strut system, and knurled spring-loaded knobs on the struts on both ends. Are those supposed to be released before trying to pull on the loop to extend the awning?.
I'm kinda stumped here, and didn't want to force anything. I've seen a online sales pitch at a RV place in Arizona where they were doing a walk-around on the same year and model Coach (1995 U300SE), and it looked like a simple matter of hooking that loop and easily pulling the awning to its extended position.
Any help appreciated. Maybe it's a simple step I'm not taking.
Regards,
Michael
Lotsa work resurrecting a neglected coach. Takes dedication....
On my 1996, U270, the awning has never been as troublesome as yours. Mine has two small black levers at each end, which lock the roll device. These are pulled down, using the tool by fitting the small end into the circular knob of these two levers. They move about an inch and half as you pull to yourself. This releases the lock.
I suggest cleaning and polisheing the protective chrome housing, using a ladder, before unrolling the awning. andy1
Michael,
This PDF might help you. Got it on the Zipdee web site.
Regards Mark
As already mentioned, you will need to "unlock" the end tube levers on the roller with your awning rod. If they can be pulled down to unlock each end, then you should be able to unroll the awning. After it is fully extended and comes to your waist level it is open.
Next is to add the stretcher part of the system that is riding next to the square tube, and fit the black hook end in to the awning cover, and make the stretcher long to keep the awning tight.
Next you go to each end square tube and release the pull knobs, and extend the two square tubes to raise the awning. I do each end, a couple of feet at a time. Some amount of walking back and forth to get each end of the awning's square parts totally out, without putting things in a bind.
One thing to remember, roll up the pull fabric pull ribbon and tuck it into the awning's edge, mine has a loop to hold the fabric ribbon roll.
You might also have vertical awning attachment parts that allow you to raise the coach end of the awning for more head room when walking along the coach.
Michael,
Or click:
http://awningsbyzipdee.com/media//DIR_50601/2d99233bd9c7072effff82e9ffffd524.pdf (http://awningsbyzipdee.com/media//DIR_50601/2d99233bd9c7072effff82e9ffffd524.pdf)
Zip Dee uses a high quality anodizing process, but age and long term exposure will eventually lead to stains and/or discoloration.
If you are contemplating polishing any of the Zip Dee components, be forewarned that if you abrade through the anodization layer on any Zip Dee covers or arms, the bare aluminum will oxidize rapidly to a dull gray appearance. You cannot keep it bright, even with layers of quality wax. To make it bright and shiny again, either replace the cover/component or polish it out and clear coat it or own up to repolishing it frequently.
Neal
Hoping it is as simple as the fact that there is a locking lever on each end. The first time I attempted to pull that awning, I thought I was in for a big expense with a broken mechanism. When I called my friend Clark (who has had several FT coaches) and he said, "Did you unlock each end?"
Guess everyone knew that except me. :)
Cheers
Thanks, everyone.
After speaking with Gary O. today I went back to the Coach and realized straight-up what the problem was.
I had the roller locks on -- with the awning not in the full retract position. Once I released them and extended the awning about 5 feet I slowly let it retract and it worked fine -- the slats wrapped around the fabric properly. All is good.
Yes -- the oxidation on the slats is going to take some careful work (and probably about 4-6 days of elbow grease). I wonder if simichrome polish would work without removing the anodizing layer. I've always had good luck with that product on a number of metal's.
Regards,
Michael