Two weeks ago I opened the large Zip Dee patio awning. When I closed it it rolled up just fine, after giving it that little bit of impetus push to get going.
Last Friday I went to close it at a CG because winds and rain were predicted. It would not "self-roll" at all. Possibly the spring let go inside the awning tube?
Any suggestions?
This is a manual awning, not an AutoAwn, correct? Call Zip Dee, they are very helpful with any issues. 800-338-2378, 847-437-0980
If the spring isn't actually broken you can increase the tension. There are instructions in the ZipDeee manual. While someone or something supports the rolled down awning, you remove the rear arm at the point it attaches to the coach, then slide one section off. This leaves you with a one half sized arm. You swing that arm around clockwise, thus tightening the spring. I did five revolutions, reattached and tested. Five more revolutions made ours about right. According to ZipDee, you should have to roll it about a foot before it self rolls. Good luck.
jor
Also instructions in the manual on how to straighten a bowed awning tube. The illustration is hilarious.
Could you roll it part way by hand and then would it go by itself. Had that happen a while back. I got some CRC MARINE Formula 6-56 Lubricant and have not had a problem in two years now. Maybe I lucked out. I tried other lubes with no luck before using the CRC Marine Lubricant. It is really good stuff!!!!
Also: Instructional Videos (http://awningsbyzipdee.com/3801.html) on Zip Dee's web page.
When you disconnect the arm have a good grip on it so it can't unwind and injure you.
Keep your head out of the way!
When rewinding the spring a good starting point is one turn for each foot of length plus five turns.
If, just if the spring tightening maneuver produces a "click, click, click instead of progressive tightening of the spring then the cam on the retainer is slipping. There is a small indent in the roller tube about a third of the way out from the winding end. There is a cam on the end of the spring that is supposed to "catch"on this indent. Sometimes it doesn't. A pop rivet into the tube may be necessary.
I would call Zip Dee and they will talk you thru this repair.
Mine required five or six turns additional tension recently.
Bob