Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Miles and Kim Pepperd on July 10, 2020, 07:00:33 pm

Title: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Miles and Kim Pepperd on July 10, 2020, 07:00:33 pm
We would like to replace the large air actuated awning (about 23 feet) on our 2002 U320. It does not work and the previous owner tried to have awning repaired with no success. MOT said they don't work on these awnings. Considering Replacing with a manual awning. Has anyone replaced the auto Zip Dee with a manual operation awning? I would appreciate any advice.
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: red tractor on July 10, 2020, 09:12:43 pm
Yes I removed a ZipDee automatic air awning with a manual ZipDee awning
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Miles and Kim Pepperd on July 11, 2020, 08:44:35 am
Did you do the replacement your self? Was there body work that had to be done?
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Barry & Cindy on July 11, 2020, 06:14:48 pm
I think you will find our bay door hardware from their manufacturer:

http://www.trimarkcorp.com/en/index.aspx

We have also bought outside grab bar from them.
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: red tractor on July 11, 2020, 08:04:52 pm
Yes there are some holes to be filled and yes I did it myself with a little help from 2 others to get the new awning installed. I was able to remove the old one myself.
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Miles and Kim Pepperd on July 12, 2020, 07:48:18 am
Was your new manual awning Zip Dee?
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Miles and Kim Pepperd on July 12, 2020, 07:51:55 am
Thanks for your your reply. One more project on the "to do list".
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Carol Savournin on July 12, 2020, 07:58:49 am
We hated our AutoAwn (or whatever those things are called) except on the rare occasions that it worked. We finally stopped using it and would have certainly converted to a manual.  We went to ZipDee, they crawled all over it and replaced air lines, widgets, framistans  .... even old wiring that went from the power arm into the coach to the elec panel by the door. Two guys stayed until 6:30 to get to the bottom of our issue. Worked beautifully at their factory.  We drove 50 miles and set up for the night. Hit the remote for the awning and the thing wound up stuck straight up in the air like a wind sail! 

I invented new profanity and I don't think we ever used it again.
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Miles and Kim Pepperd on July 12, 2020, 08:07:12 am
That is what we have been told about the awning. Previous owner attempted to have awning repaired. We will proabably replace with manual awning. Just trying to research what the best replacement would be. Thank you for your reply.
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: Beeman on July 12, 2020, 10:14:53 am
I took a look at Joe Allen's, (juicesqueezer) coach last fall after he converted his to manual awning. Looked very nice and works every time... I'm sure he will share the experience. Interesting that Zip Dee wanted the control box and some other parts from the old AutoAwn back for their supply.

We will be replacing ours soon.  Might be seeing Ron in the fall...  ;)
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: red tractor on July 12, 2020, 03:15:54 pm
Yes I replaced with a Zip DEE and they wanted the box back and the arms with the cylinders  They knock off a little of the price for the return of the parts
Title: Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320
Post by: dans96u295ft on July 12, 2020, 03:36:18 pm
Manual awnings thankyou!!!