Asking for advice. One of my Zip Dee units on the end of the arm of the collapsible shades broke. Since it is made from pot metal it didnt surprise me. I can order a new on on line and I can replace it easy enough. How do I roll it back safely? Or should I take it in to an RV repair shop to avoid losing fingers when I attempt to roll it back? Thanks in advance for any advice.
I would call Zip Dee, they have always given me information on how to replace parts and do upgrades. I believe they even have a help section on their website.
Yes ZipDee is really helpful. I have changed out a few of mine, Not too difficult.
Get yourself a set of Needle Nose Vice Grips.
Clamp the ViceGrips onto the shaft between the cap and material.
Then unbolt the cap, holding on to it so it won't flip over hard. While holding the cap and ViceGrips, you can then remove the cap. When you remove the cap, the tension will roll the ViceGrips back toward the coach.
A piece of cardboard between the ViceGrips and the coach will help to prevent any scratches.
There is spring tension, but it's not super strong, especially when in the closed position.
Reverse the process to install the new cap.
The spring is on the left arm. If that is the one that broke, then there should be no tension on the spring. Depending on the length of the awning as to how many turns to wind it. I use the arm bolted to the head to wind the spring and then put the bottom bolt in.