Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: mgreenlee73 on July 22, 2024, 05:18:44 pm

Title: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: mgreenlee73 on July 22, 2024, 05:18:44 pm
Good Afternoon All,

I am attempting to use the main awning for the first time and other than the twist clamp, what else needs released to bring the awning down?  I am unable to find a post.  I have the tool but not sure what to do.  Please help!

Michael
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: Pamela & Mike on July 22, 2024, 06:00:40 pm
Michael,

The operation will depend on which awning is installed. Not only did FT use different awnings a previous owner may have changed it out. If you could post a pic. or 2 of what you have then we should be able to help out.

Mike
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: mgreenlee73 on July 22, 2024, 06:18:22 pm
It is the Zip Dee patio awning... i will get a pic
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: kgrover on July 22, 2024, 06:27:46 pm
There are 2 travel locks on the sides of the main roll. Put the tool in them and pull them down slightly.  Then pull the strap in the middle of the awing down. This will unroll the awing. There are 2 lock bars on the side arms. Pull the Release knobs on them and the will loosen from the pegs on the main arm. These insert into the slots at the roof line of the awing.  Push them a little so they click and hold the awing tight. Then Release the knows on the main arms and extend them to the desired height.  Putting it back in is the reverse of this.
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on July 22, 2024, 07:21:45 pm
https://youtu.be/QFMdAe_jrrA?si=aPvGR3cj6_yArBq7
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: Bob McGee on July 22, 2024, 10:13:59 pm
Maybe this will help.
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: Realmccoy on July 25, 2024, 10:15:52 am
There is a problem with this video. ZipDee does not recommend locking the awning tube with the levers in the deployed position on each end. Instead you roll the strap up and tuck it into the loop which will prevent an unplanned roll up. Otherwise this is a very helpful video. I watched a ZipDee technician demonstrate deploying manual awning on an Airstream and his comments were consistent with the manual. For those of us use to Dometic manual awning the ZipDee seems a strange beast but man does it last a long time and customer support is fantastic.
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: Elliott on July 25, 2024, 10:52:32 am
There is a problem with this video. ZipDee does not recommend locking the awning tube with the levers in the deployed position on each end. Instead you roll the strap up and tuck it into the loop which will prevent an unplanned roll up. Otherwise this is a very helpful video. I watched a ZipDee technician demonstrate deploying manual awning on an Airstream and his comments were consistent with the manual. For those of us use to Dometic manual awning the ZipDee seems a strange beast but man does it last a long time and customer support is fantastic.
On a semi related note, I have been using these ground straps with screw in anchors all summer and they are fantastic. It would take a hurricane to move my awning and it would probably tear off at the RV first. we have withstood strong enough winds to collapse my pop-up patio tent and move it despite being anchored in by five ground steaks and I haven't once worried once about the main awning. I highly recommend them for anyone with the zip dee awning.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08QW7HZ1S
Title: Re: 2000 Foretravel U320 Main Awning Use
Post by: craneman on July 25, 2024, 11:35:16 am
There is a problem with this video. ZipDee does not recommend locking the awning tube with the levers in the deployed position on each end. Instead you roll the strap up and tuck it into the loop which will prevent an unplanned roll up. Otherwise this is a very helpful video. I watched a ZipDee technician demonstrate deploying manual awning on an Airstream and his comments were consistent with the manual. For those of us use to Dometic manual awning the ZipDee seems a strange beast but man does it last a long time and customer support is fantastic.

You are correct on the position of the locks while deployed. Wrapping the strap only is to give you time to put the bars in place. Once they are in place, it is triangulated and nothing other than a brace breaking is going to roll up the awning.