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Topic: Zip Dee big awning won't rewind. (Read 917 times) previous topic - next topic

Zip Dee big awning won't rewind.

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?
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Zip Dee big awning won't rewind.

Reply #1 –
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
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: Zip Dee big awning won't rewind.

Reply #2 –
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.
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Zip Dee big awning won't rewind.

Reply #3 –
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 on Zip Dee's web page.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Zip Dee big awning won't rewind.

Reply #4 –
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.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Zip Dee big awning won't rewind.

Reply #5 –
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.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,
 

Re: Zip Dee big awning won't rewind.

Reply #6 –
Mine required five or six turns additional tension recently.


Bob
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4