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Topic: Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning (Read 805 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning

Will provide a few pics when I install the new tube later this week.

So many rivets, but easily removed using a 3/8 inch drill bit.
The lock assembly on the non spring side (right side as you look at the mounted awning) was completely chewed up on the inside so I had to order that assembly as well. ($97.00 and change) Once the rivets were removed it was simple to pull the assembly out of the tube.
The spring side is a bit more tricky as the spring has some tension fully extended, so be careful as you pull away the lock and spring mechanism.
With all the rivet's removed, the empty tube is just floating in the fabric. I gave it a few spins and pulled it out.

The tube had a pretty nasty crimp in it and could not be bent back. The tube measured 21 ft 10 and 1/2 in and Zip Dee told me that I had to measure center of arm to arm on the coach, I got 22 ft 3 and 3/4 in. They corrected me by 1/4 inch and I wasn't surprised as I was using a metal measuring tape.
11 dollars a foot for the tube plus had to purchase a special shipping container ($25.00).

The surprise came with freight charges from Zip Dee to Texas, $360.00.

Ordered last Friday and the freight company called and say they will deliver it Wednesday.

Will update this and provide a few pics if anyone would like to see the parts (damaged as well as replacement), please let me know.

We have been parked here in the barn for almost a year, so it will be nice to get the coach cleaned up and out on the road.
Chuck & Brenda
2000 U295

Re: Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning

Reply #1 –
Interesting story because this happened to a friend in Mazatlan, Mexico. A Canadian RV repair person extraordinaire took the tube out and to a Mexican welder. He cut it in half, inserted a smaller tube inside and welded it all together. You could hardly tell it had ever been damaged. I don't know what the cost was, but I'm guessing 50 bucks. 
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Twig –
Interesting story because this happened to a friend in Mazatlan, Mexico. A Canadian RV repair person extraordinaire took the tube out and to a Mexican welder. He cut it in half, inserted a smaller tube inside and welded it all together. You could hardly tell it had ever been damaged. I don't know what the cost was, but I'm guessing 50 bucks. 
Could of gone to your local steel supply house and easily purchase two 20' lengths to make one. 22 feet long tough to get but if willing to wait I'm sure they could special order and wait till it could be included in a regular shipment. 500+$ for a length of tubing is terrible. Ouch
Scott

Re: Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning

Reply #3 –
A a FT tech, we straightened many. Put on ladders on each end (while still on coach) and hung from it with our body weight.

Unless it was really bent bad, always fixed it, and customer was happy.

Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning

Reply #4 –
Tried that, problem was it was crimped in 2 places near the center of the tube.

We made several attempts but no luck.
Chuck & Brenda
2000 U295

Re: Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning

Reply #5 –
Quote from: ChuSmith –
Tried that, problem was it was crimped in 2 places near the center of the tube.

We made several attempts but no luck.
Muffler expansion tool. Have to weld on a extension.
Amazon.com: Tail Pipe Expander,3pc Set Exhaust Muffler Spreader Tool...
Scott
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
 

Re: Replacing bent tube on Zip Dee Patio Awning

Reply #6 –
I believe O'Riley's loans them out for free. Just put down the deposit....
Yes zip Dee's prices are high, but so is powertec, and all the rest. I like my awning, but would do as twig said, take it to Mexico.
That's why I made my own fabric replacement for it. And used better Gore Tex thread too. For a lot less. Make sure you put the end caps on right. Mine is 90 degrees rotated. Pain to unlock it in one side but to lazy to fix it.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired