Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure (Read 610 times) previous topic - next topic

Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Last fall the awning spring in our slide went out. Appeared to be the original, light rust over a large portion of the spring length, but the tube was clean and dry. I ordered a new spring from Zipdee for $178. This spring finally getting around to install, followed the instructions to the letter, even removed both end caps and cleaned the tube out thoroughly. There was what I would have called average rust for 2 years inside on the bottom but nothing major.

When the new spring arrived, it was quite obvious this new spring would rust incredibly fast if subjected to any moisture at all so I coated it in/out with a good coating of light machine oil, hoping that would aid in a long term portection of any sort of corrosion. But what the heck if it lasts 20 years I guess that is pretty good for something that is NOT coated, powder or otherwise, and subjected to constant twisting inside a tube that is impossible to 100% seal against moisture. Install was very simple, worked great, tested it twice that day, and only once since.

This last weekend, I was moving the MH around when I Noticed that awning had slack in the fabric as though it was starting to unroll. Sure enough the new 3 month old spring was broken.

I contacted Zipdee, explained the situation and at first they wanted to imply my tube was full of water and the spring must have rusted and broken even though its only been in service for maybe 3 months. That I needed to clean or replace the tube. I nicely explained that even if it had been submerged in water, which it was not, for such to only last 3 months is incedibly poor quality. That and the tube was spotless other than light rust on the bottom inside. They agreed it should not have  broken, and have agreed to send me a new one once I provided them a picture to prove it was in fact broken.

While removing last night in the dark I noticed the following. My slide awning from fully stored to fully extended is only 6 full revolutions. Yet their instructions say to wind 28 full rotations. I am no awning expert, but I have installed countless garage doors with lateral torsion springs that require winding. Yes GD springs are much heavier than these awning springs, But I have never  wound one of those any where near that many times. 28 sounds very extreme for such a lifting application. To include looking at my 3 month old spring you can clearly see where the spring tension was distorted due to the wind process. I think I am going to play around with those wind amounts when this new one arrives. This one I assume they are sending for free due to the time it was in service.

Wondering if any others out there have expereinced similar with a replacement, or have played with lesser windings that still do the job.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #1 –
I recall doing my main awning 22 turns. Old spring. I think I'll add a couple more turns because it needs assistance to close till past half way. Powedercoating is off the table because it will soften the spring. LPS3 would stay in position. I can't see anything wrong with applying primer?
Scott

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #2 –
You talking 22 on the main awning which is larger and heavier makes the ZD recommended 28 for the smaller slide sound even more out of spec. Yes good idea on the primer, I have some marine zink chromate around that would probably work great for that. However, this one did not fail due to rust that was nto there and at only 3 months in service it was probably more like poor quality steel in the spring and the 28 was too much for it to handle. Think I will play around with many less than the recommended.

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_7956_31dbfffa190a25c8fa96a9b0e78db06e;topic=44868
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #3 –
Mike
I had to replace a bedroom awning spring a couple of years ago. I installed per zepdee instructions and the number of turns on the spring. It broke within a year and zepdee replaced the spring no problem. I backed off the number of turns to match the other bedroom awning. It is working great; I do have the hooks to keep my awning from unwinding while driving. I don't think they wouldn't work for a slide awning.
Just my two cents
Ron
Ron Clark
Sherwood,Arkansas
1999 U 295 40 foot Build # 5550
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Motorcade # 18173
FMCA # F485593

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #4 –
Ron.
Thank for the input. Have given thought to a method of unwind protection. But when one installs a brand new spring that should take care of the problem. I do keep some bungees on board just for such issues though should they happen on the road. ZD did do right by the problem and have me another spring coming. However even with only 3 months in service, at first tried to place the blame on me.  I do plan to play around with the number of winds though, as my NEW but broken spring definately has signs of spring stretch due to overwind. ZD stated they dont actually make the springs. Probably cheap imported steel.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #5 –
We have had issues with our slide topper bellowing up on one side or the other when heavy winds come in.  They said I needed a new spring and this did not fix the issues we are having.  I suggested that the more you wind that spring, how in the world does it keep it from bellowing up with wind on one side of awning or the other.  Silence! Tightening the spring will only allow it to stay retracted when in stow position.  I also suggested that adding two more straps on each side of awning that could be hung like the center one would be the answer and they said the awning would not roll up correctly.  Not sure on that one either!  So, now have two ratchet straps on each end that do the trick.  Since we are facing North and South, we get the brunt of heavy winds coming out of the West and hence the issues with slide awning.  Does anyone else have a suggestion for this problem?
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #6 –
My friend Gary Omel put a strap on each end of the slide out awning to keep it from billowing up in high winds and it worked great for him.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #7 –
The guy next to us in Beatty, NV. was having issues with his slide toppers billowing and making noise. This was his solution.
Keith and Dawn Hudson #18766
Current- 1999 U295 DFGE 40ft. - Build #5405
Coach Name: 4BUS4US
Previous- 2008 Nimbus CE338: 40th Anniversary Edition- Build #6486. 
Toad: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

 "I know something about a lot of things..a lot about something's..and everything about nothing "

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #8 –
Ah yes...the heartbreak of premature detension.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #9 –
Quote from: red tractor –
My friend Gary Omel put a strap on each end of the slide out awning to keep it from billowing up in high winds and it worked great for him.

I agree Ron, don't see an issue with slide topper not rolling up correctly when adding those thin material straps.  Going to order two with the hooks and pop rivet them on each end and that will cure our issues.  Thanks for the mention on that!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #10 –
Well I must say being involved with a slide awning auto extending in the wind it did leave a lasting memory. I think you just got a spring that was flawed. Im Sure they have mondays and fridays in were it was made. It's taken me several years to get to the point of trusting the awnings. I do like the idea of having a second latch on the main awning and having redundant loops to attach cord to lock awning closed does make sense to me.

299120

Zip Dee Patio Awning Travel Latch Kit - 299120 | highskyrvparts.com

 I used to tyrap the locks in place to ensure retention. Being able to open like normal people will eventually happen im sure. Also I do keep my lock tension a little on the tight side just because.
Scott
 

Re: Zipdee Slide spring premature failure

Reply #11 –
Oh fully agree on the monday friday things.

Good idea on the extra hook for latching while its extended as the slide awning does not fully unroll unles you unlatch and pull it further. I already have the hooks that are used when they are stowed. Other than opening all of them for testing and cleaning we just have not used them much. Most of the time we are in campgrounds weve always been under shade.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918