Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

Shade Pro or Zip Dee

October 22, 2022, 08:47:06 pm

Planning ahead, we're trying to decide whether we replace our failed (user error) Zip Dee patio awning with another Zip Dee or try Shade Pro.

The Zip Dee replacement awning with shipping would be close to $3000 (the arms are still useable).  It would then take two or three strong men a few hours to slip the replacement awning in and set up the tension in the spring and attach the arms.

The Shade Pro acrylic manual awning option seems to be closer to $2000, installed.

I've always been impressed with the Zip Dee quality, and their service assistance (Randy) is first-rate.

Have any others here had experience with Shade Pro?  Any observations about moving away from Zip Dee?

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Re: Shade Pro or Zip Dee

Reply #1 – October 22, 2022, 08:57:02 pm

ZipDee awnings have been very long lasting for me.  All the awnings on my 1995 were good 2 years ago and all the awning on my 2001 are still just fine.  Sunbrella fabric is vastly superior to acrilic.

I can afford the $1000 you mentioned for the superior quality.  But, you must decide how much the $1000 impacts you all.  All the best making your decision.

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Re: Shade Pro or Zip Dee

Reply #2 – October 22, 2022, 09:11:38 pm

The zip dee awnings on these coaches are one of the stand out features in my opinion and I'd happily pay the extra $1k if I were faced with the same choice

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Re: Shade Pro or Zip Dee

Reply #3 – October 22, 2022, 10:00:28 pm

My ZipDee awnings are 24 years old. You already have the mounting hardware in place. I'd go with original. Does anybody else support their products like ZipDee?

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Re: Shade Pro or Zip Dee

Reply #4 – October 23, 2022, 01:05:23 pm

With Zip Dee installation, it seems like it is double the cost of Shade Pro with electric actuation and installation. But assume Zip Dee awning material is thicker and lot more expensive.

We all know how good Zip Dee is. Does anyone have any experience with Shade Pro or Carefree RV awnings?

Found these:

New Awning Zip Dee or Carefree.. - Airstream Forums

Does anyone make RV awnings besides Carefree and Dometic? | The RV Forum...

Which awning to buy Zip Dee or A&E? - Airstream Forums

Awning replacement: A&E to ZipDee ? - Airstream Forums

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Re: Shade Pro or Zip Dee

Reply #5 – October 23, 2022, 03:17:48 pm

I had the Shade Pro installed on the passenger side small window and it's fine but don't think I'd use one to replace the large one I have unless it's more robust .

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