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Zip Dee

Asking for advice. One of my Zip Dee units on the end of the arm of the collapsible shades broke. Since it is made from pot metal it didnt surprise me. I can order a new on on line and I can replace it easy enough. How do I roll it back safely? Or should I take it in to  an RV repair shop to avoid losing fingers when I attempt to roll it back? Thanks in advance for any advice.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Re: Zip Dee

Reply #1 –
I would call Zip Dee, they have always given me information on how to replace parts and do upgrades. I believe they even have a help section on their website.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Zip Dee

Reply #2 –
Yes ZipDee is really helpful.  I have changed out a few of mine, Not too difficult.
Get yourself a set of Needle Nose Vice Grips.
Clamp the ViceGrips onto the shaft between the cap and material.
Then unbolt the cap, holding on to it so it won't flip over hard.  While holding the cap and ViceGrips, you can then remove the cap.  When you remove the cap, the tension will roll the ViceGrips back toward the coach.
A piece of cardboard between the ViceGrips and the coach will help to prevent any scratches. 
There is spring tension, but it's not super strong, especially when in the closed position.
Reverse the process to install the new cap.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad
 

Re: Zip Dee

Reply #3 –
The spring is on the left arm. If that is the one that broke, then there should be no tension on the spring. Depending on the length of the awning as to how many turns to wind it. I use the arm bolted to the head to wind the spring and then put the bottom bolt in.
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