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Topic: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion (Read 1551 times) previous topic - next topic

Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Hello, I would like to convert my '02 u320 autoawn to a manual awn.  Is that possible by replaceing the arms and motor with the manual pieces?  Or does the whole thing have to go?  Has anyone done this?  I had to go thru the manual retraction process while in the boondocks and don't want to do that again.

Thanks

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #1 –
Zip Dee 800 338-2378 (Elk Grove Village, Ill near Chicago). Zipdeeinc.com
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #2 –
Quote from: waynebr549 –
Hello, I would like to convert my '02 u320 autoawn to a manual awn. 

Has anyone done this? 

txforetravel has.  I'm sure he'll chime in on what needs to be done/cost.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #3 –
Nope the roller tube and spring are totally different.  We had to trash the old one and buy all new. 

Now if you are close to zip dee, they claim they can retro fit the roller tube but after a long discussion with them, they have not had good results. 

I would swap it out in a heartbeat!  We did the manual retraction way too many times!  We know your pain! 
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #4 –
We had to do the manual retraction one time ... the wiring in the forward arm had gone bad.  This coach did not come equipped witht he emergency cord that allows you to connect the motor to the power for stowing the awning, so I had to make one ... just call me MacGuyver!  We bought a reconditioned front arm from ZipDee and had it shipped to FOT for installation ... then shipped our bad one back to ZipDee to be rebuilt for someone else.  Rebuilt arm was in the neighborhood of $350, I think.  Automatic awnings are GREAT ... when they work. 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #5 –
I have been working to get my awning to work with the remote.  The two batteries were installed 11-07 but appear to have a full charge.  90 # of air pressure on guage.  Inigtion key off.  I found the troubleshooting manual on the ZipDee web site.  It appears these things are very sensitive.  My awning appears to be the Evolution series.
 I am going to reprogram my remote.  Also there is a trip button in the box.  There appears to also be some fuses behind where the wires connect on the left side.  If the wind gets over 27 mph the awning will auto retract. All the little lights have a signal or code and have time when they are to light up.  All this is in the trouble shooting manual.
If I can't get it to work right in the next month of use-- I am taking it to FOT for service.  The manual awning is OK but still is an effort to put out and in. I finally am getting around to doing this and my thoughts have always been//  If it doesn't work --get rid of it.  DAN
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #6 –
Whenever I have an issue, I call ZipDee and talk to their "genius" in the service department.  He will trouble shoot over the phone and is a virtual James Triana of awnings.  He can get you going in minutes and is patient and articulate and instructive.  He starts work at about 7:30 AM and leaves pretty early ... so don't wait! 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #7 –
thanks for the feedback everyone...sounds like I've hit a common concern.  Sounds like my choices are try to fix the autoawn (and try to learn to trust it).  or pay for a new manual awning install.  Maybe I don't need an awning...seems like every time I want to use it, it's too windy anyway.

Thanks again

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #8 –
Howdy Jeff and Carol, 
I think the "genius" you are refering is:  Jimmy Hopkins
Jimmy is very knowledgeable and customer friendly.. Would not hesitate a moment to call and ask for Jimmy.
Good Luck,  Dave Abel
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Dan J. Stansel –
I have been working to get my awning to work with the remote.  The two batteries were installed 11-07 but appear to have a full charge.  90 # of air pressure on guage.  Inigtion key off.  I found the troubleshooting manual on the ZipDee web site.  It appears these things are very sensitive.  My awning appears to be the Evolution series...  DAN

Dan --
I have the same year Foretravel with the autoawn.
    • Does your awning work at all or just not with the remote?
    • Batteries that are five years old probably are not holding enough charge and should be replaced.  When I talked with Zip-Dee a couple years back with similar symptoms replacing my batteries did the trick
    • I'm not at my MH at this time so I'm not sure that 90# of air is enough. You might also check the HWH circuit breaker in the storage bay circuit board panel. My panel is located in D3 against the front bulkhead secured by three wing nuts. This seems to be the most common problem that I may encounter to ensure there is enough air pressure built up into the system. This breaker when tripped will prevent your air pump from working.  It is a resettable breaker.  Reset the breaker and let the system fully charge with air,  then try to operate your awning.

    These are the most common tips that have been helpful to me. As mentioned Zip-Dee service Department has been very helpful to me in the past.
    Ron Sedgley
    Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
                (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #10 –
    Ron: Yes, I may need to go ahead and replace the batteries.  Should be able to find some here in Tyler. I have not had the awning out in about 10 months.  I have decided to start using it so I tried the remote and no action.  The remote would close it last time but would not open it.  The control box is hard to get to as I have a freezer/refrigerator  on the tray in front of it but with the tray out you can access it.  The air lines are so tight I have to move them over the door to get the door open.  I think 90 # of air pressure is what I have but the coach is in storage and I pull the aux compressor fuse when I store.  This will eventually lose all the air pressure while in storage.
    It will be the end of next week before I bring the coach back to my home and when do I plan to work on the in and out of the awning. I now (as u suggested) plan to install new batteries.  I put a new battery in the remote.  We will see if it works or not. If the remote does not work then I will try to open with the switch in the control box.  Tks for the suggestions.  DAN
    Dan & Shirley Stansel
    2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
    Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
    Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
    MC# 16650

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #11 –
    You can also try and "reset" the entire system by shutting it completely down and turning it back on.  On mine, if there are not 2 little GREEN lights, it is not ready to go.  This has been happening to us periodically, and I don't know why ... but I do know how to fix it, thanks to ZipDee's Jimmy Hopkins!!  If your awning will work by linking 2 batteries together and connecting them directly to the motor in the roller with the emergency cord to retract the awning, then the wiring in your front arm has been damaged and it will need to be rebuilt or replaced.  The motors almost never go bad (I am told), but the wiring in the front arm can be crimped or damaged over time.
    Carol & Jeff Savournin
    Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
    Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
    Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
    "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #12 –
    I got two new batteries from "Batteries Plus" today.  They read on the volt meter 12.7 and 12.8 volts. and cost $21.99 each.  I plan to install soon. Hopefully the 07 batteries in there now do not hold enough charge under use and that is why my awning is not working with or without the remote.  I have just not used the awning and only had it extended once since I purchased the coach about 19 months ago. I will say this:  The 02/ 400 cummings 40 ft coach drives better than the 99/350 cummings 36 ft.  Does take a little more turning room but so far not been an issue.  What I like most is the quieter generator as this one is in an enclosed box with remote radiator.  The only thing to consider is to upgrade the rear monitor and camera.  Already upgraded both tvs.  The most important thing for me is to get on the road.  See some of you in Canton for Mid-South or at the Grandvention.  Each are only about 45 miles from my home.  DAN
    Dan & Shirley Stansel
    2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
    Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
    Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
    MC# 16650

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #13 –
    Carol: Does your awning have the two bars underneath the main awning to move it out and in?  If so, it may be the same as Ron and my awning.  DAN
    Dan & Shirley Stansel
    2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
    Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
    Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
    MC# 16650

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #14 –
    Dan, we will be at the grandvention.  I would be happy to talk to you about the zip dee auto awning. See your there.
    Tom & Bill

    2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #15 –
    Quote from: Dan J. Stansel –
    Carol: Does your awning have the two bars underneath the main awning to move it out and in?  If so, it may be the same as Ron and my awning.  DAN

    Yes ... we have the 24V system with the 2 rafter arms.  Our anemometer was broken when we bought the coach ... I just keep the remote handy at all times and pay attention!  If you call Jimmy he can tell you volumes about your little red and green lights and talk you through all sorts of things.  He will be your new best friend, seriously.  We found replacement batteries at a battery store ...they are very similar to lawn mower batteries, but not quite the same terminals.  Our batteries are only a year old, and we have to open the bay door for the remote to "talk" to the sending unit.  Dunno why.  But every time I think I have some MAJOR problem I call Jimmy ... and he me operational in short order, usually by resetting a few little switches. 
    Carol & Jeff Savournin
    Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
    Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
    Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
    "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #16 –
    Quote from: txforetravel –
    Nope the roller tube and spring are totally different.  We had to trash the old one and buy all new. 

    Now if you are close to zip dee, they claim they can retro fit the roller tube but after a long discussion with them, they have not had good results. 

    I would swap it out in a heartbeat!  We did the manual retraction way too many times!  We know your pain!



    did you install a manual Zip Dee?  or did you go with another brand?

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #17 –
    We went with a new manual Zip Dee as we wanted all the awnings to match. Plus the Girard is way pricey!!  Jimmie in service is a fantastic guy at Zip Dee when you have questions or issues. I can't say that much for the president of Zip Dee though. 

    Tom & Bill

    2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
     

    Re: Zip Dee autoawn to manual conversion

    Reply #18 –
    Girard is expensive - I love ours EXCEPT it retracts automaticlly at a light breeze (15 mph?) so oftern cant be used.

    Lots of automatic awnings out there, but none can work with our coaches due to lack of clearance between door opening and front window. :-( - Zip DEE has narrow arms, girard mounts on side or top of coach
    Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
    2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
    1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
    Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
    Cessna P337
    1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)