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Topic: ZipDee Patio Awning (Read 489 times) previous topic - next topic

ZipDee Patio Awning

I have a good bow in the galvanized steel roller bar on the ZipDee awning that affects the operation.  This was caused by not lowering one of the rafter bars to drain during a really good rainfall, and having it fill with a lot of water.  Ops!  One of those live and learn moments.    I have spoken with and am familiar with the 'fix' mentioned in the owners manual.  As I don't have three good sized friends to help out, does anyone have any good ideas on how to straighten this roller bar?
Thanks,
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: ZipDee Patio Awning

Reply #1 –
Mike,

May take more than a 6 pack, but you do need a couple of BIG friends.
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: ZipDee Patio Awning

Reply #2 –
This may work. Using 2 2x4 8 ft studs, lower awning to level where studs will support each end on the ground, may need to adjust to get high spot of bend "up". Temporarily duct tape studs to awning ends so they don't slip off. Using ladder carefully press down at roller bar high spot until straight again.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: ZipDee Patio Awning

Reply #3 –
Yup, been there: cost me a half-rack of Pacifico (each) for two strong bucks to help. We had no ladder, so a picnic table was called into action.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: ZipDee Patio Awning

Reply #4 –
I had the same issue, a PO had let it fill with rainwater I suppose. Enough of a bow that it was difficult to open and close.
I tried putting the bow up and with supports on the ends, applying downward pressure in the middle. No luck. So I tried the bow down approach with a sturdy 6' ladder in the middle and using a truck bumper on one end and a jeep bumper on the other, I attached a ratchet strap to each end and to the bumpers, pulled down until the bow was the opposite direction. Unfortunately it didn't stay that way and it returned to it's original shape when I released the straps. The difficult part was keeping the bar from rolling, the end latches alone wouldn't hold it so I tried a strap wrench. After a couple of attempts it eventually got better (straighter) but still not straight. Rolling up and down was manageable with help but I wanted it correct so that it was a one person job. So after three years of frustration with it.............. I ordered a new tube from Zip Dee and replaced it a couple months ago.  ^.^d

Hope you have better luck than I did, completely removing the tube from the awning and taking it somewhere that you can secure it and apply enough pressure to over bend it in the opposite direction may work.  Worth a try because the tube and shipping are expensive.
 
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: ZipDee Patio Awning

Reply #5 –
We used a step ladder on one end.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: ZipDee Patio Awning

Reply #6 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –
completely removing the tube from the awning and taking it somewhere that you can secure it and apply enough pressure to over bend it in the opposite direction may work.
I'd thought of that, too, but I'd heard horror stories about broken wrists and such, I took it to a Airstream dealer and they made it look easy to remove the tube, they had special tools (home made) to get that long spring out, because it had broken. (think garage door opener springs!)  :facepalm:
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'
 

Re: ZipDee Patio Awning

Reply #7 –
Quote from: mike leary –
I'd thought of that, too, but I'd heard horror stories about broken wrists and such, I took it to a Airstream dealer and they made it look easy to remove the tube, they had special tools (home made) to get that long spring out, because it had broken. (think garage door opener springs!)  :facepalm:
It really wasn't that difficult, the FOUR of us replaced it in a couple of hours, the new tube came with suggested directions.
Follow the directions  ::)  8)  use CAUTION and take your time.............. you do have to drill out the old rivets and replace with new ones.
(provided with the new tube)                          DW suggested that I read the directions FIRST next time.......  ;D

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota