ZipDee Auto Awn

Topic: ZipDee Auto Awn (Read 728 times) previous topic - next topic

ZipDee Auto Awn

July 19, 2019, 01:24:05 pm

When we purchased our coach in late April, we knew from the start that the Auto Awning that is installed did not work and still don't, or know why. When I asked Keith about it at MOT, he stated it was a problem awning that ZipDee discontinued and was not worth fixing. So, at the time, we listened to his advice and passed on a repair. However, we do miss using the main and wanted to find a fix. A call was made to Visone RV in KY on a price for a used manual ZipDee. I found out they are pretty proud of their used parts to the tune of $1K on the awning. So, may try and find a ZipDee dealer who can diagnose the problem and if not too costly, get this awning to work again. A visit to the factory is not out of the question, but not sure when we will be near the Chicago area. Would really like get this working again if possible. Here is a link to Visone if anyone is looking for parts on their coach. I'm sure they have some deals, but did not think that was a deal on a used manual awning.

https://rvexteriorbodypanels.visonerv.com/cgi-bin/f/foretravelmotorhomeparts.pl?

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #1 – July 19, 2019, 01:40:07 pm

Hi Joe,

I too have a Zip Dee Auto Awn that is not working. Seems water gets into the air cylinders and creates problems. Also the air supply to the control box is way under designed - hence it can be operated only a couple of times, then you wait for the time-out to end. At this point I need to send in my control box to be rebuilt. Debating whether to bother to do that.

The main repair tech for Zip Dee in Chicago is Jimmy. He also goes to FMCA conventions, so if you were to call him ahead of time he will bring the parts necessary to make repairs there.

It is interesting you ask about a manual Zip Dee - with a high price, I won't be doing that either.

Jim

2002 U302 42'
5957

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #2 – July 19, 2019, 01:48:57 pm

Second in Jimmy being the one to contact. Our former coach had that awning and Jimmy was always able to make it work from 700 miles away.

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #3 – July 19, 2019, 02:05:29 pm

Quote from: Johnstons – July 19, 2019, 01:48:57 pm

Second in Jimmy being the one to contact. Our former coach had that awning and Jimmy was always able to make it work from 700 miles away.

I have spoken with Jimmy, but really just asked questions on replacing with the manual and that they would purchase our awning from us if we went with the manual. $150 or so was what I remember was offered for ours. I may call him back when we arrive in Lancaster and see if he can help me get this one going again. I believe the batteries are dead in the control box and the air line has been disconnect and plugged going to the glass bowl. Will drag out our manual and see if I can figure this out. We still have the remote for it as well. Maybe after doing some reading, a call to Jimmy will be help! So, nobody wants to trade their manual for this air operated? lol

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #4 – July 31, 2019, 12:00:36 pm

Well, I spoke with Jimmy again yesterday and we tried several things over the phone on seeing if we could get this awning to deploy! No go! Seems after checking the batteries that are inside of the box and jumping the positive and negative awning motor wires, not a peep. Seems the charger is out of the small bluish box on the left and just that alone would be $600 to replace. Jimmy also stated that if I do that I might as well send the arms in as well and now with shipping, etc. we were looking at over $1K. So, we are going to hold off until we head to Florida and have them send a new manual Zip Dee to the guy they recommend out of Ft. Lauderdale and he
will remove the old awning and install the new. This will save us shipping costs as well as receive a credit on our old auto awn. We spoke with Linda at ZipDee and she was so helpful and making these recommendations and trying to save us some dollars as well. We loved our manual ZipDee and look forward to enjoying one again!

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #5 – July 31, 2019, 12:19:47 pm

Juicesqueezer,

Welcome to the club of non--working Zip Dee Auto Awn units. I still tote mine around in place because it would more bucks to remove it, fill the holes in the fiberglass and paint it. Batteries going bad, not enough air pressure, water in the arms and green box electrical failures....that's been enough for me.
Jim

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #6 – July 31, 2019, 12:19:55 pm

Happens a lot: Like I say, "If you don't have a awning or mirror story, you have not had the coach long enough!"

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #7 – July 31, 2019, 02:22:41 pm

One thing that Jimmy did state is that they recommended Foretravel put in either a larger or separate compressor for that Auto Awn system when they started to install them. That seems to be one of the major problems along with water in the arms.

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ZipDee Auto Awn

July 19, 2019, 01:24:05 pm

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #1 – July 19, 2019, 01:40:07 pm

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #2 – July 19, 2019, 01:48:57 pm

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #3 – July 19, 2019, 02:05:29 pm

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #4 – July 31, 2019, 12:00:36 pm

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #5 – July 31, 2019, 12:19:47 pm

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #6 – July 31, 2019, 12:19:55 pm

Re: ZipDee Auto Awn

Reply #7 – July 31, 2019, 02:22:41 pm

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