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Topic: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade) (Read 920 times) previous topic - next topic

ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

I finally got around to doing the Zip Dee NX awning upgrade which swaps ends on the diagonal rafter bar. Thanks to those that sent me photos. I think this is a great upgrade. Deploying and storing the big awning is much simpler. Anyhow, for those that might want to do it, Zip Dee provides good instructions and here's the issues I ran into in doing mine.

Position of Front Bracket: I think there are slight variations in the original awning install. For example, some have been able to install the top bracket right up against the front cap trim while others have had to make adjustments. In my case, I had to notch the trim and form the bracket to the cap to get the new rafter to fit correctly.

Sliders: I have those vertical sliders which allow you to raise the main arm and save your scalp. When I tried to install the upgrade the new rafters were completely compressed. That's when I noticed that there are two anchor settings on the sliders. I had to move the big arm down to the lower one to get the rafter to fit right. This drops the awing about 3/4".

Porch Light: Because the awning is slightly lower, I had to relocate the porch light about 1/2" lower.

jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #1 –
It is one of the best upgrades you can do. Makes using the awning much easier.
Jon Ohman
2001 U320 36'
Build #5809

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #2 –
How much is it?
1998 U270 34'

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #3 –
Quote
How much is it?
Can't find the invoice but I think it was $240 or so. You'll have to give them a call I guess.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #4 –
Jor,
Muchas gracias for the post.  I never knew there was an upgrade kit for the large awning.  We will be ordering the upgrade kit or since we are an hour away from Zip Dee we can go there and pick up the parts.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Michelle –
We tried to have the Zip Dee NX patio awning arm upgrade done by Xtreme, but as a handful have discovered, Foretravel changed the mounting on the patio awning in either 1999 or 2000 (it's up on the radius).  Xtreme tried, but was unable to adapt it to our coach.  Zip Dee wouldn't take them back.


That's weird that Xtreme couldn't mount the NX.  I made it work on my 2001 and it has the awning mounted above the drip rail like yours, just had to trim a few inches out of the front cap seal strip.  I can send pix if it'll help.  It is a great upgrade and makes the awning more stable, a lot more wind resistant and way easier to extend and stow.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #6 –
Jor posted his install on the lower mounted awning here: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)  His front cleat is screwed into fiberglass on the front cap.  His awning is mounted old-style below the roof seam strip.

I wanted to screw into aluminum extrusion, but the alignment put the front arm right on the front cap seam trim strip, so I cut it.  Here's a few shots of the forward cleat install.  Too far aft and the arm hits the gutter/door drip rail, too far forward and you'll be screwing solely into the fiberglas cap.  Had to mark the location, unscrew the front cap moulding and cut it to fit.  (when I was performing the procedure, I found gross defect from the factory in the caulking where the front cap, roof and side wall meet.  I could stick my thumb in the hole!!!)  Copious caulking preceded screwing down the cleat and cap seam trim.

If your awning doesn't align like this, then it is possible to slightly shift the entire awning for or aft by un-crimping the rail slot and removing the sheet metal screw that pins the flex hinge to the slot. (like is done when replacing the flex hinge).
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #7 –
Okay you guys have forced me to open an old post. Can someone describe this with pictures so I can see how this works please. I didn't even know I was having issues with the awning. But if there is a better way to do something im interested in it.
Thanks Scott

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #8 –
Scott, the NX kit moves the awning support arm hinge points from the roller to the roof, and the hooks from the floppy cover to the roller.  It is much easier to extend/retract (one man job without the assist pole), and more robust in winds.  Here's the info from ZipDee.  https://www.awningsbyzipdee.com/products/nx-hardware-upgrade-kit/
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold
 

Re: ZipDee Doo Da (NX Upgrade)

Reply #9 –
Thank you that make more sense to me.