Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Window awnings too low when open (Read 1298 times) previous topic - next topic

Window awnings too low when open

Our window awnings are too low when open to allow seeing for any distance beyond about 30' unless we get down near the sill. The awnings are held open by fabric straps (one each) that slip onto hooks mounted on the sides of the coach. If they are rolled up for any distance by changing or adding additional hooks might not any wind cause them to suddenly billow out and possibly self-destruct?

1989 GV
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #1 –
The angle and length of the window awning is matched with the tension on it's spring to assure maximum efficiency of it's function. I assume that adjusting any one of these functions could be matched by appropriate adjusting of the others. The folks at Zip-Dee are most accommodating and I would bet would be happy to discuss this with you. A word of CAUTION, however, the springs in those awnings are very powerful, adjusting them standing on a ladder needs extreme care!
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Horace B. Cupp Jr. –
The angle and length of the window awning is matched with the tension on it's spring to assure maximum efficiency of it's function. I assume that adjusting any one of these functions could be matched by appropriate adjusting of the others. The folks at Zip-Dee are most accommodating and I would bet would be happy to discuss this with you. A word of CAUTION, however, the springs in those awnings are very powerful, adjusting them standing on a ladder needs extreme care!


Awning Spring Adjustment instructions
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #3 –
Sorry, but it is not the spring tension but the fact that the holddown straps and the hooks they latch into hold the awning down so far. If the straps were longer or the hooks higher then the awnings would roll up so the pleated edges were rolled up on the rollers. Guess it is a "catch-22" situation unless I want to have the awnings themselves shortened as far as roll-out is concerned and then would have to have either new straps added or new hooks placed higher up.

The spring tensioners on all the window awnings are really great. The best I have ever experienced.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #4 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Sorry, but it is not the spring tension but the fact that the holddown straps and the hooks they latch into hold the awning down so far. If the straps were longer or the hooks higher then the awnings would roll up so the pleated edges were rolled up on the rollers. Guess it is a "catch-22" situation unless I want to have the awnings themselves shortened as far as roll-out is concerned and then would have to have either new straps added or new hooks placed higher up.

The spring tensioners on all the window awnings are really great. The best I have ever experienced.

I have had a slide awning strap loop tear & I ordered an extension strap from zip dee & riveted it on.
You could do the same and rivet or sew the extension strap to allow the awning to only come down to where you want it.
The beauty of the extension is you can still use your original loop.  8)
It is better than moving the holding hook.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #5 –
You could do it that way but a gust of wind will get under it and cause it to billow then the alunimum casting on the side will crack and the spring tension removed.  Humm do not ask me how I know but it happened on the LR slide one ANC I had to take it off and put it inside the coach. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #6 –
Thanks John. That is exactly what I was worried would happen.

Right now we are parked in the Foretravel campground after a freezing trip down from WI. Only thing that really warmed us up was the Packer win!!

Maybe someone here at the plant has an answer. Will post it if they do.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #7 –
I have been thinking about the need to duck and look out when the awnings are extended.  It is true that I have to bend over to peek out, if I want to see what is going on outdoors.  But sitting on the sofa or in the recliner, I seem to have a pretty good view.  I can leave the window open and the shade partially raised when I am in my bed and maintain a fair degree of privacy with the awning extended.  I can leave the windows in the coach open for ventilation and the shades raised and still maintain a fair degree of privacy.  I would rather have that than the ability to see out of the windows.  Just MHO.  I wouldn't reinvent those awnings too much.
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: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #8 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Our window awnings are too low when open to allow seeing for any distance beyond about 30' unless we get down near the sill. The awnings are held open by fabric straps (one each) that slip onto hooks mounted on the sides of the coach. If they are rolled up for any distance by changing or adding additional hooks might not any wind cause them to suddenly billow out and possibly self-destruct?

1989 GV

Take a piece of small rope or cord, tie it so you have a loop, pass the loop through the strap end and connect the ends of the rope loop to the strap hook.  Adjust the length of the loop to get the bottom of the awning where you want it.  Some of the awning flap rolls up as it is raised.  If it works, then the problem is solved without making any changes to the coach.  Retract the awnings at night (saves having to get up to do it),  when leaving the coach for a few hours, or wind is expected.  Don't forget to lock the big awning before travel (don't ask me how I know that).
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Window awnings too low when open

Reply #9 –
Jerry--thanks. The previous owner had bungee ball cords on both ZipDee awning rods and I kept using them. I will try the rope extension idea when we get somewhere where we want the awnings down.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD