Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication (Read 1107 times) previous topic - next topic

Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

On this new-to-us '02 U320 there is an automatic patio awning (the greatest thing since sliced bread, if it keeps working!) that I plan to use regularly.  The guys at MOT have done some lubrication ... some kind of grease + 3in1 oil in the main arms, I think, and then silicone spray on the two smaller extension arms that come out from the middle of the roof.  there is still a bit of "shudder and shake" that happens when it extends and retracts ... just enough to make me think it could use a bit more slippery stuff. What is the consensus on maintenance procedures?  I am the "Awning girl" in our household.
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: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #1 –
Carol:  We also just purchased an 02 U295 and it has the same awning.  Have not had it out but couple times and I understand this is the only year this model was installed. I think they are very tempermental.  I will put some silicone spray on the arms.  Please post your experiences with this awning and we both can learn.  I know there must be a lot of 02 owners out ther with this awning.  Dan Stansel 
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
What is the consensus on maintenance procedures?
Carol, our awning is automatic (however, it's a Girard) and I agree that it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.  When we owned a 2003 Airstream, we had a ZipDee awning (not automatic), and ZipDee customer service was (and no doubt still is) outstanding.  (Their sales staff is also good, as evidenced by the patio mat I bought from them to match the awning!).  ^.^d  I would suggest a quick call to ZipDee with your question about maintenance...

Here is their contact information:  Awnings By ZipDee
The selected media item is not currently available.Pat Hatfield
2000 U295 3600 #5666 WTFE (sold 1/7/20)
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
previously: 2003 U295 3610 #6228 (sold 5/29/14)
previously:  2009 Honda CRV (sold 6/9/14)

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #3 –
Carol,
We have the 02 U320 42ft with the ZipDee autoawning.  A couple of key things. 
#1 - change the batteries in the unit every two years or more often.  There are 2 6v batteries near the "brain" of the awning (A blue box on ours).  If the batteries don't hold a charge, the awning will go out but not retract 100%.

#2 - This awning does not have the manual retraction like the Girard.  There is no "tool" to roll it back up.  The owners manual has a procedure but let me tell you from experience, DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS unless you have some big muscles handy.  The smaller arms are spring loaded and will shoot you off a ladder faster than fast.  Again, voice of experience.  Both Bill and I are in great shape, work out everday, and we struggled with the manual retraction. 

#3 - Also be sure you have the proper psi for the awning (110psi is what I remember). 

#4 - Lubrication -  I have MOT do this once a year during service.  It's a slimy mixture of crud that goes in the arms.

#5 - Do not leave the coach with it out.  Yes there is a weather sensor and it does work at about 25 mph winds.  I always roll ours up in any windy conditions.

Enjoy it.  It's really nice and with just a little bit of care, it will work perfectly.

Please feel free to e-mail on here for more information.

Tom & Bill


ZipDee folks are a great help. Call them with any question. 

Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #4 –
Tom and Bill,
Just a note to say that the two batteries in my 42' 2002 U320 ZipDee Auto-Awn control box are 12 volt gel cells instead of 6 volt.

Quote
We have the 02 U320 42ft with the ZipDee autoawning. A couple of key things.
1 - change the batteries in the unit every two years or more often.

There are 2 6v batteries near the "brain" of the awning (A blue box on ours). If the batteries don't hold a charge, the awning will go out but not retract 100%.
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #5 –
I believe you are correct!  I was going off of memory and god knows that the memory is the first to go!  I will look to be sure wednesday!
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #6 –
We have the same awning on our 2002 U320 and love it.  It can be tempermental until you are familiar with its operation.  I had a couple issues when I first purchased my unit in 2007, but have had very little problems since.  (knock on wood).... The service people at ZipDee are great and extremely helpful...
I will also second not to leave the awning out when you are not with the coach...  not only for windy conditions but also for unexpected rainy conditions.  I did once and experienced a good sag in the roller from rain water collected in the awning.  Again with great phone  assistance from Zip Dee I was able correct the condition without incurring any significant expense. 
You will love the auto awn....
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #7 –
Excellent!  We are pretty cautious with the big awning ... don't leave home and let it go very often.  With the remote control, it is not nearly as tempting to just let it stay out ... no work!!  I would assume that you never use the awning straps to tie it down, if it has the auto retract sensor. 
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: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #8 –
Hi Dan,
Tell me about it...I have had lots of sporadic events with my ZipDee Auto-Awn patio awning - the air and electrical operated model. I'm headed to FMCA in Madison to meet with ZipDee reps to replace the valve stack (on the outside of the control box) and probably replace the whole front arm as it was locked straight up a couple of times because it wouldn't release the air pressure - even when you disconnect the air lines inside the electrical panel at the entry door.

Between those things, arms not always fully extending and the batteries going dead - it's been a challenge to use. Seems that when water gets into the arms air lines and work further backwards, things go down hill from there. The ZipDee techs told me there is a simple process I hope to learn next month to drain the arms it after rains. I have my fingers crossed.
Quote
We also just purchased an 02 U295 and it has the same awning. Have not had it out but couple times and I understand this is the only year this model was installed. I think they are very tempermental. I will put some silicone spray on the arms. Please post your experiences with this awning and we both can learn. I know there must be a lot of 02 owners out ther with this awning. Dan Stansel Dan Stansel
2002 U295 40
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #9 –
Where are the batteries for the awning.  This is the first I have heard of batteries for this awning.
I thought they worked off the house batteries???  Tks DAn Stansel
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #10 –
Quote
Where are the batteries for the awning. This is the first I have heard of batteries for this awning.
I thought they worked off the house batteries??? Tks DAn Stansel

Dan Stansel
2002 U295 40

Hi Dan,
My air + electric ZipDee remote controlled awning has two, relatively small 12 volt gel cell batteries inside the control box -sometimes located on the wall on a basement bay. The system operates on 24 volts so these batteries are in series.
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #11 –
Jim:  Tks found them.  Learn something everyday. I assume the inverter keeps these charged.
Dan
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Automatic ZipDee awning lubrication

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
I would assume that you never use the awning straps to tie it down, if it has the auto retract sensor. 

Haven't found any awning straps yet and I would not think that I would use them.  It is too easy to roll the awning when needed.
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001