Zip Dee Awning NX Upgrade
Just left ZipDee Awningsin Elk Grove Village, IL to have the NX upgrade installed...I'm VERY, VERY pleased with the upgrade and the install. These guys definetly know what they are doing, very customer friendly, and professional. They have a good shop with all the parts, tools, ladders on hand..
Basically, the NX upgrade are new Rafter arms, that replace the current rafter arms..As you know, the rafter arms are hinged at the bottom and you have to stab the top.. A real PITA. The new arms look very similiar to the old arms, just hinged at the top and stabs on the awning roller shaft...Much better. To hinge at the top, a new rafter arm mounting fitting must be installed. This fitting is attached to the coach with new stainless screws. Getting the fitting positioned and attached to the coach is the hardest aspect and takes the most time of the whole upgrade..On my coach ('00 U320), the awning is attached on the roof cap in the radius. I'm VERY happy, I came to Chicago to have the factory install. The rafter arms had to be adjusted (with some small bends) to hang in position correctly. About three hours total time in the shop.
The upgrade is very straight forward, and if the awning was mounted on the side, as in earlier model FTs, this would be a very easy upgrade for the FT owner to do on his own. Since my awning is mounted high, I'm very happy I had this done at the factory.
The NX upgrade kit, including installation, a repair on the big awning (including a replacement z-lock), and another small window awning removed and repaired, out the door for $401. Very pleased with the quality of the material, installation and the costs.
Hope this helps, Dave Abel
Randy Thomas customer service
Jimmy Hopkins service tech and installer
Jim Webb President
All great guys and customer centric...