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Topic: Replacement For Zip Dee (Read 1188 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacement For Zip Dee

Has anyone here replaced, or had their Zip Dee replaced. After years of having Fiamma cassette awnings, the Rube Goldberg setup of the Zip Dee is more than I want to go thru. I don't want a power unit, just an easy to use manual.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #1 –
Dave,

I find my Zip Dee manual window awnings very easy to use.

I have had my Zip Dee manual patio awning stretcher arms reversed using a kit from Zip Dee.  I used to never use the patio awning and now I use it all the time as set up is very easy and fast.

I would not want any other brand of awning as they are very reliable and very wind resistant, especially the window awnings.

I join you in not wanting a electric automatic awning.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #2 –
Just watched the U Tube video of the setup of the Fiamma Cassette awning. I like my Zip Dee manual awning much better. Looks like it would be a bear to retract in a stiff wind as I have had to do with my Zip Dee. Different strokes.....

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #3 –
So you have a ZipDee manual now? I love ours, though I wish it was mounted higher like in the later year coaches. I agree that reversing the spreaders with the key available from ZipDee as suggested by Rudy would make it much easier to deploy. I plan on doing that, just haven't got a "round tuit" yet. Maybe Bill C. will give me one next time we see him ;D
Don
Quote from: toyman –
Has anyone here replaced, or had their Zip Dee replaced. After years of having Fiamma cassette awnings, the Rube Goldberg setup of the Zip Dee is more than I want to go thru. I don't want a power unit, just an easy to use manual.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #4 –
Quote from: toyman –
Has anyone here replaced, or had their Zip Dee replaced. After years of having Fiamma cassette awnings, the Rube Goldberg setup of the Zip Dee is more than I want to go thru. I don't want a power unit, just an easy to use manual.
Dave, I replaced my Zip Dee awning (main tube fractured in the middle) and it was fairly easy process although 2 other people were needed, the manual process is a no-brainer.

Hans
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #5 –
I hate to load up on you but I don't think there is a better awning system on the market. Most other Premium Brand RVs like Blue bird, Newel, Air Stream and Prevost used Zip Dee. Like so many things if you will just use the Zip Dees they become the simplest and most reliable awning system you can have.

If you are vertically challenged use a step stool and for gosh sakes use the pole supplied or order a new one from Zip Dee if you don't have one. If you are still dissatisfied with the patio awning call Zip Dee tech service. They are very helpful and may recommend their new inverted upper arms that are easier to use.

Hang in there. You too will love them long term. My current coach had the Zip Dee patio awning removed by the previous owner before the repaint. Last year we spent $ 3,000 to have a new one installed. It is one of my favorite parts of my coach.

My bet is once you have seen everyone else's awning fail in a storm you too will sing the praises of the Zip Dee.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #6 –
I've been able to attach the "old style" rafter arms from the ground. I guess the "new style" rafter arms are easier to use. The only time I have had to use "vertical enhancement" was when ground slope required me to use a step stool in order to raise the front "outside" corner high enough that the awning would not interfere with the entry door.

I bought a relatively long awning hook that allows locking/unlocking and deploying/stowing all awnings from the ground. Others have made custom awning hooks from golf club shafts.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #7 –
Many for travels have a very small space between the door entry and the first window because of this often only a zip D will fit on the side of the coach
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #8 –
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
I've been able to attach the "old style" rafter arms from the ground.

I bought a relatively long awning hook that allows locking/unlocking and deploying/stowing all awnings from the ground. Others have made custom awning hooks from golf club shafts.

Zip Dee has a fancy new pole that even grabs the lock buttons on the upper patio arms. It makes deploying the old style patio arms much easier and reliable.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #9 –
I don't have anything to compare, since the only awnings I've ever had are the ones on this coach. Generally both of us are involved in putting out the patio awning. Jo Ann is there mainly for holding the strap until I get the upper side arms hooked. Then she goes back in and I finish up. Yes, I'm too short for my weight so I use a small step stool to hook or unhook the upper side bars.

Whenever the patio awning is out I have some orange pool noodles on the lower arms. I generally don't have any problems with or without the noodles, but others haven't been so fortunate, so now I always put the noodles on.

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #10 –
Love my Zip Dee but to answer your question, I see a lot of CareFree awnings on Monaco's and the like.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #11 –
Having owned Motorhomes since the 70's, I have plenty of experience with awnings, including ZD's on 2 GMC coaches. We were sitting with our son a few days ago, trying to figure out what & how many MH's we've had....couldn't come up with a number.

Anyway, this wasn't intended to be a Zip Dee bash, nor a "I Love my Zip Dee", just a question if anyone has replaced theirs? But, one tid bit I did get was a hint that ZD had something better ! The kit that puts the hooks on the end of the rafter they belong on. I'll get them, as a stop gap any way. Thanks !
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Replacement For Zip Dee

Reply #12 –
Dave,

While I am in the "I love my Zip Dee Awning" group, I work on many different brand motorhomes including Newell and a good number of the Prevost Converters.  So I see nearly all the different brand awnings and have yet to see one I wish I had over my manual Zip Dees.

This summer, I was working on a Newell in the shade of the patio awning and all of a sudden I was in the hot sun.  The wind that closed the awning would not cause me any concern for my patio awning.

If you do turn your stretcher arms around, I believe you will like the easier operation they provide.  I deploy and stow my patio awning by myself in a short time standing on the ground on my two short legs.

As my friend Dave M says, "Do what makes you happy".  Then come on down to Baytown and we will have a good time eating our way through the area.  I will be happy to sit in the shade of the patio awning of your choice drinking ice tea or hot chocolate if you come before summer returns.

Happy Holidays.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas