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Topic: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal (Read 659 times) previous topic - next topic

02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Anyone removed the main air actuated awning? I am going to remove it to see if I can get the arms to work and replace the awning motor. How is the electrical connected that has the little cover behind each arm.

Any help would be appreciated

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #1 –
Are you sure the controller is working properly?    There are lots of moving parts that have to do their thing like providing sufficient air pressure.
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #2 –
A couple had a brand new SOB at our Park, I waved as they left and noticed (too late to yell) that their big awning was electrically coming down! As they turned the corner, they took out the light on the pedestal. Must have been a quiet ride to their destination; they did some damage!  :facepalm:
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
Are you sure the controller is working properly?    There are lots of moving parts that have to do their thing like providing sufficient air pressure.

Yes, Added separate compressor.. Hear the click and have had the left arm blow out water on to different tries and nothing else.

Going to take down and replace the motor and see if I can get the arms to extend

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #4 –
 You should've received an emergency pigtail that you can plug into the battery and jump the motor out to check to see if it's working before you remove it .  On my coach the wires that go through that arm deteriorated and trip the relay on the circuitboard they needed to be sent back to zip Dee who replaced the wires for free charge me to rebuild the arm  And circuitboard best thing to do is call them up and talk  Service technician nice guy can't remember his name off the top of my head right now PS  The two diagonal struts are under pressure you will need to use some sort of ratchet strap to hold them in place
John Patrick
2002 U270

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #5 –
 One arm is spring loaded the other arm is an air actuator  The arm with the motor on top is the one that they needed to rebuild with the wires going through that they said was a recall on
John Patrick
2002 U270

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #6 –
They do typically replace that arm with the wire coiled in it.  The wire can short out and ruins the relays in the control box.  The motor on ours is 24V as I recall and has two small batteries in the control box to generate that voltage.  I thought air actuated both arms and the motor only winds and unwinds the fabric depending on the polarity at the time which the control box sends.  The air solenoids on the side of the box are to extend, retract and lock as I recall.  The guy's name at Zip Dee is Jimmy.  He knows those things inside and out.  We used ours manually for a year or so by installing a double pole double throw switch to bypass the burned out part of the control board.  It was a little tricky to wire up but that helped me understand how the thing works.    I sure like the stability of those big arms when the Oklahoma wind kicks up unexpectedly. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #7 –
Jimmy is the man to talk to he will tell you what is wrong and how to fix it
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #8 –
And if Jimmy ever retires we are screwed. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #9 –
Talked to jimmy, He had me jump the motor.. I have air, new batteries and nothing from the motor when jumped

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #10 –
Make sure the motor is bad, I had an broken wire in the front arm that prevented the 24v motor from operating.
I sent both arms to Jimmy for overhauling, $450 later the awning been working perfect for about three years.
The secret I believe is to keep the arms lubed and the water out of the arms. Also Jimmy has excellent customer support so when or if he retires so does my Zip Dee Awning.
Steve
2001 U320 40' IF$ Build #5798
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Toad
2015 GMC Duramax HD2500 Toad
2014 Polaris RZR 1000
Litchfield Park, AZ- Soon to be Paulden, AZ

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #11 –
After two separate un-intended awning deployments and additional awning retract problems which caused issues leaving the campgrounds, I removed my awning. Had Extreme patch all of the holes. Going awningless this trip. Have not missed it so far.  If I need shade, I go inside. Currently in Maine.
Rick & Deborah Webster
2002 3610 U320 #5964
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU- 'Copperhead'
Richland Chambers Lake, East Texas

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Willy White –
Make sure the motor is bad, I had an broken wire in the front arm that prevented the 24v motor from operating.
I sent both arms to Jimmy for overhauling, $450 later the awning been working perfect for about three years.
The secret I believe is to keep the arms lubed and the water out of the arms. Also Jimmy has excellent customer support so when or if he retires so does my Zip Dee Awning.
Steve
Jumped from the top at the motor and nothing.. not even a click or hum..Hmm..

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #13 –
 24 V and did you reverse the polarity at any time did you notice that it made a spark when you touch the wires to the motor leads.  In the closed position you're already on the limit switch reverse the polarity should open it or at least attempt the motor to run
John Patrick
2002 U270

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Old Hippie –
After two separate un-intended awning deployments and additional awning retract problems which caused issues leaving the campgrounds, I removed my awning. Had Extreme patch all of the holes. Going awningless this trip. Have not missed it so far.  If I need shade, I go inside. Currently in Maine.
We also have the tiny awnings all around, those are all we use, especially in the 'monsoon zone' where I've got about five seconds to 'roll 'um up' before being blown and soaked! Yes, I have left the big awning down and had a storm blow through in the middle of the night. Not a lot of fun stark nekkid rolling it up!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: 02 Zip Dee main awning removal

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Willy White –
Make sure the motor is bad, I had an broken wire in the front arm that prevented the 24v motor from operating.
I sent both arms to Jimmy for overhauling, $450 later the awning been working perfect for about three years.
The secret I believe is to keep the arms lubed and the water out of the arms. Also Jimmy has excellent customer support so when or if he retires so does my Zip Dee Awning.
Steve
Jumped from the top at the motor and nothing.. not even a click or hum..Hmm..
Quote from: opelgt327 –
24 V and did you reverse the polarity at any time did you notice that it made a spark when you touch the wires to the motor leads.  In the closed position you're already on the limit switch reverse the polarity should open it or at least attempt the motor to run
Dont remember but will attemped again.. was really windy the day I tried.. will give another shot before I take it off..thanks