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Topic: Zip Dee Auto to Manual (Read 748 times) previous topic - next topic

Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Called Zip Dee today and they no longer service or have parts for the auto awning that was installed on a few Foretravels.  :o  Only option is to remove the auto awning and go to a manual Zip Dee.  They also don't offer a retro from auto to manual.
So, my question is;  has anyone already done this on their coach?  Zip Dee will give some kickback on the auto awning, as they will use it for parts for others who wish to repair their awning.
Any help on this would be most appreciated.  I know there will have to be some holes filled, since the manual has longer arms, etc.
Thanks in advance for any help on this.
This will be going on a 2000 U320 40 footer!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #1 –
Joe,

What is wrong/not functioning on your auto awning?
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Joe,

What is wrong/not functioning on your auto awning?

Hi Brett, they just said previous owner disconnected awning as it was broken and would not be worth repairing.
Control box was open and lines disconnected.
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #3 –
I haven't installed a Zip-Dee but I did remove mine to change to a Girard automatic awning.  Without hijacking with a debate about the merits of Girard vs Zip-Dee, removal of the Zip-Dee was easy.  Installation would also be pretty easy with at least 3-4 people.  About the only advice I would offer would be to try to position it for the brackets to hit as much steel in the walls as possible.  It needs to go where it needs to go but you may have a little wiggle room to move left/right if you're close to an internal wall frame member.  Anything that doesn't hit steel is held only by the fiberglass skin.

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #4 –
Reminder: A magnet is your friend in locating the beams.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #5 –
I would see what is needed to repair the awning first before you spend money on replacing. Might be cheaper to repair. THey have the manuals and they are very helpful on the phone.. Simple system when you learn it..

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #6 –
Quote from: DavidS –
I would see what is needed to repair the awning first before you spend money on replacing. Might be cheaper to repair. THey have the manuals and they are very helpful on the phone.. Simple system when you learn it..

David, I agree on finding out the costs involved, but when I spoke with ZipDee, they don't carry parts for this awning anymore!  While at MOT 2 weeks ago, they basically said it would not be worth spending the money, since these particular systems were nightmares and constantly breaking down.  They're words, not mine.  So, did not pursue the issue!  We never used our awnings that much, but when we did, it was nice to have. ^.^d
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #7 –
Quote from: juicesqueezer –
David, I agree on finding out the costs involved, but when I spoke with ZipDee, they don't carry parts for this awning anymore!  While at MOT 2 weeks ago, they basically said it would not be worth spending the money, since these particular systems were nightmares and constantly breaking down.  They're words, not mine.  So, did not pursue the issue!  We never used our awnings that much, but when we did, it was nice to have. ^.^d
I forgot mine is a little different.

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #8 –
My Foretravel came (to me) with a large Girard on it. One of the three arms was obviously a little bent, and the awning was low at full extension. Girard was at the FMCA rally in Chandler a couple of years ago, so I asked them about having it adjusted. They sent two guys to investigate. I ran it out for them to see and they showed me that one of the arms was broken at the knuckle and another one was cracked at the knuckle. They ran it back in manually and told me it could not be fixed (maybe they wanted to sell me a new one?). They also said not to open it again.
 
I spent a lot of coach bucks at MOT last March for several things. I had them look at the awning, and they thought it could be fixed with two new arms. I paid for two arms from CA, and they installed them and adjusted the awning. It now works perfectly and total cost was much less than a CB! Now, if I didn't live in OK and travel to NV and AZ, where the wind is known to blow a bit, I could use it even more.  :o
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #9 –
Thanks everyone!  When I get back to TX next week, I will ask again.  Zip Dee has not called me back as of yet on the trade in on a manual one.  I do know that the holes will not match up, so some body work will be necessary and not sure if in the end, it would be worth it.  Decisions!!!!! :o
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #10 –
I have all the parts for the awning that you are speaking of.  If you are interested give me a call at 251-554-4480.  I have a 2002 U320
Don and Donna Steele
2002 U320 36ft

Re: Zip Dee Auto to Manual

Reply #11 –
Though 2002 was a 1 hit wonder with the awning? No?... Finally got mine working and its awesome!!