How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Topic: How to open the large Zipdee awning help (Read 1361 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #25 – February 13, 2020, 10:24:23 am

I can reach up and latch my upper arm from the ground, a 12" folding stool help. Some are vertically challenged.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #26 – February 13, 2020, 11:10:59 am

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – February 13, 2020, 10:24:23 am

I can reach up and latch my upper arm from the ground, a 12" folding stool help. Some are vertically challenged.

When we replaced our patio awning I also ordered the "NX Upgrade" kit. The rafter arms attach to the motorhome at the top and it makes awning operation easier and faster. To me, at least, it was a very worthwhile upgrade.

As I have mentioned before the optional center rafter is easy to use and adds significant strength to the long roller tube.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #27 – February 13, 2020, 11:14:36 am

Times 2 on NX upgrade. Much easier out and in for myself.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #28 – February 13, 2020, 11:40:43 am

Optional center rafter... Sounds interesting, do you have any pictures? I am trying to picture how that would work on our 21' patio awning. How does it attach?
Don

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – February 13, 2020, 11:10:59 am

When we replaced our patio awning I also ordered the "NX Upgrade" kit. The rafter arms attach to the motorhome at the top and it makes awning operation easier and faster. To me, at least, it was a very worthwhile upgrade.

As I have mentioned before the optional center rafter is easy to use and adds significant strength to the long roller tube.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #29 – February 13, 2020, 12:00:09 pm

Quote from: Don & Tys – February 13, 2020, 11:40:43 am

Optional center rafter... Sounds interesting, do you have any pictures? I am trying to picture how that would work on our 21' patio awning. How does it attach?

I will post a picture or two later today. In the meantime the Zip Dee Website may show an illustration. The center rafter is hinged to the upper side of the motorhome and swings out with a spring-loaded pin inserted into a hole in the awning tube.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #30 – February 13, 2020, 12:40:44 pm

Quote from: craneman – February 13, 2020, 10:09:35 am

Your spring must be tighter than mine, it won't roll up without help for about a foot.

Craneman, Caravan Position is with the awning only extended part way. Done properly the extension arms are fully retracted. Without using the extension arms, and expecting a ratchet wheel to hold the awning out a gentle breeze was enough to retract the awning.

I, too, have no difficulty hooking the claw from the ground. But I like to use a step stool to give me some height to pull the awning out the first few feet.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #31 – February 13, 2020, 01:09:37 pm

Quote from: Old Toolmaker – February 13, 2020, 12:40:44 pm

Craneman, Caravan Position is with the awning only extended part way. Done properly the extension arms are fully retracted. Without using the extension arms, and expecting a ratchet wheel to hold the awning out a gentle breeze was enough to retract the awning.

I, too, have no difficulty hooking the claw from the ground. But I like to use a step stool to give me some height to pull the awning out the first few feet.

Sorry didn't understand the term Caravan Position. Mine would reel back from that position also.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #32 – February 13, 2020, 03:30:12 pm

Quote from: Don & Tys – February 13, 2020, 11:40:43 am

Optional center rafter... Sounds interesting, do you have any pictures? I am trying to picture how that would work on our 21' patio awning. How does it attach?

Here are some pictures showing it deployed and one of the lower attachment point when stowed.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #33 – February 13, 2020, 04:17:58 pm

Thanks for the pictures

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – February 13, 2020, 12:00:09 pm

I will post a picture or two later today. In the meantime the Zip Dee Website may show an illustration. The center rafter is hinged to the upper side of the motorhome and swinds out with a spring-loafed pin inserted into a hole in the awning tube.

Learn something new every day! I have to say, I do like that Third arm idea. It looks like a quarter inch thick stick of aluminum flatstock is riveted to the awning roller tube, and the third arm has a dowel that fits into a hole drilled to receive it?
Don

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #34 – February 13, 2020, 04:41:54 pm

Quote from: Don & Tys – February 13, 2020, 04:17:58 pm

Thanks for the pictures Learn something new every day! I have to say, I do like that Third arm idea. It looks like a quarter inch thick stick of aluminum flatstock is riveted to the awning roller tube, and the third arm has a dowel that fits into a hole drilled to receive it?

Your description is accurate (although the aluminum flatstock is thinner than 1/4"). It was a straightforward installation and seems (at least to me) to significantly strengthen the long roller tube.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #35 – February 13, 2020, 09:39:38 pm

Here is a link that covers some key points even if it is not just like ours.

https://youtu.be/dYtYqk_05oQ

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #36 – February 13, 2020, 10:48:36 pm

Ok. When it's sunny and no wind, I'll go for it. All your help is invaluable and very much appreciated.
1st. Lube everything cause I don't know when it was opened last and let it set a few days.
2nd. release the hardware in 3 places on the roller.
3rd. Say a prayer.
4th. Continue!
Thanks again

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #37 – February 14, 2020, 11:45:05 am

One thing I learned (the HARD WAY) is to put a short loop of thin rope on the end of the pull cord. I also put a subtle mark on the coach to indicate where the pull cord ends. Digging that pull cord out is least fun!

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #38 – February 14, 2020, 01:13:59 pm

Quote from: mike leary – February 14, 2020, 11:45:05 am

One thing I learned (the HARD WAY) is to put a short loop of thin rope on the end of the pull cord. I also put a subtle mark on the coach to indicate where the pull cord ends. Digging that pull cord out is least fun!

Then why not open the awning some with the arms? With something to stand on, and a couple of blocks of wood you can accomplish the task by yourself*.

*I break enough stuff all by myself, I don't need help.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #39 – February 20, 2020, 07:14:54 pm

. Ok. got it opened today and all is well! Awning is like new. Probably never used much.
Thanks for all the help. Way easier than the instructions make it seem. I'm 6-4 so no stool needed and I lengthened the pull rope for easier access.
Thanks again

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #40 – February 20, 2020, 08:09:12 pm

Quote from: dans96u295ft – February 20, 2020, 07:14:54 pm

. Ok. got it opened today and all is well! Awning is like new. Probably never used much.
Thanks for all the help. Way easier than the instructions make it seem. I'm 6-4 so no stool needed and I lengthened the pull rope for easier access.
Thanks again

Congratulations!
In the summertime I run mine in and out seemingly every day. Sometimes under weather related duress.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #41 – February 20, 2020, 10:25:59 pm

Well being that other systems can utilize the cost of a new awning.
I think by using earth magnets along the side and suitable magnetic leading edge. I am going to speck out nursery green house fabric shade cloth at xx % of shade. Extended end. Will most likely use fiberglass whip for vertical. On edge to keep straight I may go with a batten (think sail) or 2. Still brain storming idea. Was thinking uv velcro. But like magnets due to can use VhB tape to affix. Ideas, laughter is welcome.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #42 – February 21, 2020, 09:43:04 am

Quote from: Texhub – February 20, 2020, 10:25:59 pm

Well being that other systems can utilize the cost of a new awning.

Close your eyes, open your wallet, and repeat after me: "Help yourself."

Long after you've recovered from the expense of a new ZipDee awning, you'll appreciate the quality construction and ease of use of a manual ZipDee awning. There are times in my past when I should have gone all in and didn't. Being cautious can be synonymous for being stupid. In the end, I am where I am and I've always been here.

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #43 – February 21, 2020, 10:06:33 am

Quote from: Texhub – February 20, 2020, 10:25:59 pm

I think by using earth magnets along the side and suitable magnetic leading edge. I am going to speck out nursery green house fabric shade cloth at xx % of shade. Extended end. Will most likely use fiberglass whip for vertical. On edge to keep straight I may go with a batten (think sail) or 2. Still brain storming idea. Was thinking uv velcro. But like magnets due to can use VhB tape to affix. Ideas, laughter is welcome.

Remove awning, buy portable umbrella, and large rim Mexican type hats for you, family, and all guests. In most humor there is some truth, my post, probably not.

Sorry Dan, I just had to respond to Texhub.

It had been a while when I first got my FT since I opened a ZipDee awning. As you can see there is a learning curve. Once you have it mastered, it is a great awning. I much prefer this manual awning to an electric, as long as I'm fit enough to get up on a step stool.

Instructional Videos

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #44 – February 21, 2020, 10:11:41 am

I tie down the corners of the big awning when it is out and roll it up is winds get over about 15 mph.

Two years ago I got an add-on sun shade from Zipdee for the big awning. It attaches to the roller with snaps they provide as well was special rivets. It is 15 ft long and comes with extra rivets so you can attach it anywhere you want along the roller. It has ties to hold the rolled up shade and came with stakes and ties for the lower edge. As I recall it was about $250. It was very nice to have out in the desert.

This pad was gravel over pavement so we tried buckets. Filled with water they just tipped over and made a mess. Filled with what was easily found, desert sand and gravel, they worked well.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Phoenix, AZ

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #45 – February 21, 2020, 10:27:14 am

Water--about 8# per gallon. Gravel/sand--More #

Re: How to open the large Zipdee awning help

Reply #46 – February 22, 2020, 07:34:22 pm

I camp in the Moab area and the wind can come out of nowhere, awnings are always at risk so I tie mine down and stake both ends. Once the wind arrives you just hope nothing happens as it's to late to retract it.

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