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Topic: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320 (Read 604 times) previous topic - next topic

Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

We would like to replace the large air actuated awning (about 23 feet) on our 2002 U320. It does not work and the previous owner tried to have awning repaired with no success. MOT said they don't work on these awnings. Considering Replacing with a manual awning. Has anyone replaced the auto Zip Dee with a manual operation awning? I would appreciate any advice.
Miles and Kim Pepperd
Pep6@cox.net
2002 Foretravel U320 4020
  2017 RAM truck
  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1994  Foretravel 36 ft Unihome
1978  Foretravel 36 ft FTX

Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #1 –
Yes I removed a ZipDee automatic air awning with a manual ZipDee awning
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: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #2 –
Did you do the replacement your self? Was there body work that had to be done?
Miles and Kim Pepperd
Pep6@cox.net
2002 Foretravel U320 4020
  2017 RAM truck
  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1994  Foretravel 36 ft Unihome
1978  Foretravel 36 ft FTX

Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #4 –
Yes there are some holes to be filled and yes I did it myself with a little help from 2 others to get the new awning installed. I was able to remove the old one myself.
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: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #5 –
Was your new manual awning Zip Dee?
Miles and Kim Pepperd
Pep6@cox.net
2002 Foretravel U320 4020
  2017 RAM truck
  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1994  Foretravel 36 ft Unihome
1978  Foretravel 36 ft FTX

Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #6 –
Thanks for your your reply. One more project on the "to do list".
Miles and Kim Pepperd
Pep6@cox.net
2002 Foretravel U320 4020
  2017 RAM truck
  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1994  Foretravel 36 ft Unihome
1978  Foretravel 36 ft FTX

Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #7 –
We hated our AutoAwn (or whatever those things are called) except on the rare occasions that it worked. We finally stopped using it and would have certainly converted to a manual.  We went to ZipDee, they crawled all over it and replaced air lines, widgets, framistans  .... even old wiring that went from the power arm into the coach to the elec panel by the door. Two guys stayed until 6:30 to get to the bottom of our issue. Worked beautifully at their factory.  We drove 50 miles and set up for the night. Hit the remote for the awning and the thing wound up stuck straight up in the air like a wind sail! 

I invented new profanity and I don't think we ever used it again.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #8 –
That is what we have been told about the awning. Previous owner attempted to have awning repaired. We will proabably replace with manual awning. Just trying to research what the best replacement would be. Thank you for your reply.
Miles and Kim Pepperd
Pep6@cox.net
2002 Foretravel U320 4020
  2017 RAM truck
  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1994  Foretravel 36 ft Unihome
1978  Foretravel 36 ft FTX

Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #9 –
I took a look at Joe Allen's, (juicesqueezer) coach last fall after he converted his to manual awning. Looked very nice and works every time... I'm sure he will share the experience. Interesting that Zip Dee wanted the control box and some other parts from the old AutoAwn back for their supply.

We will be replacing ours soon.  Might be seeing Ron in the fall...  ;)
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #10 –
Yes I replaced with a Zip DEE and they wanted the box back and the arms with the cylinders  They knock off a little of the price for the return of the parts
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: Replace auto Zip Dee main awning on 2002 U320

Reply #11 –
Manual awnings thankyou!!!
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.