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Topic: Window Awning Canvas Replacement, ZipDee (Read 1390 times) previous topic - next topic
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Window Awning Canvas Replacement, ZipDee

Yahoo Message Number: 76737
Just ordered canvas from ZipDee for 5 window awnings. Never replaced an awning before so it should be interesting. Got the instructions from ZipDee, they replace on the coach. Don't think that's going to work for us. Removed one of the awnings prior to ordering to get an understanding on how they are installed. From that exercise, I think I have an approach that will work much better (for us), will do it off of the coach. Ordered canvas only, less expensive and can be shipped UPS. Should take about 2 weeks order to delivery, so I'll pull the remaining 4 awnings off, prep the coach, and be ready to install when the new awnings arrive. Assuming all goes well, will update when they are installed. Estimates for professional installs were about 2 hours per window. Canvas for the 5 windows (includes flex key replacement) was about $1200.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Window Awning Canvas Replacement, ZipDee

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76763
Keep us posted on how you make out. We were planning to replace ours this Spring. Doesn't appear to difficult although it will probably take two people. The Girard awning canvas on ours looks to be a different story as it is much larger.

Pete

'02 Magna #6110
 

Window Awning Canvas Replacement, ZipDee

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76949
Just completed installation of 5 ZipDee Window awnings. Here are a few comments on the installation and dealing with ZipDee.
ZipDee was easy to contact and they were easy to deal with. They sent instructions (comments later) and were available and supportive in answering questions. They quickly sent canvas samples.
Instructions: The measuring instructions were easy to follow (and made sense).
We replaced the awning canvas and the "flex key". I removed one of the smaller window awning just to see they were installed and to decide the best way to "handle the task".
Did NOT follow their instructions on replacing the "Flex Key". When I talked to ZipDee customer service, they remove the awning from the coach to install.
Awning removal: I removed the complete awning. Take the tension off of the spring (spring is on the left). Removed the left bolt (at the coach), right still connected, extended the awning (need helper) then unwound the spring. Removed the right bolt, let the awning hand straight down. Cut the canvas close to the aluminum slats and removed the awning canvas and roller. Removed the screws and (if required) uncrimped the channel holding the flex key, removed the flex key and aluminum cover.
To uncrimp the flex (and canvas), I used an 6" pair of "end nippers". Removed the flex key and the awning canvas from the aluminum cover. Drilled out the rivets in the tube and removed the right awning arm from the tube.
Installation: Removed the aluminum slat that holds the canvas from the aluminum cover, need to remove only one of the screws. Installed the flex key in the aluminum slats and crimped. Used gas pliers and/or vise grips to recrimp. Used a hammer to flatten, Installed the flex key and two slats to the coach, did not secure to the coach. If the cover has a lock that secures the awning to the coach (comments later).
Installed the canvas to the bottom aluminum slat and crimped. Connected (slid) the canvas with the bottom slat to the installed flex key and top 2 slats, installed the end screws. Slip the tube through the awning canvas and reinstalled right arm. Secured the right arm with the bolt and stuck a screwdriver through the hole in the left arm. Let the awning hang (deployed) and check for "straightness" and position of canvas on roller. Look down the awning and make sure the roller seam is straight and the canvas is flat with no wrinkles. Secure the flex key to the coach. I used screws. Original 3 awnings were screwed, 2 other (installed later) were crimped. I drilled and used screw on those 2. Install (drill and insert) pop rivets (provided) on the seams and between the seems (depending on awning length).
Install the strap. Couldn't find any instructions from ZipDee on this. Connect the strap to the coach and hold top of strap to the awning tube, making sure it's tight and straight. Make sure you install the strap on the INSIDE of the awning skirt!! My straps were too long, so I folded the top over so that I could rivet through the top of the strap. Secure with 3 rivets.
With someone holding the awning in to deployed position, rewind the spring and install the bolt.
If the awning has a latch to secure to the coach, you need to make sure the latch lines up. Prior to riveting the canvas to the tube, hand roll the awning up and move the flex key to insure that the awning will latch. Secure the flex key to the coach. Any alignment of the canvas will now need to be done on the awning tube.
This is not meant to be a complete step by step instruction but kind of an approach the I used to install the awning. My wife and neighbors were pleased with the finished product. By the time I was finished (5 awnings) the process went pretty quick.
Couple of comments: You can order the canvas with the bottom slat installed, would make the installation quicker. Will cost more and the shipping is by truck and not UPS. Got my order about 4 days after they were shipped, small box for 5 awnings, cost $25 shipping.
If there is any interest, I may update this some and put in the files section, also have some finished pictures. If anyone needs additional information email me or we can chat on the phone.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578