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Awning Blowout Solution

Yahoo Message Number: 2612
Have had problems with the port (drivers side) awning attempting to balloon when we experience side winds in excess of 35 knots approaching from the 9 to 11:30 quadrant in relation to the direction of travel. The two arm locks have restricted a full deployment, however I noted that it is pulling the awning out of the end attachment. I asked the ZipDee rep at the Perry Ga rally when they were going to come out with a usable lock and his caviler response was "That's our problem>" So much for ZipDee interest in a solution, which I think is a shame as they could certainly make money with something like this.

A promoter in Junction City sells an item that will allegedly solve this problem for $100, but when we tried to get a set from him found that he deals in cash only, no checks or credit cards, and bad mouthed the County Coach Community as having too many dead beats that just wanted to cheat workers out of their products. I considered the source and decided to solve the problem myself.

My approach was to go to the local sheet metal shop and have two pieces of 24 gauge stainless steel cut into the size of 5, 1/8" wide by 4' in length. I then had them bend the two pieces with a 90 degree bend so that I ended up with two "L" shaped pieces, each with a 2" x 3" x 4' shape. Using a clear silicone adhesive and three 1/8" drill holes into the top of the driver side slide out and placing them on each side of the center pull down strap, aligned them with the top of the slideout making an upside down L, which in effect acted as if it were a shelf under the awning and almost touching it.
I secured them with #10 stainless steel screws, with pilot holes drilled thru the skin and into the aluminum metal framing at the top of the slideout.
The 3" side sticks out perpendicular to the side of the slide out, and blocks any wind from getting in and under the awning in the center portion. Seems to work like a charm. Cost of the stainless steel was $30. Good luck. Ron Bodeen '01 Intrigue # 11262

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2613
We had the same problem with our Intrigue 2001, however I called and talked to ZipDee customer service and was advised to check how many turns of preload was wound in the spring. I think the right number was 28 turns--mine had about 12 from the factory. I haven't had a problem since I wound it correctly. Don

Bodie6413@... wrote:

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2614
Bodeen '01 Intrigue # 11262,

I saw the L-bracket approach on a Dynasty & thought it to be a very good way to solve a common problem. I have experienced my slide awning bellow out before. I checked the pre-load on the awning & increased it to 24 turns. I have not experienced the problem again, but if I do I am going to use your approach.

Steve...........Intrigue #10673

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2615
We had several Intriques & Magnas with similar problem, sent one to ZipDee factory and they said CC installs their awnings too low, below the roof molding which, if at the molding, would prevent the opening between the wall and the awning. Their solution was to move it up about 1.5" by putting on longer arms, AND make sure the windings are at 30. None of us have had problem since these 2 minor adjustments were made. Cost for the longer arms is about $30 and time to convert and rewind less than an hour.

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2646
Spoke with Matt at Zip-Dee today. Correct # of prewind on '98 & later awnings is 28. Moving awning up is the second step to correcting the problem.

Hope this helps.............Steve......Intrigue #10673

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2653
Unwinding or rewinding the preload in a Zip-Dee awning is a very dangerous undertaking. Talk to Country Coach service first! They will probably refer you to a professional shop.

Gary/Intigue 11467

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2654
"Buttonwd"

Only the front arm is preloaded. Open slide. Unbolt arm pivot bolt & remove. Turn arm around without hitting side of coach until all tension is relieved. Rewind 28 times & you have the proper preload according to Zip-Dee. 28 turns will produce a lot of pressure on that short arm so it helps to have a helper.

Hope this helps...............Steve.........Intrigue #10673

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2665
I have checked the ZipDee information book that I received with my coach, but it did not tell me how to change the number of turns on the springs.

Could you explain how to change the number of turns in the spring? Thank you

Tom Royer
2003 Allure
30858

Re: Awning Blowout Solution

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2679
Thanks, Steve

I have been off line for two weeks, and on use a cell phone. It is a little slower, which is the excuse I will use for missing post # 2654, but works great in the coach.
Hope to see you in Kansas.
Tom and Sherry
2003 Allure
#30858