[GMCnet] New Zip Dee Awning

[Mickey Szilagyi]

We just installed a new Zip Dee awning and are contemplating whether or not to install the travel latch. The two end screw type fasteners that hold
the awing closed and against the coach seem to be adequate however there must be a reason the travel latch came into existence. We would appreciate
any comments on the travel latch, when it first became available and why. We realize perhaps it's just a good back up in case one or both of the
primary fasteners comes loose during travel. How many of you actually have the travel latch installed with your Zip Dee awning? Has anyone had the
unfortunate situation of their Zip Dee awning coming loose during travel?

Secondly, the recommended placement location for the latch is between one and two feet from the rear of the awning/coach. Why isn't this location
more towards the front of the coach as that seems the most likely place that there would be turbulence or where the awning might start to come loose.

As always thanks in advance for your comments.
--
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI

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[Emery Stora]

Years back when we first got our smaller awning on the driver's side we were traveling and encountered a huge cross wind. Our ZipDee started to unfurl and we had to pull over and tie it back to our motorhome with some rope over the roof.
Back then if you had a problem they would send you a free travel latch.

I installed it according to their instructions and have never had a problem since.

We don't have a travel latch on the large passenger side awning. I was not aware that there was one.

We have had the ZipDee for thirty years now and it's still in great shape.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

[Scott Nutter]

My Zipdee is the old style without the safety latch. I have never had a problem with it coming loose while traveling, and I go fast! But when I secure
it it is screwed on TIGHT....
My quess is that the lawyers got involved due to a frivolous law suit, and that dollar part was the cheapest way out. Being that it was included, I
would install it. But in my opinion, not needed.. Just my screwed up opinion, hope it helps.. Scott
--
Scott Nutter
1978 455 Royale Center Kitchen, Quad bags.
Houston, Texas

[Rob Mueller]

G'day,

As far as I know the safety latch is for the DRIVER SIDE AWNING; not the passenger side.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

[Jim Kanomata]

All our installs use only the Clamp wheel on the patio awning.
The Window awning uses the Travel latch.
I think there is someone at the factory getting confused and putting it in
the kit.
I personally use the Z-Lock unit. With that you need not use the Clamp
wheels at all and holds it from rolling out.
That small Travel latch cannot hold the Patio Awning down.

[Emery Stora]

Rob
Guess you don’t know far enough. I have one on my driver’s side window awning.
See here:
http://awningsbyzipdee.com/media//DIR_113512/b8fa4c5ca50d4b19ffff8046ffffd502.pdf <http://awningsbyzipdee.com/media//DIR_113512/b8fa4c5ca50d4b19ffff8046ffffd502.pdf>
item number 12.

There is also a built in Zlock for the passenger side patio awning shown here Item 2. And there is a travel latch item 7.
http://awningsbyzipdee.com/media//DIR_113512/b8fa4c5ca50d4b19ffff8036ffffd502.pdf <http://awningsbyzipdee.com/media//DIR_113512/b8fa4c5ca50d4b19ffff8036ffffd502.pdf>

Emery Stora

[kelly stockwell]

Man, thanks for making me realize there's nothing keeping my driver's side awning in other than the spring....

I have the screw knobs on the passenger side that I crank down tightly; but the driver's side I just pull and it opens. though I do have to pull
hard... should I get a latch?
It's been on the coach for a long time and no else has done anything

kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT

[John Wright]

I have them on both sides too!

JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan

[Hal Kading]

Kelly You haven't lived until you are driving down the road at 55 or 60 with a strong left to right crosswind. Then encounter a gust that fully
extends the driver side awning with a loud pop that scares you s***less - the gust subsides and the awning retracts with a bang. Very exciting. Only
once and you will order the travel latch.

Hal Kading Buskirk Stretch Las Cruces NM

[kelly stockwell]

OK! I'll get one. I don't need any surprises like that. Accidentally blowing the horn is enough.

And I need a new knurled pull nut thing that goes out on the arm to lock the full awning out, I think was $20 from them.

Thanks again for the fear/tip
kelly


hal kading wrote on Mon, 22 August 2016 14:48

> Kelly You haven't lived until you are driving down the road at 55 or 60 with a strong left to right crosswind. Then encounter a gust that fully
> extends the driver side awning with a loud pop that scares you s***less - the gust subsides and the awning retracts with a bang. Very exciting. Only
> once and you will order the travel latch.
>
> Hal Kading Buskirk Stretch Las Cruces NM

--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT