[Archived]

Mark,

They were called AutoAwn and as Jon pointed out, air & electric. They were a PIA no matter how well you maintained them, but the biggest problem was water getting into the cylinder arms. Then you had a 24 volt motor, seperate air compressor and a brain box that could give you trouble at any time.

[Archived]

I have replaced the batteries and the brain and they told me they replaced the motor when I bought it three years ago. I have learned how to empty the water. Now, no problems!

[Archived]

One thing I think a lot of folks overlook is no coach is perfect and that money cures all problems.

If I was shopping for a coach built with the ZipDee awnings that have been an issue there are three options if the coach is what you want in all other respects.

First, you can replace them with the current style Girard or Zip Dee awnings, but I would not be surprised if the cost of doing that was $40,000 more or less depending on the conversion. Or you could replace the awnings with the original Zip Dee manual awnings. That could be $5000 or less, especially if you chose to do the installation yourself.

Or you could recognize the awnings might be an issue in the future and you will live with them and their potential problems.

The same could be said of just about anything else also from replacing the Splendide combo washer and dryer with a stacked W&D to upgrading TVs to putting in new flooring, to reupholstering the furniture.

I think every one of us that has had a coach or multiple coaches has “upgraded” our coaches at one time or another. If you like the coach, even if something is not to your satisfaction, that something can always be changed. We have members who have gone so far as to replace the entire drivetrain.

[Archived]

I talked to Zip Dee when I had the Liberty about changing out the AutoAwn to manual. The downside is they cannot use any of the existing arm mounts or brackets and require all new hardware for the manual awning. That leaves you with body and paint work.

[Dale]

I would embarrassed if I owned Zip Dee and put out an inferior product. They should have a retrofit for the troublesome units that they sold.

Mark

[Dale]

The Auto-Awn’s, troublesome as they may be, is certainly not enough of a reason not to buy a coach so equiped. originally was merely pointing out that Liberty up to ’06 used them and some Royales. All conversions have something that isn’t perfect.

[Archived]

Corey,

I don’t know if you have read about the excellent customer service from Fantastic Fans. Zip Dee needs to learn something from them from what you have indicated. Fantastic Fans take care of their customers. Bascially, there is no failure of a fantastic fan.

I know all coaches having so many different parts from different manufactures, it can be overwhelming.

Thanks for the heads up for future pre ’06 Zip Dee buyers.

Mark

[Archived]

Hey Mark,

FWIW, I have had excellent service from ZipDee. When the brains went out it was $500, but unlike Fantastic Fans who sell a much less expensive product, you can’t expect them to send it out for free. Recently I was taught by Tom how to empty the water from the arms, but the switch to do so wouldnt work. One call and a new switch was sent.

[Jerry]

Thanks Karl,

Good to hear that Zip Dee came through for you. It was indicated by several members that Zip Dee has known major problems for previous electric/air awnings. Makes me wonder if they really tested these units before putting them on the market.

Our new coach will have Zip Dee folding chairs….. they better work! :o)

Mark

[Davy]

Mark, I’ve been told that Fantastc Fans has been sold and the new owner still offers parts and service, but no longer free. Never-the-less, they are good units but the customer service is no longer something special.

[Bill]

Last poster is correct…Fantastic Fan was purchased by Atwood, a supplier of quite an assortment of products to smaller coaches, like water heaters, lp furnaces, hatches, vents, trim products, and many more. I have been told by the Fantastic Fan people the same about warranty now.

[Archived]

they sent me a new cover last month,just paid freight.