need source for buying a zipdee awning

[Devin & Amy]

I need to put an awning on the bus and I like the zipdee.
What sizes have you used?
Should I do the other windows at the same time?
Cost?
Thanks.
Devin

[Blacksheep]

Devin I just 3 or so weeks ago ordered mine and installed it. It's 23 foot, the longest they make! The order went smooth and once I undersrtood their directions, it too went smooth! Price of awning was around 1500.00
BS

[luvrbus]

Devin,check your RV surplus stores I know Northwest RV in Eugene OR has them the patio and the windows awnings with the hardware or you can buy new,20ft is most common for the patio

[Blacksheep]

I think you will be very hard pressed to find Zip-Dee awnings in a surplus store unless they have a source for take off's which to my knowledge are very rare. They also are custrom built per order FWIW
BS

[luvrbus]

Ace,Zip Dee awnings are not that hard to find  Northwest has a shop full with the hardware and the most common sizes for the patio is 18 to 20ft,Ron the bus nut also has them in Iowa.I bought some off of Beaver 20ft long for 125 bucks each brand new and if Devin wants to pay retail for his like you and I did let him do it I was just trying to save the guy some money if he wants Zip Dee

[prevost82]

I bought mine right from the factory.

Ron

[luvrbus]

Ron, that where I bought mine and had them installed there about 3 grand for patio and windows but Devin can beat that by shopping they are out there but he may not get the fabric color he wants

[H3Jim]

I bought mine direct from the factory too.  I shopped around, and did not find any other source for them.  I had to go with the roof mounted ones, lateral arm.  I was hoping to find someone either local or in a no sales tax state that would install either for free or for a discount since I was buying 4 of them.  All the dealers make a margin on the sales price. I didn't want to have to pay shipping twice, or pay for shipping and have to pay sales tax too.  Zip Dee gets a volume discount on shipping so the ship price wasn't too bad either.  Semi truck direct to my house.
Bottom line no one would play ball, so I ordered direct from the factory.  Got the sizes, fabrics I needed.  I got 10 foot patio for the passenger side, 5 foot for the driver's side.  enough to cover the windows from the hot sun.  Lengths just right so the through bolts missed things I couldn't move on the inside.

Not too bad to install.  about 1000 lbs of awning - front to back both sides.

ZipDee   800-338-2378   

[luvrbus]

Jim,if yours is roof mounted and lateral arms it's electric right if so how do you like it I was thinking about buy a electric Zip Dee or Giard so let me know how you like your Zip Dee   thanks

[H3Jim]

yes, electric, with the wind sensor so if the wind goes over 22 mph, it automatically retracts.  Gernerally though I don't go away and leave the awnings open.  One remote does all 4.

Very happy with the product.  But you could buy another bus for what I paid for the 4 of them.  Girad is worse, and I liked the Zip Dee better than the less expensive A&E product, easier to mount too.  I say its some of the least cost effective.  However, when Mr sun is beating down, that instant shade is wonderful, and I wouldn't do without them.  I just bit the bullet and bought them.  YOu really need an awning, and these are some of the best.  But damn were they expensive.

Its important to install the lock out so that no power goes to them while you're driving. 

Most dealers wanted at least $1,000 per awning to install.  Very glad I did it myself, it just wasn't that difficult, once I figured out a way to easily get that weight up that high.

From semi trcuk to a 16 foot trailer I had beside the bus.  put the awnings up on some 8" block scrap I had, so it would be easy to get my and my friends hands / arms underneath.

Borrowed some scaffolding and put that between the trailer and the bus, not too far to lift it up there.  Added the 8" blocks.  By now the awnings are about 7 7 1/2 feet above the ground.  Bolted the brackets on the roof.  VERY improtant to get them lined up chalk line straight - not even 1/4" out over the length.  Then just lift the awning up, click it into the bracket and tighten the fasteners.  Done.  except the wiring which was anti climactic.  If you do install youself, I have more tips for you, but getting as tired of typing as everyone is of reading....

[makemineatwostroke]

Devin and Amy in your travels if you get to Northeast OK Featherlite at Pryor OK had some take offs Zip Dee awnings for sale when I was there in early April for $600.00 they were 20 footers and had a few window awnings that looked about 5ft, they were not electric but you have to go there they will not ship or give any info on what they have in surplus.Newell at Miami OK also has surplus awnings sometime I have a friend that bought a Girad for a good price from them.  have a good day

[luvrbus]

Devin, call Ron at 1-800-798-9313 he has Zip Dee for $12.00 per ft a 20 ft will cost you $240.00 plus $100 each for the arms $440.00 thats a good buy for Zip Dees he has them in blue and also tan colors. I also talked to Joe at Northwest Rv he has them but is running low on arms  have a great day and good luck

[Devin & Amy]

Thanks all, I'll let you know the outcome.

Jim,
I will be doing the install myself, and will appreciate any info you can provide.

Thanks,
Devin

[H3Jim]

Are you getting the lateral arm kind that mount on the roof, or the other kind that mount on the side of the coach?

[luvrbus]

Jim, I hope the guy is wanting the manual rollup that goes on the side if not I gave him some bad info on prices,I only found 1 electric lateral arm with all the goodies and bought that 1 myself