Awnings

P

phil swanson

New member
Jan 7, 1998
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[ADMIN note - this one got trapped by the multipart filter. Please
post in plain text only. Patrick]

You wrote: I want to hear this answer too. Have seen lots of Zip Dee
awnings on GMCs.
I must admit I am in love with the Carefree I have on my present rig.
Someone is going to have to tell me lots of good things about Zip Dee
to get me to change.
I have a Zip Dee on my 73 Canyonlands and I will definitly not
recommend it. It is a pain in the you know what to raise and lower. It
took 3 of us last time we camped out and was a royal pain.
Phil Swanson
 
If I had the opportunity to do it all over again. I would leave the awningsoff.
Why clutter up a nice looking coach. Yes you may use them every once in a while.
But a tree does equally well. Besides there is no sap to have to clean off the
canvas and it does need cleaning. Sort of reminds me of owning a home with a
lawn. Plant grass, feed grass, water grass and spend one heck of a lot of time
cutting grass. My suggestion only that .02 cents worth is leave it alone. Chuck

> In a message dated 98-10-31 16:53:15 EST, you write:
>
> >
> > >Also what types of awnings have been found to be most appropriate on
> > >the GMC?
> > The most popular seem to be the Zip Dee and the A&E 8500 or 9500, altho I
> > see quite a few Carefree of Colorado awnings also. I have always used the
> > A&E. It not only looks stronger but it is very sturdy and probably
> > heavier.
> >
> Dave;
> How and where did you mount the A&E to get clearance over the door. I have the
> A&E 9500, and although I've had the dealer re-install it 3 times, the door
> still scrapes the fabric. The last time I told them to move it up 4" higher on
> the roof, move the clearance light, and it still scrapes. I just bought a
> piece of 1x4 oak and am going to try using it as a prop over the gutter at the
> door. At Bean Station this past spring the second install was so bad I went
> into town and bought 2 pieces of pvc pipe to prop it up, and I've been
> carrying them on top of the coach ever since. Needless to say, I am not happy
> with the A&E (they even tried to get me to pick out the proper set of arms for
> the GMC when ordering, but I wouldn't bite, so they sent their best guess
> which was wrong). It's been over a year and I've given up on getting them to
> solve the problem and I'm definitely tired of them drilling and plugging holes
> in my coach.
>
> I believe the ZipDee was the only one that properly fit the GMC - that's what
> I had on my new one in 1977.
> FWIW,
> Lanier
> '73 ??
> MS
 
Hear hear. My GMC never had an awning installed and I like it that way. I
try to find a shade tree.
Russ Bethel
rbethel

- -----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Will
To: gmcmotorhome ;
hlbf
Date: Monday, November 02, 1998 8:05 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: Awnings

>If I had the opportunity to do it all over again. I would leave the
awningsoff.
>Why clutter up a nice looking coach. Yes you may use them every once in a
while.
>But a tree does equally well. Besides there is no sap to have to clean off
the
>canvas and it does need cleaning. Sort of reminds me of owning a home with
a
>lawn. Plant grass, feed grass, water grass and spend one heck of a lot of
time
>cutting grass. My suggestion only that .02 cents worth is leave it alone.
Chuck

>
>> In a message dated 98-10-31 16:53:15 EST, you write:
>>
>> >
>> > >Also what types of awnings have been found to be most appropriate on
>> > >the GMC?
>> > The most popular seem to be the Zip Dee and the A&E 8500 or 9500,
altho I
>> > see quite a few Carefree of Colorado awnings also. I have always used
the
>> > A&E. It not only looks stronger but it is very sturdy and probably
>> > heavier.
>> >
>> Dave;
>> How and where did you mount the A&E to get clearance over the door. I
have the
>> A&E 9500, and although I've had the dealer re-install it 3 times, the
door
>> still scrapes the fabric. The last time I told them to move it up 4"
higher on
>> the roof, move the clearance light, and it still scrapes. I just bought a
>> piece of 1x4 oak and am going to try using it as a prop over the gutter
at the
>> door. At Bean Station this past spring the second install was so bad I
went
>> into town and bought 2 pieces of pvc pipe to prop it up, and I've been
>> carrying them on top of the coach ever since. Needless to say, I am not
happy
>> with the A&E (they even tried to get me to pick out the proper set of
arms for
>> the GMC when ordering, but I wouldn't bite, so they sent their best guess
>> which was wrong). It's been over a year and I've given up on getting them
to
>> solve the problem and I'm definitely tired of them drilling and plugging
holes
>> in my coach.
>>
>> I believe the ZipDee was the only one that properly fit the GMC - that's
what
>> I had on my new one in 1977.
>> FWIW,
>> Lanier
>> '73 ??
>> MS
>
>
>
 
Well, Lanier, my awning also touches the fabric but mine is 8500 model so
fabric is vinyl and doesn't sag as much as the acrylic fabric on the
9500. Asa side note Camping World staff talked me out of the more
expensive 9500 as it shouldn't be rolled up wet.

Anyway I have small roller at the top left corner of my door which eases
door travel across the material. A small piece of wood jammed up between
the drip rail and the aluminum awning cover, as you did, should help,
also. My awning is above the drip rail which may be the difference.

I didn't have any problem getting the GMC design lower arms when I bent
one in a tight camp site. Camping World got a replacement pretty quikly
from A&E's warehouse and I am pretty sure Sirum stocks a pair or two. I
like to less conspicuous appearance of the Zip Dees but due to the
stainless and aluminum used and our proximity to the salt water I have
seen significant electralosis in the wheels and locks that result in
problems in opening the awaning. This may have changed with newer Zip
Dees.

Dave G.

snip..........
>>
>Dave;
>How and where did you mount the A&E to get clearance over the door. I
>have the
>A&E 9500, and although I've had the dealer re-install it 3 times, the
>door
>still scrapes the fabric. The last time I told them to move it up 4"
>higher on
>the roof, move the clearance light, and it still scrapes. I just
>bought a
>piece of 1x4 oak and am going to try using it as a prop over the
>gutter at the
>door. At Bean Station this past spring the second install was so bad I
>went
>into town and bought 2 pieces of pvc pipe to prop it up, and I've
>been
>carrying them on top of the coach ever since. Needless to say, I am
>not happy
>with the A&E (they even tried to get me to pick out the proper set of
>arms for
>the GMC when ordering, but I wouldn't bite, so they sent their best
>guess
>which was wrong). It's been over a year and I've given up on getting
>............
 
Chuck, you are going to surely get some razzing about this one. Find a
tree? In southern Arizona my trees are too small to stand under let alone
park under! [g]

Dave G.

>If I had the opportunity to do it all over again. I would leave the
>awningsoff.
>Why clutter up a nice looking coach. Yes you may use them every once
>in a while.
>But a tree does equally well. Besides there is no sap to have to
>clean off the
>canvas and it does need cleaning. Sort of reminds me of owning a home
>
 
I would still think a lot about poking holes in a perfectly good GMC. Chuck

> Chuck, you are going to surely get some razzing about this one. Find a
> tree? In southern Arizona my trees are too small to stand under let alone
> park under! [g]
>
> Dave G.
>

> >If I had the opportunity to do it all over again. I would leave the
> >awningsoff.
> >Why clutter up a nice looking coach. Yes you may use them every once
> >in a while.
> >But a tree does equally well. Besides there is no sap to have to
> >clean off the
> >canvas and it does need cleaning. Sort of reminds me of owning a home
> >
 
If I am able to, we may come over to Tucson before Thanksgiving for a visit
with one of our friends there. Maybe we could see your coach and trade some
war stories. Chuck

> Chuck, you are going to surely get some razzing about this one. Find a
> tree? In southern Arizona my trees are too small to stand under let alone
> park under! [g]
>
> Dave G.
>

> >If I had the opportunity to do it all over again. I would leave the
> >awningsoff.
> >Why clutter up a nice looking coach. Yes you may use them every once
> >in a while.
> >But a tree does equally well. Besides there is no sap to have to
> >clean off the
> >canvas and it does need cleaning. Sort of reminds me of owning a home
> >
 
> I wouldn't buy anything but a ZipDee.

I don't care for the looks of any awning on a GMC, for me it destroyes
the lines of the coach, especially the support arms that get mounted on
the side of the coach (am I the only one that feels like this or not...)

If I lived or boondocked in Arizona, I'd probably have two... one on each
side, but I don't camp in hot direct sun without natural shade.

- --
Regards,
John Dolan K3FIG
74 Glacier near Washington, DC
 
Don't know John's email address so will answer to GMC but I totally agree
with him, of course in Washington you just need it for an umbrella. Don't
you. I heard if the sun shines up there every body need to take Prozak for
Depression!. Even if I lived in Arizona. I have a ZIP Dee and rarely use
it. One time in Sodona we left it up, went to town and it rained so hard!
When we returned I thought I had ruined the GMC as well as the awning. No,
not one bend or damage, both were ok. I had to let the lower rear corner
down and took a bath to empty what seemed like the Colorado River stored in
it. Zip Dee is the best if you are to have one. I would not have put this
on when I got the Eleganza but it was already there,m my bride of 25 years
loves it. I don't know why. It is 10 years old and works and looks like
new. Canvas stripes Brown and sort of light brown. We live on the Central
Coast of California and the salt air only causes mild oxidation which cleans
off easily with the Dri Wash and Guard Metal Cleaner and then spray on the
Protestant and buff. Chuck

> > I wouldn't buy anything but a ZipDee.
>
> I don't care for the looks of any awning on a GMC, for me it destroyes
> the lines of the coach, especially the support arms that get mounted on
> the side of the coach (am I the only one that feels like this or not...)
>
> If I lived or boondocked in Arizona, I'd probably have two... one on each
> side, but I don't camp in hot direct sun without natural shade.
>
> --
> Regards,
> John Dolan K3FIG
> 74 Glacier near Washington, DC
 
>off easily with the Dri Wash and Guard Metal Cleaner and then spray on the
>Protestant and buff. Chuck

I have never seen a spray Protestant. Maybe a Baptist or a Catholic.
Never a Protestant. Protestants are always RUBBED-ON. ROFL!!!!!!!!!!

- ----------------------------------'
Gary Thurlow
email to thurlow
St. Louis, MO
- ----------------------------------'
 
Poor spelling Gary. I will use my spelling checker from no on. My fingers
just can seem to hit the right keys. I meant Protectant.
This may be spelled wrong too! The spell checker said, "protect ant". It is
the Dri Wash and Guard that you spray and buff off after the surface is
cleaned. I should imagine Catholics, Baptist, Mormons, Hindus and all the rest
could all benefit from it. Chuck

> >off easily with the Dri Wash and Guard Metal Cleaner and then spray on the
> >Protestant and buff. Chuck
>
> I have never seen a spray Protestant. Maybe a Baptist or a Catholic.
> Never a Protestant. Protestants are always RUBBED-ON. ROFL!!!!!!!!!!
>
> ----------------------------------'
> Gary Thurlow
> email to thurlow
> St. Louis, MO
> ----------------------------------'
 
John D.....I agree! Removed the rascal from my '75 despite objections
from my better half. Showed HER who was boss and pulled it two weekends
ago (while she was away shopping). Now I got this 20+ foot Zip Dee
cluttering up my garage (maybe I could attach it to the house?).

Gonna remove those two topside vents, too (the ones for the fridge and
range hood) (we don't use propane and if I wanted to cook, I'd stay
home).

Also lookin' for a way to relocate the air conditioners to complete the
clean top look (already pulled my pod). Any suggestions on AC
relocation?

Terry
75 Avion
 
After taking all the stuff off, you have a few holes left up there. How do
you close them up? Fiberglass or ???? I am very interested in this too. I
think I found what leaks into the driver side of the vehicle. The long
strip located at the top seam that runs the entire length of the GMC seems
to allow water to enter here and run down the interior frame members into
the channels that run the length of the coach. They are pretty well
sectioned off and fill with water (I checked with a hose) when they get to
full or when the GMC is rolling down the road the water will of course spill
over the channels and run down the rest of the wall and too what ever is
lower for it to run to in my case just in back of the drivers seat and out
onto the carpeting. or back by the sink and I should guess everywhere the
channels fill up. I am not having very good luck taking that strip off
however. Chuck

> John D.....I agree! Removed the rascal from my '75 despite objections
> from my better half. Showed HER who was boss and pulled it two weekends
> ago (while she was away shopping). Now I got this 20+ foot Zip Dee
> cluttering up my garage (maybe I could attach it to the house?).
>
> Gonna remove those two topside vents, too (the ones for the fridge and
> range hood) (we don't use propane and if I wanted to cook, I'd stay
> home).
>
> Also lookin' for a way to relocate the air conditioners to complete the
> clean top look (already pulled my pod). Any suggestions on AC
> relocation?
>
> Terry
> 75 Avion
 
> After taking all the stuff off, you have a few holes left up there. How do
> you close them up? Fiberglass or ???? I am very interested in this too. I
> think I found what leaks into the driver side of the vehicle. The long
> strip located at the top seam that runs the entire length of the GMC seems
> to allow water to enter here and run down the interior frame members into
> the channels that run the length of the coach. They are pretty well
> sectioned off and fill with water (I checked with a hose) when they get to
> full or when the GMC is rolling down the road the water will of course spill
> over the channels and run down the rest of the wall and too what ever is
> lower for it to run to in my case just in back of the drivers seat and out
> onto the carpeting. or back by the sink and I should guess everywhere the
> channels fill up. I am not having very good luck taking that strip off
> however. Chuck
>

>
> > John D.....I agree! Removed the rascal from my '75 despite objections
> > from my better half. Showed HER who was boss and pulled it two weekends
> > ago (while she was away shopping). Now I got this 20+ foot Zip Dee
> > cluttering up my garage (maybe I could attach it to the house?).
> >
> > Gonna remove those two topside vents, too (the ones for the fridge and
> > range hood) (we don't use propane and if I wanted to cook, I'd stay
> > home).
> >
> > Also lookin' for a way to relocate the air conditioners to complete the
> > clean top look (already pulled my pod). Any suggestions on AC
> > relocation?
> >
> > Terry
> > 75 Avion

Terry, I just removed and replaced bothe those side rails. After removing, I
found that all of the sealant/caulking had become hard and brittle. It is not
very hard but it is also not very fun to remove the old sealant. That track
covers the seam that remains between the roof panel and the wall panels.
To remove the strip, all of the screws have to be removed and then gently
but forcefully pry the cap off starting at one end. The biggest problem you
will find is that once the screws are removed you might want to replace them
with new screws. See how they look when you take them out and clean them up.
After all of the old caulking has been removed clean up the joint with WD-40 or
similar and then wipe it down with windshield washer fluid. This will remove any
residue from the WD-40. New sealant, putty tape, can be used to reseal the
joint.
When you go to replace the metal strip be careful putting the screws back
in. The torx head on the screws will allow you to spin the head off the screw
just as it starts to tighten. (one problem of using old screws) I found a good
hex head stainless screw to use as a replacement. Once all of the screws are in
you might want to apply a very small bead of color matched slicone to the top
edge of the rail.
Another reason for your leak is that the window seal around your cockpit
window has become brittle,shrunk and is letting water in there. Good luck.

Darren Paget

1976 Paget customModel1
 
Oh, Chuck, I wasn't trying to be rude or anything. Your post gave me a big
grin when I needed one. You don't need to change anything!

>Poor spelling Gary. I will use my spelling checker from no on. My fingers
>just can seem to hit the right keys. I meant Protectant.

>This may be spelled wrong too! The spell checker said, "protect ant". It is
>the Dri Wash and Guard that you spray and buff off after the surface is
>cleaned. I should imagine Catholics, Baptist, Mormons, Hindus and all the
rest
>could all benefit from it. Chuck

>> >off easily with the Dri Wash and Guard Metal Cleaner and then spray on the
>> >Protestant and buff. Chuck
>>
>> I have never seen a spray Protestant. Maybe a Baptist or a Catholic.
>> Never a Protestant. Protestants are always RUBBED-ON. ROFL!!!!!!!!!!

- ----------------------------------'
Gary Thurlow
email to thurlow
St. Louis, MO
- ----------------------------------'
 
This is where we flew into in 1989 to purchase our GMC "Sight Unseen". The
gentleman and his lady resided in O'Fallon Ill. They came over and picked us up
at the airport and we spent a week with them learning about the GMC. He was a
machinist and had his own business and was forced to quit because of OSHA. He at
that time did automobile restorations and had several under construction and
probably 60 or so undercover. His GMC was immaculate, I mean really clean. It
was cleaner under neat than a lot of brand new cars. I am certain that because of
his knowledge he was quite capable of fixing things that needed it. I know the
end caps were repainted as some of the paint after nearly 10 years has chipped and
you can see the first paint job. But it was still a lot of fun for us over these
years. A lot of tears and $$$$ were spent. But I don't think my wife would trade
any of the experiences just as I would not. We were just fortunate to be able to
buy it at his asking price of 34K. I have seen allot of better GMC buys since
then. GMCMM etc. But when you do not have a clue you are like out on the road
and break down. At the mercy of the _________. Chuck

> Oh, Chuck, I wasn't trying to be rude or anything. Your post gave me a big
> grin when I needed one. You don't need to change anything!
>

> >Poor spelling Gary. I will use my spelling checker from no on. My fingers
> >just can seem to hit the right keys. I meant Protectant.
>
> >This may be spelled wrong too! The spell checker said, "protect ant". It is
> >the Dri Wash and Guard that you spray and buff off after the surface is
> >cleaned. I should imagine Catholics, Baptist, Mormons, Hindus and all the
> rest
> >could all benefit from it. Chuck
>

> >> >off easily with the Dri Wash and Guard Metal Cleaner and then spray on the
> >> >Protestant and buff. Chuck
> >>
> >> I have never seen a spray Protestant. Maybe a Baptist or a Catholic.
> >> Never a Protestant. Protestants are always RUBBED-ON. ROFL!!!!!!!!!!
>
> ----------------------------------'
> Gary Thurlow
> email to thurlow
> St. Louis, MO
> ----------------------------------'
 
>Gonna remove those two topside vents, too (the ones for the fridge
>and
>range hood) (we don't use propane and if I wanted to cook, I'd stay
>home).
>
>Also lookin' for a way to relocate the air conditioners to complete
>the

Snip........

>clean top look (already pulled my pod). Any suggestions on AC
>relocation?
>
>Terry
>75 Avion
>
Yeh, relocate them to the guy in Arizona who doesn't want an ugly awning
on his coach but doesn't have any trees big enough to hide under! [g]

Dave Greenberg
GMC Motorhome Registry
200 MacFarlane Dr PH4
Delray Beach, FL 33483-6829
 
First, I have an all aluminum A&E awning so I don't have any eletrolysis
problems but I have seen it on Zip Dees (old ones?) in Florida, in the
past.

Secondly, I do live in Florida but own land in southern Arizona and my
eldest son and grandkids are there so that is my second home. While I was
living in Asia in the 70's and 80's I stored my GMC in Tucson. I had no
awning then cause it was a Palm Beach and no one made an awning color
that complimented the P.B. Mint Green! No awning plus no trees of any
size, equal no fun!

I wish I could do without the awning for appearances sake but I admit I
am spoiled. It was the same when my sun visor blew off in AZ last summer
and I had to go a few days without it. I felt blinded by the extra light
and cooked by the heat from the sun falling in places I hadn't
experienced it before.

On my first Palm Beach I didn't do anything to it and I got along just
fine. I have done everthing (just about) that I can to this one and I am
spoiled (but I'm older now and therefore, entitled!)

Dave G.
 
> the side of the coach (am I the only one that feels like this or not...)
>
> If I lived or boondocked in Arizona, I'd probably have two... one on each
> side, but I don't camp in hot direct sun without natural shade.
>
> --
> Regards,
> John Dolan K3FIG
> 74 Glacier near Washington, DC
John I feel the same way. I do not want to destroy the look of my coach
either!!!
Jack 77 Kingsley
 
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