So zipdee awning appears to be trying to separate from the coach by tearing this fabric that's probably worn beyond its years considering the coach's 32 years old...
So I guess the question is is this a standard type of fabric the person can buy and just re-weave into the system or is their more to the story to getting this replaced repaired..... appears to be separating tearing on both sides ..on the outside edges.
Pictures attached...
My other coach awning was metallically mounted directly to the coach without this fabric....
So this is a new configuration for me..
Ron Davis
1994 Newell #365 (New Owner July 2025)
1996 Beaver Patriot (frame damaged)
1994 Tioga Class C (previous caretaker)
My teen son and I travel the U.S. fulltime for the last 5 years.
Summer in the Midwest, Winter in the South.
Intentionally Independent and helping others do the same.
The narrow white fabric is a piece Zipdee refers to as a KEY. It can be made from Sunbrella fabric by any awning shop. Same thing for the awning. Suggest you look at Sunbrella fabric on the Sailrite website. Many years ago I bought the replacement fabric AND a walking foot sewing machine for way less than Zipdee wanted for replacement fabric. That may not be your forte, just saying. Otherwise find an awing shop. They can make a new key, and restitch the separating fabric on the main awning.
The channels that the key slides into are crimped on the ends and in several places in the middle. You MUST uncrimp the crimps or the material WILL NOT slide out. I found a pair of vise grip pliers to be the best tool for grabbing the channel and bending it open.
Oh yeah, Ms Beaty my high school English teacher would congratulate you on knowing how to spell separate. I will never forget her saying it has a rat in it.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home )
(This post was last modified: 02-15-2026, 02:26 PM by Richard.)
We have the same problem with our big zipdee awning so I'll be doing this project this summer. Looks like a 1/4" airline is what is sewn into the fabric. Ernie was it pricey?
(02-15-2026, 01:22 PM)HoosierDaddy Wrote: I would contact Zip Dee . They can make a new replacement fabric .
847-437-0980
Thank you for sharing the number.
(02-15-2026, 02:22 PM)Richard Wrote: The narrow white fabric is a piece Zipdee refers to as a KEY. It can be made from Sunbrella fabric by any awning shop. Same thing for the awning. Suggest you look at Sunbrella fabric on the Sailrite website. Many years ago I bought the replacement fabric AND a walking foot sewing machine for way less than Zipdee wanted for replacement fabric. That may not be your forte, just saying. Otherwise find an awing shop. They can make a new key, and restitch the separating fabric on the main awning.
The channels that the key slides into are crimped on the ends and in several places in the middle. You MUST uncrimp the crimps or the material WILL NOT slide out. I found a pair of vise grip pliers to be the best tool for grabbing the channel and bending it open.
Oh yeah, Ms Beaty my high school English teacher would congratulate you on knowing how to spell separate. I will never forget her saying it has a rat in it.
This is incredibly good information. Thank you !!! As usual, Guru Richard, on top of the details.
I was surprised that the key parts were only in certain places in the slide, as opposed to all the way through the slide, but then I guess friction over 20 ft, it makes some sense.
I'm gonna bet Ms Beaty is part of why you're an amazing individual and so helpful.
Thank You
Ron Davis
1994 Newell #365 (New Owner July 2025)
1996 Beaver Patriot (frame damaged)
1994 Tioga Class C (previous caretaker)
My teen son and I travel the U.S. fulltime for the last 5 years.
Summer in the Midwest, Winter in the South.
Intentionally Independent and helping others do the same.
(This post was last modified: 02-16-2026, 06:12 AM by Rixson.)
I ordered a 6 foot piece for 30+ bucks. If you tell them what coach you have they actually have that information and your size needed in their database. My coach is 26 years old.
Perhaps you misunderstood. The key runs the entire length. The aluminum channel is crimped at both sides and in locations in the middle to keep the key from sliding
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home )
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