Re: 1968 Airstream Overlander 26'

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxx>]

Greetings Frank!

While it may not be the most "economical" approach, my experience 
was that it was cheaper in the long-run to go with a new ZipDee. 
ZipDee, according to my research, is the only firm that currently 
manufactures arms of the correct curvature for the pre-1969 
Airstreams. Initially, I was determined to save the original A & E 
Travel Awn 5000 that had been on my '64 Overlander since it was new -
- after spending more tha half the cost of a new ZipDee in repairs 
I relented and purchased a new ZipDee. It has now been two years 
and I have no regrets - - a combination of a curbside patio awning, 
a rear bath window awning and an awning for the twin streetside 
bedroom windows ran a little less than $2,400 installed (I don't 
have my receipt file handy, so the figure is not absolutely precise).

While it might be possible to locate a used awning, sizing is very 
critical to a successful installation. The installation technician 
at my Airstream dealer spent more than two hours measuring and 
checking with ZipDee technical support to be sure that each awning 
was properly sized so that it could be properly attached to the 
structure - - it did mean that the side window awning looks off-
center, but it was necessary due to the location of side ribs for 
attachement - - the same is true of the curbside patio awning - - 
it will be close to the length of the awning rail, but will be 
enough shorter so that the side arms can be attached to structural 
members. One of the problems with my A & E awning was that it had 
been imprecisely measured and one of the arms was not attached (and 
could not be successfully attached) to a structural member.

If you are considering a "pole-type" awning that would need to be 
removed for travel, a big consideration would be whether you have 
help for setup and take-down. After observing friends who have an 
Overlander with a pole-type awning, I would never attempt one on my 
Overlander as I am a Free Wheeler - - it takes at least two to 
thread the awning into or out of the awning rail under most 
conditions.

Good luck with your decision!

Kevin