Sun Shade - Zipper or No Zipper?

[ArkRVHog]

So I have scoured all of the more recent postings on Sun Shade options that attach to your existing awning. My Solera automatic awning has adjustable arms that I think I can adjust down to lower it enough to attach a non-zipper type shade easily. And then you don't have a zipper "line" going across the shade and your vision when looking out. Am I missing something here?

Also, does it make sense to order a sun shade a foot less or so in height (than when your awning is at the highest spot) so when you do want to tilt your awning down, you don't have the sun shade sitting on the ground. (Of course you still have to adjust your bungees and stakes holding it too.)

Thanks for the valued input!

[bubbles]

I have a Vista Shade for my A&E 20ft awning. The total drop is 10 feet and a 4ft section stays attached to the awning. The 4ft drop allows zipping the lower 6ft section without any difficulty or drooping of the awning. I rely on the auto dump of my awning so never have to lower the awning for rain run off and it has not failed to dump when needed. The zipper strip is not objectionable and with a 4ft attached section the 6ft section is not used that often. Here's a shot of an awning with the Vista Shade 4ft section.

[Steve-W]

I have the Solera zip-off shade for my Solera power awning. Mine is a 8' drop, the 2' section stays attached and rolls up with the awning with no issue. It's easy to zip on the lower section without the use of a stool or ladder, take less than a minute. I've never felt the zipper line was an issue.
I would definitely go with a two piece shade no matter what brand.
All the bottom sections are 6' the difference in the overall height is made up by the drop of the top section.

[ArkRVHog]

So if I have my Solera awning out...and tilted down, it does a great job of providing shade to my windows on that side. I know you can probably take your 4 foot section off easily, but if I determine I don't need any sun (or privacy) protection, I really don't want to dim my view down looking through the shade out my windows (if the awning is out.) I might however consider a 2' drop based on your good thoughts about the zipper system and it's ease of install. Thx.

[bubbles]

There are trade off's minimal though they may be. Sounds like to many issues that doesn't have a one cures all approach. Good luck.

[gmann32]

Where would 1 get a 19 foot zipper installed near Davenport Florida?

[GlowPlug]

Carefree EZ ZipBlocker awning shade with 3' zipper drop.
Is anyone using this Valterra TwinTrak system. It allows for sunshade and patio lights.
https://tinyurl.com/ssm9gta

Question is, can this Valterra TwinTrak system remain in place when retracting awning.
Not talking about retracting patio lights just the zipper section while leaving the TwinTrak system in place.

Thanks

[GlowPlug]

Originally Posted by gmann32

Where would 1 get a 19 foot zipper installed near Davenport Florida?

These folks might be able to point you in the correct direction.

https://tinyurl.com/suzbfx8

[jaycmpng]

Have had the Vista shade with 8' drop on our awning going on 4 years now. One of the best investments we have made. Here in Florida during the winter, if a storm starts to blow, just unzip, let the 6' section drop and hit the retract button. Easy peasy, takes a couple of seconds and awning is secure.

[DouglasReid]

Qw too have a Vista Shade but the drop is only 1' to the zipper.

We get the convenience of unzipping, as opposed to sliding in and out of the tube channel.

There is not really any significant blockage when the shade is not attached. In our opinion the best of both worlds

[texasbozo]

I have a zipper sun shade and love it. Has about a 1 ft drop then the zipper. Its also about 2 ft off the ground, this allows for better air flow on hot days. One of my best purchases. Enjoy your summer trips all.

[primo20]

That’s it. I’m getting one of these! Lol

Just need to wait for the spring to measure what size I need!

[5picker]

Originally Posted by GlowPlug

Carefree EZ ZipBlocker awning shade with 3' zipper drop.
Is anyone using this Valterra TwinTrak system. It allows for sunshade and patio lights.
https://tinyurl.com/ssm9gta

Question is, can this Valterra TwinTrak system remain in place when retracting awning.
Not talking about retracting patio lights just the zipper section while leaving the TwinTrak system in place.

Thanks

According to one of the Amazon reviews, it states the instructions that come with the track indicate to NOT let the track remain in place when rolling up the awning or damage can occur to the awning fabric.

[texasbozo]

The one I have has a 1 ft drop. Then the zipper, as per the instructions you can roll up the 1 ft section with the awning. I have done this 30 times since the easy install. Just make sure your shade is not any wider than your awning width. You will be very happy. Have a great summer all

[GlowPlug]

Originally Posted by 5picker

According to one of the Amazon reviews, it states the instructions that come with the track indicate to NOT let the track remain in place when rolling up the awning or damage can occur to the awning fabric.

Thanks 5picker, Missed that in the review section.