Awning rail (1 Viewer)

[MikeandCarolyn]

I want to attach a 6mm awning rail to side of van using Sikaflex 512.
I now find that there is a choice of rails-Aluminium or Plastic. Which is best ?

Mike.

 

[aba]

are you just sticking it and not screwing it as well???
i would use the aluminium one personally but the one with a flat on either side of the channel as it is wider and would hold and spread the weight better.

i think there are around 4 different types of aluminium profile for awning rails.

just a straight c with a flat on the back.
a c with a flat on one side
a c with a flat on both sides
and an angle section for roof + side fitting as 90% of older caravans had.

 

[GJH]

I bought a kit like Link Removed for our previous van. The kit came with all screws needed and even a drill bit of the required size.

 

[MikeandCarolyn]

are you just sticking it and not screwing it as well???
.

Ah-that's another question you've posed Is sikaflex not strong enough on it's own?
Who's done what with theirs ?

Mike

 

[Wildman]

if sikaflex holds solar panels on the roof then it should be strong enough, after all why put holes inb the van they will only leak eventually.

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[lunarman]

I have done the same to my van.

DO NOT use the plastic rail. I fitted it first because it was white and I thought it would look better on the van. However the first time I tried to fit the awning I found that the rail pulled open and the awning came out. I had to take it off and fit Aluminium.

Hope this helps

Lunarman

 

[johnp10]

I fitted plastic flat backed rail.
Glued it with Sikaflex, found the screws supplied with the rail to be obstructive, so took them out.
Now using the rail as is, glued to the body.
It is so far quite happy and secure, despite a fair breeze now and then.
It was up for 10 days soild, no probs.
I would say sikaflex it, add screws if you aint happy with it.

 

[MikeandCarolyn]

I have done the same to my van.

. However the first time I tried to fit the awning I found that the rail pulled open and the awning came out. I had to take it off and fit Aluminium.
Hope this helps
Lunarman

That was a concern I had-thx for confirming it
Mike

 

[makems]

We have aluminium channel fixed with Sikaflex only.
Mike

 

[2657]

I have done the same to my van.

DO NOT use the plastic rail. I fitted it first because it was white and I thought it would look better on the van. However the first time I tried to fit the awning I found that the rail pulled open and the awning came out. I had to take it off and fit Aluminium.

Hope this helps

Lunarman

Sorry if this is stating the obvious, and I have no direct experience of fitting an awning rail, but both the rail and bead come in various sizes.

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[Alonsos]

I want to fit c section awning rail as above and no screws just sikaflex but where's the best place to get the rail that's my problem re online it comes in 3 pieces to make the length ie maybe 3 X 1.2 Mtrs , 1 length would be better but I think would not survive the courier transport
Any ideas

 

[The Dudess]

I want to fit c section awning rail as above and no screws just sikaflex but where's the best place to get the rail that's my problem re online it comes in 3 pieces to make the length ie maybe 3 X 1.2 Mtrs , 1 length would be better but I think would not survive the courier transport
Any ideas

See this post by @scotjimland

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/awning-rail-fitted-for-kampa-rally-air-pro.135228/

 

[scotjimland]

I want to fit c section awning rail as above and no screws just sikaflex but where's the best place to get the rail that's my problem re online it comes in 3 pieces to make the length ie maybe 3 X 1.2 Mtrs , 1 length would be better but I think would not survive the courier transport
Any ideas

the rail from Johns Cross is self adhesive and supplied with s/s self tapping screws with plastic washers, including 2 x pilot drills.. http://www.johnscross.co.uk/c-section-awning-rail-1-2-m-x-3-pieces.html

The self adhesive strip makes it easy to fit and align.. .. but if you don't want screws and self adhesion you can buy other places without..

You can buy it in full lengths but it can't be couriered..

I fitted it with Sikaflex and no screws on the RV, held it in place with pieces of gaffer tape until the Sika set..

both methods are successful .. the self adhesive method was quicker, cleaner and easier..

NB> For fitting on dimpled ally I would use Sika

 

[Alonsos]

Thanks for that
I will have to get in 3 sections and intend using Sikaflex will have to get the 2 joints well lined up though
Thanks again

 

[scotjimland]

Thanks for that
I will have to get in 3 sections and intend using Sikaflex will have to get the 2 joints well lined up though
Thanks again

No problem.. chalk line, and use bits of gaffer tape at the joints..

Two of the three pieces have one end rounded off, but that's obvious when you see them ..

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[Fletton]

Just a thought..... For others too...

My Moho has graphics ... If just stuck with Silka ( and no screws ) would that not just pull the graphics off .. As opposed to being glued directly to the aluminium panel?..

 

[Neckender]

I'm not sure if our 2014 Auto Sleeper body panels are strong enough,as the fibre glass panels are so thin.

John.

 

[scotjimland]

Just a thought..... For others too...

My Moho has graphics ... If just stuck with Silka ( and no screws ) would that not just pull the graphics off .. As opposed to being glued directly to the aluminium panel?..

Unless the graphic was the full length of the rail I wouldn't be worried. If unsure use a few self tapping screws where the graphic is..

I'm not sure if our 2014 Auto Sleeper body panels are strong enough,as the fibre glass panels are so thin.

John.

As the load is spread along the length of the rail, and provided there is no delamintation, I think it would be fine..

If in any doubt, ask an Auto Sleeper dealer or email Auto Sleeper direct.

 

[Speve]

If you have got a wind out awning fix it to the bottom of that you can glue and screw or pop rivet it saving messing up the side of your van.
I pop riveted ours to the underside works a treat

 

[scotjimland]

If you have got a wind out awning fix it to the bottom of that you can glue and screw or pop rivet it saving messing up the side of your van.
I pop riveted ours to the underside works a treat

yes.. that is a good idea.. but my box awning was in the wrong position..

I wanted the awning to fit over the hab door, so fitting the rail on the van was the only way to achieve that ..

Before fitting rail ..

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[Speve]

@scotjimland On our Exsis I can just get away with ours the wind out is a little further forward.

 

[Fletton]

Unless the graphic was the full length of the rail I wouldn't be worried. If unsure use a few self tapping screws where the graphic is..

It is... That's why I mentioned it

 

[scotjimland]

It is... That's why I mentioned it

how was I to know that.. you said 'graphics' not graphic.. I took that to be plural.. so not a one piece graphic the full length

besides, I was only trying to be helpful..

 

[Fletton]

how was I to know that.. you said 'graphics' not graphic.. I took that to be plural.. so not a one piece graphic the full length

besides, I was only trying to be helpful..

I know... ... Me too