Awning rail fitting!

[hoggle]

Hi folks, hope your all well and looking forward to the lock down being eased in the near future. I know i am, I'm up here in the North of Scotland, and hopefully will be able to travel and stay the night somewhere from next weekend!
So, as the thread title suggests, I'm looking for advice regarding the fitting of an Awning rail into the gutter of my T6.
1, Do i put a double sided tape type material under the rail to protect the paint work?
2, Do i just use the bolts that are in the holes already? If not, what would be better?
3, Do i use rubber washers to deter water ingress, or use a silicon type sealant?
Many thanks in advance...

 

[Broadside]

I had all your questions and more a couple of months ago. I bought a C channel rail from Lightning Leisure, Funky Leisure do something very similar. Avoid the Sitches & Steel version as it comes in separate lengths.

To answer your direct questions:

1: No don’t bother. just bolt it on, then water can get out and drain free.
2: Yes I reused the same bolts but put in another rubber washer on each one.Original VW rubber washer up against the paintwork, C channel rail, new rubber washer, VW bolt to secure it all, this should keep the water out.
3: See above, avoid silicone sealant, there is no need if you use sufficient rubber washers, much cleaner.

Your next question will inevitably be which awning. We bought the Debus one from Funky Leisure, it’s big enough to provide plenty of shade for a family of 5 plus dog, it is ideal for us. 5 mins to put up, 5 mins to take down, it is brilliant.

 

[VanDamMan]

Hi ... @hoggle ... When mine was installed it was done similar to @Broadside but the guy put a little silicone on the thread only

 

[hoggle]

Thanks for your replies. The only thing i think i need to source is new rubber washers.

 

[Bruntonpasty]

Can I just add into this with another question? I've just fitted my Ulti bars roof bars today as my van is primarily for work, my question is....strange perhaps I know but.....What is the thoughts on attaching an awning rail to the base brackets of my roof rails in some way? If it won't fit on top of the brackets or underneath, what if the brackets could be drilled through the vertical and the rail fastened to it?

 

[VanDamMan]

Can I just add into this with another question? I've just fitted my Ulti bars roof bars today as my van is primarily for work, my question is....strange perhaps I know but.....What is the thoughts on attaching an awning rail to the base brackets of my roof rails in some way? If it won't fit on top of the brackets or underneath, what if the brackets could be drilled through the vertical and the rail fastened to it?

Don’t know if it’s want your after or fits Ulti bars....but Stitches and steel do this...

 

[Bruntonpasty]

That would probably do the job! Could be fitted on the top too? Possibly? Would it make much difference?

 

[VanDamMan]

That would probably do the job! Could be fitted on the top too? Possibly? Would it make much difference?

Don't think it would make much difference ....once you’ve got the rail try what suits you

 

[Paynewright]

Post lock down I plan a funky leisure rail with double sided trim tape and some sealant around the screw fixings. Still pondering whether to get powder coated black!?

 

[minicharli]

@hoggle did you source some rubber washers ? I have a lightning leisure rail to fit soon

 

[VanDamMan]

@hoggle did you source some rubber washers ? I have a lightning leisure rail to fit soon

I got the rubber washers via the dealers. ( hate having to pay full price ) As spares

 

[Bruntonpasty]

@hoggle did you source some rubber washers ? I have a lightning leisure rail to fit soon

Snap on that one @minicharli , I intend to get one of those very shortly, then Ill have to decide what awning to attach to it!! decisions, decisions.......

 

[minicharli]

@Bruntonpasty as you know it never ends but we just bought a Vango Kela V on Sunday

 

[nigeltreves]

Post lock down I plan a funky leisure rail with double sided trim tape and some sealant around the screw fixings. Still pondering whether to get powder coated black!?

HI @Paynewright
Did you get your rail powder coated black in the end. How does it look?

 

[nigeltreves]

I want to fit an awning rail in the roof gutter but am really concerned about damage caused by the rail to the paint work. Any ideas to help combat this?

 

[Paynewright]

No not done yet - still on the list!

You could always put a strip of paint protection film in the gutter if you are worried.

 

[VanDamMan]

I want to fit an awning rail in the roof gutter but am really concerned about damage caused by the rail to the paint work. Any ideas to help combat this?

Hi @nigeltreves Just seen the post regarding roof gutter , I've had a rail in the gutter for over a year and had no problems...it does not sit directly on the paint work as the rail is sandwiched between two rubber type washers then bolted down . If using Oem rubbers buy Spare roof bolts with the rubber spacer ( or just spacers if available ) when ready remove roof bolts ...place rubber washer/ spacer then apply C rail apply some sealant on roof bolt thread with washer and bolt down ...see pics hope that helps

 

[nigeltreves]

@Paynewright /@VanDanMan
Thanks for your replies. Where/ what rails did you you get

 

[VanDamMan]

@Paynewright /@VanDanMan
Thanks for your replies. Where/ what rails did you you get

Hi...Got it from Camperessentials but looks like out of stock....but give them a ring very helpful

 

[Eli]

Has anyone ever temporarily fitted a C rail to factory a factory roof prep rail