Awning without awning rail

[mattius]

Have a t6.1 and don't like the idea of fitting a permanent awning rail.

What's my options?

Magnetic awning rail kits any good?

 

[T5_Kombi_Rob]

Magnetic strips are useless IMO. If its for a proper awning, you can use straps that go over the van and peg down. Otherwise a c channel awning rail that goes in the gutter works well (I have one for sale at the moment!)

 

[Dellmassive]

The magnetic ones are complete rubbish.

Your best bet for a temporary one is that the dometic limpit, scroll down sucker strip that comes with a figure eight strip.

But your best bet will be a hidden C channel bolted onto the roof bolts that will be completely hidden.

 

[DXX]

Tie it over the roof to the wheels but put some pipe insulation under the tarp to prevent it rubbing on the paint. Assuming no pop top or not raised.

 

[cgtmiles]

Most awnings have the option to use straps going over the van. We have a reimo rail but have used straps once when we needed to pitch the awning closer to the van (C&CC pitch + massive awning = PITA!). This seemed to work well but I don’t understand why you don’t want a rail, the hidden rails are perfect if you are worried about the line of the van but I don’t think a full multirail is that bad and acts as a bit of a gutter whenever the door is opened. Would definitely recommend one of these options if you aren’t just thinking about a one off

 

[DXX]

A Reimo or almost identical but cheaper Vamoose rail has the added benefit of keeping water from running off the roof in through open windows and doors.
Expensive guttering.
Just make sure it’s installed correctly, I’ve seen a few badly installed ones.

 

[mattius]

Limpits won't work there isn't enough flat bodywork for them to attach too.

With the pop top the gutter rails arent really an option are they? Don't think there is any gutter left.

 

[Jimer]

Limpits won't work there isn't enough flat bodywork for them to attach too.

With the pop top the gutter rails arent really an option are they? Don't think there is any gutter left.

It may depend on your pop top, I fitted one on my old van. You can't use all of the bolts unless you want to mess around with your pop top rear hinge, however a bonding agent works fine. I just fixed the end of the kador strip to the hinge using cord or a cable tie as my C chanel didn't run under the hinge to the back of the van.

 

[T5_Kombi_Rob]

If you have a skyline or similar you should be able to modify a c channel to fit- that's what I've done