Hidden awning rail?

[roadtripper]

The ones you fit without the roof bar actually tend to be more hidden as they can sit down in the drain channel - one thing to be mindful of is the this means the awning fabric can sit right on the paintwork and rub depending on your awning.

The ones you fit with a roof bar have to have the channel sitting up and out on the roof itself to give the roof bar feet room, so you are more likely to see the channel from the side. Of course the roof bar offers some distraction here and the channel might be taken for part of those fittings.

 

[roadtripper]

This is from when I fitted the second rail, you can see it sits quite low in the channel but also the way the rear is very slightly taller than the roof as it gently curves down the last 6 inches to the rear.

 

[Sim667]

The ones you fit without the roof bar actually tend to be more hidden as they can sit down in the drain channel - one thing to be mindful of is the this means the awning fabric can sit right on the paintwork and rub depending on your awning.

The ones you fit with a roof bar have to have the channel sitting up and out on the roof itself to give the roof bar feet room, so you are more likely to see the channel from the side. Of course the roof bar offers some distraction here and the channel might be taken for part of those fittings.

I am worried about it rubbing on the paint work, I’m not really sure what to do to mitigate that.

 

[Sim667]

+1 for van style. You dont need roof bars, just use the existing holes for them.in the roof. I used PTFE tape.and silicon to prevent any water leaks on the threaded screws.

The problem with van style is they only do them for the passenger side and I want them for both as I have twin slider and would like my glawning on one side and sun shade on the other. Or the option of being to change the side the glawning is on if not using the sun shade

 

[Sim667]

This is from when I fitted the second rail, you can see it sits quite low in the channel but also the way the rear is very slightly taller than the roof as it gently curves down the last 6 inches to the rear.

View attachment 332291View attachment 332292View attachment 332293

This doesn’t look that visible at all tbh.

 

[roadtripper]

I am worried about it rubbing on the paint work, I’m not really sure what to do to mitigate that.

For a few days use I tend to just pop some masking tape up where there is any chance of a rub - if I was doing it for longer I'd use what's commonly known as Helicopter Tape that's used to protect bike frames - essentially clear vinyl wrap on a large sellotape like roll. On a still day after a good wash (but not wax) should be easy to apply along the roof edge

 

[Sim667]

I’m assuming helicopter tape doesn’t damage your paintwork?

I was wondering about wedging a pool noodle in between fabric and paint

 

[roadtripper]

Thread 'Helicopter tape removal?'

15 Jul 2023

Having fitted the "stealth" type of C awning rail on the roof I'm wondering about protecting the paint a little bit from the awning rubbing.

So far I've just used some masking tape temporarily as it's only been a day event, not elegant but gives peace of mind.

I see helicopter tape as used by the bike folks suggested a fair bit, but I've also seen reports of it lifting paint off the bikes too...

Has anyone had any good or bad experiences removing it when they've used it for protection and any tips for removal before I try it?

• roadtripper

 

[Sim667]

the comment on there about magnetic sign stuff is genius. I’d do that.