awning rail damage

[Grahamh]

Whilst on hols in Spain I managed to catch a tree whilst siting the van. Basically a branch squashed the awning rail shut. I managed to open up the awning slot - it was closed all along the top but the rubber beading is torn over a length of about a foot. I assume that this is a rubber section that sits beneath the aluminium extrusion and to change it I will have to take the whole rail off. Two Q's; where would I get a new length from and could I just fill with sealant instead?

 

[Chris_Hyde_Cheshire.]

Hi, you do not have to remove the awning rail to put the new infill strip in. The infill strip is on there to hide the screws that attach the awning rail to the van. Mine came out on the M62 on the way home from Whitby and got tangled around the axle, although the van was under warranty Glossop caravans allowed me to collect some off them and fit it myself, this was mainly due to the fact that I was only home 4 days then off to the Isle of Wight. I stuck the replacement in place with blobs of silicon sealer inside the awning rail. It was easy enough to fit but at times you had to rest your thumbs from squeezing it into place. The ends have a single tack in them to hold it in place - Obviously didnt work at first though.....!!!

Hope this helps...

Chris

 

[Grahamh]

Thanks Chris

I see the tack near the end as you say. Shall try my local caravan place. Just need to find the end cap from the rail that goes accross the back as that got mangled - covered it with gaffer tape till I got home. Managed to get a new top to the heater chimney in Spain. Lucky that I did not damage the roof. Had a good look at it but no sign of damage.

 

[Chris_Hyde_Cheshire.]

Hi Graham, if you go to your local caravan dealer, takee a sample of your damaged infill strip with you to match it up as it comes in different widths and colours.

Chris.