Awning rail help

[D6oby]

Hi,

can someone give me advise on the awning rail.

I have a leak at the bottom corner and was going to take the whole rail off to reseal it all.

1. Is this ok to do? Would the frame it’s screwed into fall off or is it glued?

2. If this is of can water get into the caravan?

thanks,

stephen

 

[audiorob]

Can you give readers the make, model and age of the caravan so advice can be given. Earlier models the rail was screwed to the bodywork with mastic strip in between the two, while later vans may be screwless bonded.

 

[D6oby]

It’s a 2002 Bailey ranger 550/6

 

[D6oby]

Mines is screwed

 

[Beachball]

But i am not handy with my hands someone on here will advise you what needs to be done with your awning rail

 

[D6oby]

Looks like this

 

[Parksy]

Hi,

can someone give me advise on the awning rail.

I have a leak at the bottom corner and was going to take the whole rail off to reseal it all........

I don't think that it's a good idea to take the whole rail off Stephen.
Were you considering re-attaching the same rail or buying a new rail to try to bend it to shape as you go?
Either option looks problematical as a d-i- y job.
I'm not a professional repairer but I'd advise you to be cautious about dismantling things that you may not easily re-assemble.
I'd just repair the leak and leave the rest well enough alone if it's dry.

 

[Ern]

You havent said why the rail is off. It doesn't appear to be damaged, so I assume it's been partly removed to attempt a repair to a suspected leak.
The joint seen behind the rail is unlikely to be the source of the leak, which is more likely to either the screws which hold the rail, or tracking down from the front window.
As it is at the moment, it can probably be resealed with the appropriate Sika or Soudal grade sealant. Best done by an experienced caravan repairer. It will require careful and thorough cleaning up without damaging that rail, and then forcing back into position and bonding.
You really need an experienced repairman to look at it and decide next step though. Don't meddle with it if you are not trained to do the work, or you may end up with more trouble.

 

[audiorob]

Preparation is 9/10 of the job as for the area to be resealed all the old mastic needs cleaning off (from both the rail and the caravan body taking the greatest care not to distort the awning rail. Then use the recommended sealant (as Ern describes) to re-bond the rail rather than reusing new mastic roll, perhaps with a couple of stainless steel screws to ensure it is accurately repositioned . Only you can judge your DIY skills - otherwise you will find mobile accredited caravan repairers who will do the job for you. You can purchase replacement herzim strip off Ebay if these needs replacing - just check the width and colour.

 

[D6oby]

Yeah, there is a leak I am trying to find am believe it is behind the awning rail somewhere.

mot has previously been sealed a lot by the looks of it so thought it was best to remove, take all the old sealer out and do it again from scratch once I have found the leak