Awning rail opening

[ThePlotter]

My Lunar van doesn't have any openings in the awning rail ,so I need to open one about window level but cant find the tool for the job,I don't want the spreader that is used for opening squashed rails.
so anyone know where i can get one they look a bit like a bolster chisel with a slot along its edge.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Any dealer should be able to do it for you free of charge, ours did although we didn't but the van from them. They have a special pair of pliers for the job, no need to buy one yourself. We bought our Lunar 3 years ago and wanted an opening at eye level into which we could feed the porch awning.

 

[ThePlotter]

thanks didnt really want the hassle of uncovering van and going to dealer supplying dealer is some distance away and really wanted it done before take it in for its service

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

In which case you can do it yourself, gently with a pair of pliers. Awning rails are very soft aluminium.

Google 'awning rail pliers' to see what a dedicated tool looks like (nothing special), only something with a groove in it to grip the outer edge.

 

[MichaelE]

I actually made my own out of a steel ruler. I cut down 3 lengths to the awning sized gap i wanted, i placed them on top of each other and offset the middle one back 5mm then drilled and riveted them together. this created a channel so the rail sits in The ruler was about an inch wide and the thickness 1mm. Placed onto the outer edge of the awning rail and used mole grips to hold it out whilst i bent the rail outwards.
If you use pliers you get uneven bends and it marks the rail.

 

[ThePlotter]

Thanks folks ,I am still puzzled why so many manufacturers now dont happen openings in the rails

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Placed onto the outer edge of the awning rail and used mole grips to hold it out whilst i bent the rail outwards.

If you look at the opening produced by the manufacturers then it is the inner edge that is bent inwards. This then leaves a smooth line on the outside when the awning is fitted and helps to maintain a waterproof seal.