Hello From Newbie & Question On Awning Rail

[Crag71]

Hello from another Newbie.

Bought a caravan couple of months ago and a definitely consider myself a complete novice. Still think this is the case after two trips away.

Quick question, what’s people’s thoughts on awning rail protectors, are they worth fitting?

Thanks in advance.

Craig.

 

[VicMallows]

I remember asking a similar question ....because I didn't know what they were supposed to protect !!
I was informed that they are are to avoid streak-marks down the side of the van ..... but I don't get streak-marks anyway.?
So, for me, the answer is 'NO'

 

[Crag71]

Thank you! That makes sense. I’ll see how I get on with the streaks, bit early to tell.

 

[Craigyoung]

It wasn't that long ago I was querying this question to . If and when you leave the van in storage or where were you leave the van and don't use it make sure you point the noise down so that any water you get runs into the gutter and down if you leave it standing on a slope or down on one side that's where you're black streaks will come from when the muck runs off the top and over the side after rainfall . There is something you can buy called Black streak remover which is good stuff to .

Another Craig !

 

[Crag71]

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like I need a trip to the storage to point the nose down. Expect I’ll be trying black streak remover out pretty soon....

 

[Anseo]

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like I need a trip to the storage to point the nose down. Expect I’ll be trying black streak remover out pretty soon....

Plain old roadtraffic film remover (diluted with water) works for me, stuff labelled 'black streak remover' is I suspect a heavily watered down roadtraffic film remover.

Perhaps some insights here:
http://www.autoday.co.uk/story/2012/02/15/what-is-traffic-film-remover-amp-why-do-you-need-it-/5/

 

[Hutch]

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like I need a trip to the storage to point the nose down. Expect I’ll be trying black streak remover out pretty soon....

Plain old roadtraffic film remover (diluted with water) works for me, stuff labelled 'black streak remover' is I suspect a heavily watered down roadtraffic film remover.

Perhaps some insights here:
http://www.autoday.co.uk/story/2012/02/15/what-is-traffic-film-remover-amp-why-do-you-need-it-/5/

Anseo, its not watered down, you need to wash it of within 5 minutes, and it smells of ammonia.

Craig 71, welcome to the forum, I dont use the awning rail protector thing, caravan under cover when in storage, but normally out at least once or twice a month all year round.
Hutch.

 

[mealsonwheels]

Welcome to the forum Craig.
When it comes to cleaning the caravan, another tip we can pass on is to use 'e-Cloths For Windows'. If you haven't used them before, there are two e-cloths in the pack and you just wet the larger one with water and wring out, wipe over the windows and dry with the other one. They bring the caravan windows up like new and all you use is water, no chemicals. They're not cheap, but can be used over and over again when washed out afterwards. We got ours for the house windows and just thought we'd try them on our van and they came up sparkling. We got them from Waitrose, but I think other supermarkets would have them too.
Happy and safe caravanning to you.

 

[LizziePope]

Hi Craig and a warm welcome to the Practical Caravan forum.

 

[Raywood]

People have recommended the protectors but we have never tried them. The marks come off fairly easily though provided you keep on top of them. Storing nose up or down though is a good idea, it does not totally stop the streaks for us as the storage slopes slightly side to side but it does stop water pooling on the roof.

 

[Beachball]

Welcome to the forum Craig