Needing to to see if anyone knows why we have one rail on our caravan roof.

[millsie]

just bought a second hand swift 2007 510 challenger. It has one rail on the the roof of the door side and wondered what its for? looks like there might have been one on the other side but not there now. Any ideas what it would be for or if we actually need it?

 

[Raywood]

Welcome to the forum.
It is an awning rail, if you have an awning you thread the awning through this to attach it to the caravan. Most caravans have one each side, but a few have them only on the side with the door as this is the one you normally use for an awning.

 

[millsie]

Hi thank you for replying. No its not the awning rail, its right on top of the roof.

 

[Hutch]

It could have been for a roll out, sun shade, like an awning but without sides.

 

[millsie]

I was wondering if it was for to keep all the mess from running over the sides of the van? we also have the white plastic in the awning rail to stop that.

 

[Beachball]

Hi millsie welcome to the forum have you a picture of this rail on the roof on the door side that might help

 

[millsie]

Hi I will get one at weekend when I go to the caravan as its in storage. thanks.

 

[woodsieboy]

Some caravans had a plastic channel fitted to the roof above the door, it only covers the width of the door, it was designed to stop water running off the side where the door is, so that when you opened the door in the rain you didn't get wet

 

[Raywood]

I think that is unlikely as it is on the roof.

 

[RogerL]

I think that is unlikely as it is on the roof.

On the roof is exactly the place to put it - every time we're in the caravan when it's raining I think it would be a good idea to fit some plastic strips on the roof edge above the windows and door to divert the rain running off the roof.

 

[Beachball]

Maypole MP 951 Awning rail protector on both sides of our van we have this and it stops water going down the sides