No awning rail entry on brand new swift

[markyboy]

Hi i am new to this forum and just wanted to say that i have just got my brand new swift elegance 835 grande, and the day before our first trip to cornwall noticed a problem.
We packed the van and i thought what i would do is silicone the awning track at home,then noticed that there is no entry for the awning to go in so basically cant use the awning well peeded off after spending nearly 45k
On the otherside of the van its been done how can they miss something like that?I now have to go to the dealer on my way to cornwall which luckily is just off the m5 and let them see it and see what they can do.
I think they might have to cut out a little section on the track just to get me by until i get back,then maybe they will have to do a major job on a new van.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Welcome

They should have the necessary tools to put the required slots in the rail for you.

 

[markyboy]

Welcome

They should have the necessary tools to put the required slots in the rail for you.

many thanks heading off there now fingers crossed

 

[otherclive]

I had to have a replacement rail fitted when a new rear panel went on. The dealer omitted the entry/exit slots on the offside. Took them a very short while to correct it when I returned the van to them. Hardly had time to finish the complimentary coffee. 👍

 

[Dustydog]

It takes less than 10 seconds to splay both sides of the rail. This tool costs £50+😵‍💫

 

[Buckman]

It takes less than 10 seconds to splay both sides of the rail. This tool costs £50+😵‍💫

That is what technician used yesterday plus a piece of flat iron and the paint did not crack so happy days again!

 

[markyboy]

Went to the dealer and like you guys said they got the tool out and I was gone in minutes.
thanks guys

 

[Beachball]

Hi markyboy welcome to the forum i am pleased the dealer sorted for you enjoy your trip to Cornwall

 

[Johnb]

That is what technician used yesterday plus a piece of flat iron and the paint did not crack so happy days again!

Something else not to worry about then!

I'm pleased things seem to have taken a turn for the better. Let's hope that's how we continue.

 

[Roy1959]

Hi i am new to this forum and just wanted to say that i have just got my brand new swift elegance 835 grande, and the day before our first trip to cornwall noticed a problem.
We packed the van and i thought what i would do is silicone the awning track at home,then noticed that there is no entry for the awning to go in so basically cant use the awning well peeded off after spending nearly 45k
On the otherside of the van its been done how can they miss something like that?I now have to go to the dealer on my way to cornwall which luckily is just off the m5 and let them see it and see what they can do.
I think they might have to cut out a little section on the track just to get me by until i get back,then maybe they will have to do a major job on a new van.

I’ve also just collected an Elegance 835. Not quite the same problem but the entry points are way to short. Took me an hour to get it through. Its a Isabella air which is quite heavy but I can’t go through that again 😡

 

[GaryB]

I’ve also just collected an Elegance 835. Not quite the same problem but the entry points are way to short. Took me an hour to get it through. Its a Isabella air which is quite heavy but I can’t go through that again 😡

Ours was exactly the same (2022 Swift) and we also have a heavy Isabella air. Fortunately I noticed it at home and lengthened the entry points carefully using a chisel wrapped in tape. You can’t tell where I did it but frustrating to have to do it!

 

[otherclive]

I had a similar problem when having a new rear panel and the dealer forgot to open out the rail. A professional tool costs well over £100+. I used long nose pliers as a swaging tool. Worked okay.

 

[Hutch]

I had a similar problem when having a new rear panel and the dealer forgot to open out the rail. A professional tool costs well over £100+. I used long nose pliers as a swaging tool. Worked okay.

That's what Practical Caravanning is all about.
Has anyone joined the " Take it to the dealer " website, it could be helpful for some folk. !!!

 

[Dustydog]

I had a similar problem when having a new rear panel and the dealer forgot to open out the rail. A professional tool costs well over £100+. I used long nose pliers as a swaging tool. Worked okay.

My reservation with anything but the specialist tool is the potential extra stress that could inadvertently be applied to the awning rail and its fixings and sealant resulting in future water ingress. The real tool opens the rail in less than five seconds.
I waited two years to sort mine out and used the rear section for entry. Over cautious perhaps but just read the numerous pages on here how manufacturers wriggle on every water ingress claim🤬