Obstructed awning rail

[Anseo]

Went to fit awning rail strips to help prevent black streaks.

The offside awning rail is obstructed with masticsealant at a joint, tried an awning spreader but quickly found out that it was not going to be of help, so in to the gap with a mini pick set, spent ages picking out bits of sealant over a length of say 40mm.

I cannot get the surplus sealant out sufficient to allow the awning spreader to pass through, any ideas folks?

I also wonder if my scraping and poking of the sealant will create a water ingress problem.

 

[otherclive]

Try a fine paintbrush with a modicum of white spirit to soften sealant and then keep trying the awning rail spreader. Your actions should not have affected the sealing as it was focussed on the surplus sealant. But would be wise to have the next damp check look carefully at that area.

 

[Craigyoung]

That was my first thought , but if you start picking at it will it let the water in ?is it not possible to go from one end to the join then enter another bit from the other end up to where the join is , would it not be secure enough like that , I'm yet to put some in ours and we have an awning rail on both sides . . . . :huh:

Craig

 

[otherclive]

Could also try gentle heat and the awning rail spreader. Alternatively since you don't use that side for the awning just don't fit the strip.

 

[bertieboy1]

Anseo,
Are you sure the black streaks are coming from the awning rail,personally I've never experienced this with any of the caravans I've had.
My source of black streaks has been from wet dust on the roof.

 

[Hutch]

Some people do use both awning rails, especially in France, with an open awning to sit in at the height of the day, or on year round pitches to store chairs etc. And to cover waterbutts etc.

 

[Martin24]

If it's AluTech construction it's a known problem with Bailey's on both sides so get your dealer to sort it.

 

[Robtel]

I cannot get the surplus sealant out sufficient to allow the awning spreader to pass through, any ideas folks?
.

Had this problem a couple of years back with an Alu tech van which is , as Martin says, a known problem. The dealership were happy enough to clear it for me but as it would have involved a day off work to take the van in I asked how they went about doing the job. I had already had an attempt at it with a Stanley knife blade, minus the holder, just the blade, but was more likely to remove part of a finger than the excess sealant. They gave me a loan of their “special tool”, simply a one inch wide paint scraper with the end of the blade sharpened then bent over at a slight curve. Done the job easily in a few minutes. They say they now clear the rail routinely as part of the pre delivery inspection.

 

[Raywood]

Service like that might deserve a name check.

 

[Robtel]

Service like that might deserve a name check.

Sure you will know the Bailey dealer Ray, guessing they are probably about midway between our two respective homes. Duncans just outside Wishaw?

 

[Raywood]

Not surprised, we have never had a Bailey or a Swift so not bought from them but they have been very helpful and reasonably competitive when we needed parts and accessories.

 

[Anseo]

I cannot get the surplus sealant out sufficient to allow the awning spreader to pass through, any ideas folks?
.

Had this problem a couple of years back with an Alu tech van which is , as Martin says, a known problem. The dealership were happy enough to clear it for me but as it would have involved a day off work to take the van in I asked how they went about doing the job. I had already had an attempt at it with a Stanley knife blade, minus the holder, just the blade, but was more likely to remove part of a finger than the excess sealant. They gave me a loan of their “special tool”, simply a one inch wide paint scraper with the end of the blade sharpened then bent over at a slight curve. Done the job easily in a few minutes. They say they now clear the rail routinely as part of the pre delivery inspection.

Thank you, I will try that.

 

[VicMallows]

Now, 'perfect' the tool, and make your fortune selling them! :dry:

 

[Raywood]

Duncans do have a very good reputation and they have been helpful when we have been looking at various things. We have not had a Bailey or Swift, which are their franchises though so have not bought a new caravan from them.