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we have just returned from a very wet and wild week in cornwall, so wet in fact that the van started leaking inside. we had a quite large bubble of water build up behind the wall covering. I think the awning rails etc need to be re-sealed. I've looked at some of the links on here,and think i could manage the job. What are the pitfalls to look out for. i don't want to start the job and then find that i can't finish it or make the problem worse. any information appreciated.

   steve

Hi Steve, and welcome to ukcampsite.co.uk,

This was exactly the reason that I joined ukcampsite.co.uk last year.  My webpage link below is the result of all the advice that I found on this site!

The best place to have a look is by reading the fixed it club members sites....list available at http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=31&TopicID=113042&PagePosition=1

In particular have a look at wizard's site http://hp-h.com/p/wizard41/Frontrail.html rails should be re-sealed about every 5-7 years, although some over 25 years old are still good, It would cost about £1000 to get it done professionally, but there is not much to it.  Take your time, do one at a time, and be careful whilst removing old rusty screws.  they break easily!!

If you have any questions post them here and someone will be along soon to answer them.

Good luck!

Hi Caradad

I have got these problems to which we discovered on hol last week with drip drip srip noise and checked the side seams to find the gap wanting filler but none present.

had some plumbers mate and after cleaning the gap with white spirit and drying off i squeexed this in and took away the excess and it loks great but will change to silkaflex when i find a outlet?

Thanks

Peter

The most difficult part of the whole job is handling the rail once it is off. It's long, and feels fragile, and takes up a lot of space.

Work out where it is going to go while you clean it up and while you clean up the van, BEFORE you get it off.

Don't ask me how I know :-)

thanks for the info, i have earmarked next weekend for the rails to come off, so watch this space,  will take my time and see what happens.

steve

Hi Steve , if you need advice while doing your awning rails we'll be here ( The Fixed it Club ) , just ask .

atb

Wizard

many thanks wizard. I must admit that i found your site by accident, and the excellent info that you provide spurred me on to have a go myself, especially the piccies. i will take some photo's soon as the job progresses.

i plan to start with the awning rails and if they succeed then the rest of the exterior rails, and posssibly the windows. Once the outside is hopefully sealed properly then i will do some investigating inside.

No doubt you will hear from me at some stage. It's nice to know that people like yourself are willing to assist and give advice.

cheers                 steve