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When the full awning is up, water is running down the side of the van in two places (just over the door and the kitchen window).  Presumably, this is because the seal around the awning rail is defective in some way.  The rail itself I think is aluminium with a black seal behind it - I think it is screwed to the van itself but cannot see any screw heads.  There is no leakage into the van itself as far as I can see, the water just drips from the rail onto the outside of the van.  Its not drastic and only really happens in heavy rain but I would like to be able to repair it.

HOW DO YOU FIX IT??

Does the rail need to be removed and a new seal fitted or can it be fixed with sealant?

Don't really fancy removing the rail as I think it could be tricky putting it back!! - but it may be that this is not as difficult as I imagine.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Hi Patches

Are you sure the leak is not just the awning leaking at the rail rather than the rail itself?

You'll probably find it's the awning rather than the rail.

It's usually the stitching on the channeling.

If it turns out to be leaking past the rail you will need to remove the insert ,this will expose the fixing screws.It's just a case of unsrewing the screws easing the rail forward and resealing with a suitable sealant, refit rail and insert.

hi you need the fixit club

http://hp-h.com/p/wizard41/

I would think its the awning thats allowing water through and its then dripping off.

a simple test would be to leave well alone until the awing is up and starts leaking. get a tea towel and wipe the wall dry, now  gently push the edge Of the towel up into the join where the seal meets the caravan wall and watch where the towel gets wet if it gets wet on the inner edge of the towel it the seal but if the edge where its been up in the crease is dry then its the awning.

hope i made that clear  enough. 

Hi Patches,

I am new to this but I think I have a similar problem. However, mine is also leaking into the caravan!  I have a rubber seal that goes under the rail. I think this is not sealed enough so I am going to be repairing it by taking it off, cleaning and renwing the mastics. I think this will stop the rain coming in under the rail. However, this is proving to be difficult. For my 1992 adria, I have yet to find a source for a new rubber that fits. I have cleaned one rubber and it has now shrunk a little.So ultimately I am saying make sure it is the rail and not the awning itself because (in my case) i'm about to break my van up to make fire wood!

Robin

I had the same prob, water was running down from under the rail. I removed the rail (much easier with two people) and resealed it. Perfect!

Baz

Thanks everyone for the advice.

On closer inspection, the seal behind the rail does seem to be "gapped" slightly and presumably when the awning is up, this is made worse because the weight of the awning would pull it away further (and when the poles are tensioned)

Off now with the step ladders to where the van is stored for the winter to have a go with the sealant.

Thanks Again.