Monday, March 11, 2013

How To Install An Awning Rail On Your Vintage Travel Trailer




      How To Install A C-Channel Awning Rail On Your Vintage Trailer
1) Clean off and dry, the area where the awning rail will be placed.
2) Measure and mark, equal distances on the awning rail, for screw hole placement. For example, on a 5' rail, the screw holes were placed 9  3/4" apart.
3)Decide what size of 1" screws you will be using to attach the rail and then pick the drill bit accordingly.
4) Choose screws that will not rust out in the weather.
5) Rest your awning rail over the seats of several chairs. You will need someone to help hold the rail steady on both sides of the area to be drilled. Center the mark to be drilled between the seats of the chairs. Start and stop the drill, just to get an indent for the drill bit to hold steady. Now you should feel confident to proceed.
6)Once all of the holes are drilled, place a strip of putty tape on the back side of the awning rail.
7)Place the awning on the trailer. Starting with the outside screw holes first, drill one hole at a time into the trailer then twist in the screw. Proceed to the other end of the rail and repeat. Next, I would  make the centermost hole and place the screw. Continue on until the entire rail is screwed in place.
8)Make a bead along the top of the awning rail with 100% silicone rubber sealant. Be sure to select the clear, outdoor variety. Using a protective glove, run your finger along the bead to flatten it out along the rail. This will give a watertight, flexible seal.
9)Spray a dry lubricant, such as Blaster, into the c-channel.
10) Leave the rail to dry overnight before installing the awning.


Supplies:
Cleaning supplies and paper towels
Awning rail with a 3/8" diameter c-channel
Power drill
drill bit
1" weatherproof screws
Phillips or flathead screw driver
Clear silicone outdoor rubber sealant
Putty tape, length and width of flange on awning rail
Fine point magic marker
Measuring tape
Chairs or sawhorses
Blaster dry lube
A friend to help

https://rochfordsupply.com/shop/Boating_and_Marine/Awning_Rail/index.html
  



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