Fixing an awning channel to a GRP hightop

[SamsBus2012]

Evening all, I've just aquired a Fiamma caravanstore awning off gumtree and need to install an awning channel to the van. Any tips on fixing a channel to GRP would be gratefully received. I am thinking that l plant it on a bead of sikaflex then mechanically fix it down. I am worried that self tappers on their own will not give enough pull off resistance so wondering if I should use set screws and washers or fix a batten on the inside between the lining and the grp. Anyone done this with success?

[Winchweight]

I had an awning rail sikaflexed to my T4 and it stood up to everything that was thrown at it. I didn't screw it down either, just the glue.

[SamsBus2012]

Cheers. Thats amazing. I was worried that with an open "sun canopy" type awning, the weight of the awning plus the potential wind load may prove too much.

[Winchweight]

My awning was a Kyham drive away type that attached via the awning rail, so not really a canopy type. But even so it took a beating in the lakes whilst winter camping etc. It was glued down to a metal roof though, possibly less flexible than your grp top?

To be honest, you would put away a canopy awning if there was even the slightest risk of it getting that windy though, otherwise you'd find it folded over your roof in the morning as I've seen several do.

[SamsBus2012]

Thanks again for your comments - very useful. Yes, I agree that I would not use the canopy awning when really windy. I normally use a driveaway if staying on site for more than one night but Its nice to have somethng to stick up for short stays and stopovers.

Cheers

[weimarbus]

I have the Caravan store in place on my EMC copy hi top, I used a C shaped awning rail the back of which has a slightly indented radius and really worked well with the 'Sikaflex' . I did use 4-5 stainless self tapers to hold it in place while the sikaflex cures. make sure that you seal the screws well and clean the back of the rail and the grp with methalated spirit before bonding. The awning has been on the roof permanently for 3 years now and is still well stuck.

[SamsBus2012]

Great, thanks that's just what i wanted to hear. Any recommendations on a c channel? I've looked at a couple on line but because i will need about 2.7metres, i can only find the ones which come in 1.2m sections.

[weimarbus]

Hi Sam, I got mine from a Caravan/motorhome dealer in Sussex, but you should have one nearer to you, it would be pick up only though'cause of the risk of bending

[silverbullet]

I have used the same alloy P-channel to secure the tonneau on my Dehler/rooftent combo (think it was pre-drilled for a T4, about 7ft long)
Not cheap (& terrifying to bend!) Fixed with pop-rivets and it works perfectly with the standard "lollipop" profile awning beading that was on an old Reimo Sunsail.
I could only find one supplier online at the time.