Couple of roll out canopy/awning questions

[LittleMissSunshine]

Mine is glued and screwed

[kevtherev]

over cautious mate
use pop rivets every 10 inches you'll be fine
The top has a strengthening bend where you'll be putting the rail.
Just like mine

[cleagarr]

over cautious mate
use pop rivets every 10 inches you'll be fine
The top has a strengthening bend where you'll be putting the rail.
Just like mine

Fair enough!

Thanks one and all!

[vwsween]

I suspect that if you use the sikaflex that is designed as a glue it may well hold but I wouldnt be confident about it and dropping a caravanstore on the motorway is just too scary even if it is unlikely. It would also be extremely difficult to remove should you need to in future. So I would prefer the sealant type sikaflex plus screws though the roof for peace of mind. I am not sure what is inside your roof but on mine there was room to add a strip of hardwood for the screws to fix into - that strip was covered by other internal fittings - effectively my roof is mainly 2 skinned, fibreglass outside and hardboard or ply inside. If you don't have 2 skins in your top then maybe nuts/bolts and spreader plates/discs inside?

[danmetallic]

I'd get these http://bit.ly/1mg8pfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; then bolt it on. Then your roof stays fresh and clean.

[cleagarr]

I'd get these http://bit.ly/1mg8pfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; then bolt it on. Then your roof stays fresh and clean.

Bolt the brackets onto the gutter of the van, thus lifting the whole lot....?

[danmetallic]

I'd get these http://bit.ly/1mg8pfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; then bolt it on. Then your roof stays fresh and clean.

Bolt the brackets onto the gutter of the van, thus lifting the whole lot....?

They slot over the gutter and give you an extra 4 inches in height. Just attach your awning to the brackets rather than your fiberglass roof.

[cleagarr]

I'd get these http://bit.ly/1mg8pfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; then bolt it on. Then your roof stays fresh and clean.

Bolt the brackets onto the gutter of the van, thus lifting the whole lot....?

They slot over the gutter and give you an extra 4 inches in height. Just attach your awning to the brackets rather than your fiberglass roof.

As the canopy it is not a solid case I'm not sure how it would attach...?

[danmetallic]

Attach a metal bar the length of the canopy to stiffen it then attach that to the brackets.

[kevtherev]

Attach a metal bar the length of the canopy to stiffen it then attach that to the brackets.

The centre of the bar would need support.
It's getting a bit heavier now.

I'm still in for pop riveting to the roof.
As the roof is thicker than you think, you will need some longer rivets, I did.

[vwsween]

Attach a metal bar the length of the canopy to stiffen it then attach that to the brackets.

The centre of the bar would need support.
It's getting a bit heavier now.

I'm still in for pop riveting to the roof.
As the roof is thicker than you think, you will need some longer rivets, I did.

Lots of different ways and opinions. Good point about the roof of an autosleeper being thicker than you think. On the other hand my experience is autohomes are poor in comparison and thinner than you think. I suppose they all vary a bit.

[cleagarr]

Attach a metal bar the length of the canopy to stiffen it then attach that to the brackets.

The centre of the bar would need support.
It's getting a bit heavier now.

I'm still in for pop riveting to the roof.
As the roof is thicker than you think, you will need some longer rivets, I did.

Lots of different ways and opinions. Good point about the roof of an autosleeper being thicker than you think. On the other hand my experience is autohomes are poor in comparison and thinner than you think. I suppose they all vary a bit.

Its a Timbertechnicians (Nottingham) roof so goodness knows how thick it is and how exactly it is made up - I guess drilling a hole (at a time I am ready to commit to doing it) may be the only way to find out. I might leave it on hold and seek some on-site advice at Bustypes!

[danmetallic]

Grab yourself a third bracket for the middle.

[cleagarr]

So, by way of some (hopefully) closure and in case anyone ever finds it useful.... I've been ruminating on this months!

I had a brainwave that a solid plastic/rubber chopping board shoved in the grove between gutter and awning rail would lift the awning up enough for me to get in and out whilst packing... a few minutes later I had cut up a length of white chopping board and staple-gunned it to the case of the awning whilst in situ. The weight of the awning holds it in place and the staples mean it it jumps out somehow it will stay attached. Cost remarkably less than any other solution so going to run with it for now!! The pic doesn't show it brilliantly but gives you an idea.

Cheers