Fit awning rail motorhome: complete installation guide

Installing an awning on your motorhome is the easiest way to add valuable real estate to your camping set up. As well as creating additional living space, an awning can provide some more storage room, give protection from sun or rain and even become an additional sleeping area. Depending on the type of awning you choose, they’re relatively easy to fit too! Read on to learn how to fit an awning rail to a motorhome with clear and simple advice.

How to fit an awning rail to a motorhome: 5 options for install

First up, some context: awnings for motorhomes and campervans come in two main types – driveaway or canopy.

Canopies (as in motorhomeMo Ho, above, orBernie G, below) are permanently attached to the motorhome roof/upper wall: in other words, the awning and the awning rail both remain on the vehicle and the awning is rolled down or wound out when needed. Driveaway awnings are set up when wanted and can be left in situ as the motorhome drives away.

Both driveaway and canopy awnings use an awning rail to connect to the motorhome. The most popular methods of connecting are by adding a C rail to the van roof or upper wall by drilling or bonding, using an already fitted rain or gutter rail, or adding a magnetic awning rail kit.

1. C mounting rail (drilling)

The simplest way of attaching an awning is to use a “C” mounting rail orC rail, which works as a channel or tunnel that the awning slides into. Once a C rail is fixed, the awning is slid into place by the bead strip/Kador strip on the awning edge.

C rails, whether one continuous piece or a few shorter lengths, can be held in place by self-tapping screws, or bonded to the van wall with adhesive or magnetic strips. They can be used to attach either driveaway or canopy awnings. To attach a C rail by drilling, follow these steps:

1. Measure and double check your motorhome wall length and source a C rail to fit. You may need to cut a rail to length.

2. Clean/wipe the roof area and make sure it’s dry.

3. Tape the awning rail in place. If you’re fitting one long rail rather than shorter lengths, you’ll need to add a slight bend downwards at each end of the rail to allow for the curvature in the motorhome roof.

4. Mark out and drill four pilot holes through the rail into the roof surface, using a 2.5mm drill bit.

5. Remove the rail from the roof and enlarge the rail’s drilled holes with a 3.5 or 4mm drill bit.

6. Debur the rail’s underside and clear any drill debris from the motorhome roof.

7. Put the rail back into position against the motorhome roof and fix it into place using self-tapping screws (3.5x13mm).

8. Add a drop of silicone between each roof hole and screw – loosen the screws a couple of turns then tighten them afterwards.

2. C mounting rail (adhesive)

Here’s how to fit an awning rail to a motorhome using adhesive or sealant:

1. Measure and double check your motorhome wall length and source a C rail to fit. You may need to cut a rail to length.

2. Clean/wipe the roof area and make sure it’s dry.

3. Tape the awning rail in place, allowing for the roof curvature as detailed above.

4. Apply the adhesive or sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Make sure you leave enough time for the sealant to bond and dry.

3. J rail/pole and clamp (with rail already fitted)

Your motorhome might already be fitted with a J rail, also known as a gutter or rain rail; if so, an awning can easily be attached to this using a pole and clamp. You’ll need clamps or pipe clips, similar to those used in plumbing.

1. Buy (or cut down) a pole to fit your awning.

2. Feed the pole through the awning sleeves.

3. Clamp the pole to the motorhome gutter rail using clips.Hinge clips or plasticplumbing clips (22mm) will do the job – use several. Or use plasticfigure of eight clips; two or three should be enough. (Figure of eight clips are also good for adding extra security on Fiamma awnings.)

4. J rail/pole and clamp (rail not already fitted)

A gutter rail can easily be added to your motorhome to work as an awning rail – just follow the Option 1 instructions above for adding a C rail with self-tapping screws.

5. magnetic rail

You might not want an awning rail permanently fitted to your motorhome, or to have to drill into your vehicle’s bodywork. If so, keep things simple by looking fora magnetic awning rail kit: for use with driveaway awnings, these use a magnetic strip and figure 8 sections to attach to the motorhome.

This is the easiest option on our list, but we recommend adding guy ropes to keep the awning in place in windy conditions.

What size awning does your motorhome need?

The size of awning your motorhome needs depends on factors like budget, weight and payload, as well as how you plan to use your motorhome. Will you park up at a campsite for some time and want lots of extra space like the “safari room” inMarley, above? Or will you be out and about most days and just want a basic space to stash muddy boots and wet gear?

Another important point is that many campsites have rules on awning size, where awnings must fit within a motorhome’s pitch size. This is not a big deal if you’re on a “pitch where you like” wild camping farm site, but may be an issue in a larger holiday park with designated sites.

Once you have an idea of what type of awning you want, you can determine the size needed in three steps:

1. Measure your motorhome height from the ground to the roof (or gutter rail, if one is already attached). For full rather than canopy awnings, you’ll need to measure the distance from the ground on one side, along the roof and proposed awning rail length, then back down to the ground on the other side (known as “A” measurement in touring caravans).

2. If using A measurement, remember to allow for any external storage compartments, windows and vents, as these have to be left uncovered.

3. Once you have your measurements, simply check the specifications on any awning you’d like to buy. There’s usually about 40cm leeway in awning size categories, so you won’t necessarily need to find an exact fit.

As a rough guide, awning heights come in:

• Low – 180-210cm

• Standard – 210-240cm

• High – 240-295cm

Sourcing your motorhome awning

However you attach your awning rail, awnings are no-brainer additions to your motorhome. Especially if you intend to rent your motorhome out – who wouldn’t want to hire a motorhome with a lot more space? (Or with an inventive use of awning rail, likeAngus, above!) Have a look at ourbest air awnings for motorhomes guide to get some product ideas.

Make a return on your motorhome

Know that you know how to fit an awning rail to a motorhome, you can set it up and hire out your vehicle to earn some extra income! Camplify connects owners like you with local and international holidaymakers - all of whom are verified to maximise the safety when you hire out your motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:

• It's free to list your motorhome.

• If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.

• We give your van a 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.

• You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in hiring your motorhome. Your wheels, your rules.

• We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your vehicle to get more and more bookings!

The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner it will start to receive visits and bookings! See how much you could earn if you hire out your motorhome with ourfree income calculator or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.

If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your motorhome, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!