How to attach an awning to my T4 trooper

Hi all, I have an awning very similar to DaveSedge (see his van pic on post such as [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]), but not sure how to attach it to my rails?

The first time I used it I pushed the awning cable into the gutter of the rail and it just about worked, but felt a bit rubbish (and the sliding door kept catching the awning).

Any hints or tips?

Jules

hi
What make of awning is it, does it have a pole that goes through the edge that that connects to the van?
mike
vwt4

Hi Mike


It's an old fashioned awning - basically a squarish frame with poles that slot together and then the canvas fits over this.  Then it has an extra bit of canvas about 50cm wide that bridges across to the van, this bit of canvas has a seam with a piece of material beading in it (about 7.5mm probably) and its this that I shoved into the T4 gutter.




Thanks
J

Hi do you have a j rail attached to the side of the van, this is a strip of metal with the curve of the "J" facing upwards? if you do the what you need is some sections of figure of 8 strip which can be obtained at most camping outlets looking at it end on it is like the figure 8 but has splits down the sides this allows you connect the awning to the van
hope this is clear
thanks 
mike vwt4

Thanks Mike.

I've not got a J rail at the moment, but could stick one to the black gutter that runs along the side of the van I think.  How does the figure of 8 clip onto the J - looks like it would just fall off.
J

Hi
yes thats where the j rail fits along the gutter the awning is slightly lower than the rail so the figure of 8 sits at an angle and does not come off easily however in very strong winds it may become detached as mine has on occasion but not very often.
my rail is just over halfway up the black gutter surround with my awning I also have an alternative fixing method which uses a pole threaded through and clamped to the side of van
If I can help further please ask
mike
vwt4

put a c rail on,the awning will not come away then i have a j rail and mine has come off! but we always camp on pitches overlooking the sea so very windy but a great view:up!:

Mine has a C rail on and it works fine, the awning is secure even in the strongest wind, however it means its not drive away awning so if you can live with that then its okay. I have taken the rail off as the windscreen is being done and I will refit a J rail. The awning is secured to this using figure of 8 plastic strips, the awning can then just be unclipped allowing you to drive away leaving the awning erected. The awning is held in place by its own weight and the tension on the flap, it appears to work for most occasions.