Attaching External Shelf Rail?

wmoses wrote:
Just had a look at mine. Built for an RVQ and a small shelf, so it should be pretty sturdy and it is. It is 3 ft long with seven screws placed at equal distances apart and about 3-1/2" from each end. Looks like silicone adhesive is between the rail and fiberglass side wall. Doubt if any more than one of these screws hits any stud, which in my RV would likely be aluminum.

Pretty good chance since your trailer was factory "equipped" with a RVQ "mount" the manufacturer placed some reinforcement BEHIND the area where the mount was to be placed.

I would doubt that they screwed into the skin only without something else. Skins are rather thin and would need something like thicker metal, wood or something like hollow wall anchors to spread the weight out..

Just had a look at mine. Built for an RVQ and a small shelf, so it should be pretty sturdy and it is. It is 3 ft long with seven screws placed at equal distances apart and about 3-1/2" from each end. Looks like silicone adhesive is between the rail and fiberglass side wall. Doubt if any more than one of these screws hits any stud, which in my RV would likely be aluminum.

Right you are on the table. Looks like you got the answer you wanted. Good luck.

Just to clarify.....
This won't be used for an RVQ. Don't own one and I hate he the thought of cooking under the awning.
It'll be used just to support a wooden shelf with a support under it.
In the spring I'll look for condensation lines on the studs for mounting it.
Thanks for the replies!

mbopp wrote:
.So - how do I attach the rail to the side of the TT (fiberglass?) Screws? Pop rivets? I'll probably use ProFlex to seal it.

If it were me I would not worry about finding studs provided there is a nice prop-type support under the RVQ once it is attached to the trailer. With a brace or two underneath, and extending some way down the side of the trailer, the tendency to pullout is reduced and the load on the rail is more a shear load.

As for attaching the rail to the side - I would make sure that the right screws are used. You can even use hollow wall anchors and you'd be laughing. I would probable make sure I install maybe 4 to 6 such screws. Also I'd put a bead of exterior type silicone adhesive on the rail and then screw it in place. Then you're all done!

Now, I have an RVQ that came with the RV but it lives in my garage as I don't want to barbeque so close to the RV. Don't want any smells and grease sticking to the trailer or awning. Instead I use a tabletop grill which I set up on the campground picnic table many feet away. :)

Find the studs is the best way although not all that easy to find since they are often only 3/4" wide. Sometimes a cool morning you can often see the outline of the studs on my trailer.

My personal take is to NOT add anymore places for water to leak in at, I would recommend skipping attaching stuff to the sides and you will be happier down the road.

I personally would not like the work of cleaning the side of my trailer after cooking. Grease tends to splatter everywhere and having a grill hanging on the side of your trailer is nothing more than an invitation to scrub down the side of the trailer.

I use small aluminum portable fold up camping tables (2ftx2ft found in the camping section at Wally World) , place the grill on that and place the entire thing at least 6 ft away from the trailer side. It took me only once cooking right beside the trailer to realize that it was not a good idea.

If I were you I would find out where the studs are and make sure to hit one with at least one screw or rivet. If you go out in the early am on a cool damp morning you should be able to see the framing inside the wall outlined in the dew. The dealer or factory rep may also be able to tell you where they are (but what fun is that).