awning rail attachment

Question

I have a 2013 keystone sprinter 266rbs. The awning rails are attached to the camper via pop rivits. Had a freak storm the other night and didn't have the awning rolled in, which I'm usually crazy about as I know how brittle these electric awnings are. We'll I awoke and rolled it about 2am in the middle of the storm.

So I was checking it out in the morning to make sure everythineverything was okay when I noticed there was a little play in the rail attachment. I checked the awning of those I camp with and theirs are all attached with screw. They are also much higher end units then mine.

I was thinking about drilling out all the pop rivits and attaching with stainless screws and was wonder if anyone had done or has heard about this. I would also use some kind of sealant with the screws. I can't think of why this would be a bad idea but maybe someone out there may think of something I'm not.

Thanks in advance

john_mcclain · Answer

sounds good to me

rvpapa · Answer

Make sure that there is something solid to put a screw into. There maybe a reason why pop rivets were used. Art.

francesca_knowl · Answer

The advantage of blind rivets is that they provide their own "nut", so to speak, when they squinch up at the other end; and this without needing access to that end. As you know, an awning rail can be subjected to quite a bit of force; for that reason,  attachment by means of a simple no-nut wood screw is usually not recommended.

ford_truck_guy · Answer

Every awning I have had was secured to the wall with a simple wood lag bolt.... BUT with that said -  they were screwed into a stud each and every time..... I would verify the stud placement before drilling out all the old rivets . .

Forum Discussion

awning rail attachment

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Awning Frame Attachment

Awning rail insert

Awning rail pulling away

awning tension rails

Bed Rail Clearance?