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.
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 . .
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.
" Not every mind that wanders is lost. " With apologies toJ.R.R. Tolkien
