Forum Discussion

dpkimmel2001's avatar
dpkimmel2001
Explorer
Oct 16, 2018

Awning rail info

I just took delivery of a new RV. We intend on purchasing some slide toppers next spring. I notice that on our RV, over the top of the slides there is a rain gutter rather than the awning rail made to accept the slide topper. I guess that I've always been under the impression that all RV's came ready to install the slide toppers.

I've got to mount some awning rails above the slides. I have 3 slides, 86", 144" & 157". My question is, are those awning rails on your RV all a single piece or are they multiple pieces on the longer runs? I haven't been able to find awning rails long enough to run the entire length of those two longer slides. Do any of you know where to purchase those longer runs?
Seeking Advice
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Oct 16, 2018
    The rail is a standard aluminum extrusion shape, consequently, any metal supply house that handles extruded aluminum shapes will have that extrusion in stock or can get it in mill length, which is usually 21 feet. Outfits like Ryerson or Alro will have it available.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Oct 16, 2018
    There is an exception that got me- if you custom order a non stock length from Dometic, it doesn't come with rail, as they consider that an OEM order, the OP' sizes should be stock, though, so no worries.
  • dpkimmel2001's avatar
    dpkimmel2001
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2018
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    Most slide toppers come with the rail.

    Thanks, didn't realize that. I've never ordered them before.
  • dpkimmel2001's avatar
    dpkimmel2001
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2018
    Dutch_12078 wrote:
    Our 14' slide topper has a single piece combined awning rail and gutter. All-rite.com has them in 16' lengths, although they cut them in half for standard ground shipping. They can ship full length by freight though.

    Awning rails

    PPL also carries awning rail, but only in 8" lengths:

    Awning rail


    Thanks for that quick reply including the links.

    Do you thing there is any problem splicing two separate pieces together? Obviously a single piece would be ideal but I'm guessing the shipping would be outrageous.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Oct 16, 2018
    Our 14' slide topper has a single piece combined awning rail and gutter. All-rite.com has them in 16' lengths, although they cut them in half for standard ground shipping. They can ship full length by freight though.

    Awning rails

    PPL also carries awning rail, but only in 8" lengths:

    Awning rail

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