Awning Rail attachment without rivets

[Pam Garlow]

There's been discussions in the past about possibly attaching an awning rail with that super-sticky double sided tape (referrred to VHB for 'very high bond').
Has anyone actually done this and will it hold a small 6x7 awning? I'm scared to poke holes in my shell (its a double walled design).

[Marc Barrière]

There's been discussions in the past about possibly attaching an awning rail with that super-sticky double sided tape (referrred to VHB for 'very high bond').
Has anyone actually done this and will it hold a small 6x7 awning? I'm scared to poke holes in my shell (its a double walled design).

Look at what i have done with straps. http://www.marcbarriere.com/?page_id=821

[Pam Garlow]

Ingenious! Do you have the awning rail strapped on, or the awning itself ? It looks like a bag awning, correct?

[Bruce Thomas]

automotive windshield butyl in tube form from a windshield shop will hold anything to a trailer body without drilling.
Anyone who doubts that need only to get in their car tommorow and try to push the windshield out.
Bruce

[Pam Garlow]

Bruce, Do you have an awning rail on your UHaul attached this way?

[Bruce Thomas]

Bruce, Do you have an awning rail on your UHaul attached this way?

no....but only because I haven't bought one yet......noones pulling that stuff off....it's tough and holds well to nearly anything..........."windshields", are meant to stay put.

[peter]

No one has mentioned the use of Sikaflex, or 3M Marine adhesives (available at any marine chandler). Just tell a clerk what you are attaching and they'll give you the right tube. Comes in various colours ( we used white). As a marine adhesive much superior to automotive grades. Our awning rail has been attached for 5 years and withstood thunderstorms and significant winds without problem and we have a fulsize awning.

[paulw]

I just installed a Fiamma F65 case awning. Sikaflex 252 is called out in the installation instructions as the primary bond for the 3 curved brackets (there's 2 - 3/16" bolts along to top of each bracket too).
It seems like a very very powerful adhesive, but the brackets are designed with ridges on the mating surface to enhance the holding power too.
Still, an awning rail doesn't have to hold a ~60# case awning driving down the road....but I think I'd still put a rivet/bolt or three in too - i'd want something to hold the rail in place while the Sikaflex cured