J rail length

Deedlydave
Deedlydave Forum Participant Posts: 16
edited January 2017 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hi

My latest request for help relates to the width on an awning compared to the 2.5 metre j rail attached to our van.

I thought our biggest problem was going to be because of the height of the rail (2.7 metres), however if we have to find an awning that is less than 2.5 metres wide then I'm struggling (and at this point I won't be fussy about make/model).

Can anyone offer advice on whether the width of an awning has to be the same or less than the j rail length, or can we get one slightly wider that we fit the figure 8 connector to but it is not tightly connected for the whole length?

Hoping for the same helpful advice I've received previously.

David

Comments

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2017 #2

    Awnings are made to the length measured from ground to ground following the awning rail.  The height of the rail has nothing to do with the awning size.  The depth (ie distance from caravan to outer edge) of an awing can vary but again this has nothing to do with the size.  Hope this helps.  What is the make of your caravan?

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2017 #3

    The height is relevant for a porch awning however.

    Is this on a motorcaravan? 

  • Deedlydave
    Deedlydave Forum Participant Posts: 16
    edited January 2017 #4

    Sorry, should have said that it is for a motorcaravan (Chauson 510). We are not after anything special - somewhere to dry both us and dog on wet days!

    From what I've managed to read it appears 2.5 metres is standard length of a j rail. There is room to add an additional piece of j rail, but only about 20cm - which still doesn't meet the published widths of most awnngs...

    If the only one I can get is too long maybe I could just use suction attachments, or a long piece of string!

     

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2017 #5

    Where a awning just gives depth width and height info it is often the with at the base and at the top can often be narrower by 600mm or so

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2017 #6

    Here is a view of a 260 wide Isabella and it is definitely narrower at the top

    http://www.isabella.net/ImageHandler/Files/Images/isabella/tent-drawing/minor-frontbund.jpg?mode=crop&anchor=middlecenter&MaxWidth=620

  • Deedlydave
    Deedlydave Forum Participant Posts: 16
    edited January 2017 #7

    Thanks for respnse ET - I'm only finding that model suitable for a height of 250cm.  My searching techniques need refined!

    I have found a possible alternative, a "Westfield Travel Smart Hydra 300 Motorhome Awning (High Top)" which has a total j rail length requirement of 256cm, which includes 24cm for "wings".  I'll probably end up adding an additional piece of j rail.

    Next problem will be that it adds nearly 4m to width of van so I'll be too big for pitch...

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2017 #8

    4m on width does sound a lot. 

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