Motorhome & Caravan Awning Rail Inserts
Awnings are fitted to most caravans and motorhomes. They provide an additional living space that offers protection from the elements. Awning rail inserts, seals and trims are often used to enhance both the functionality and appearance of your awning while covering sharp edges and exposed screws within the awning rail.
These sections are available in several different styles, depending on how they attach to your awning rail. Some profiles clip onto an edge underneath the awning rail and act as a cushion between the rail and body of your vehicle. This protects the wall of your caravan whilst reducing the chance of snagging or damaging the awning fabric.
Other profiles are used as a decorative trim to cover the screw heads and fixings in the aluminium awning rail channel. These inserts are available in a wide selection of sizes and colours to offer a solution for most caravans and motorhomes. Please see our How to Identify and Replace an Awning Rail Trim Infill Strip guide for assistance with purchasing the correct section.
All Motorhome & Caravan SealsFrequently Asked Questions
What size awning rail insert do I need?
Awning rail inserts are available in a selection of sizes, depending on the size of the aluminium awning rail they will be fitted into. This includes 10mm, 11.3mm, 12.3mm, 13.5mm, 14.9mm and 17.3mm wide trims. This selection of sizes allows you to purchase a replacement section that is not too big or too loose for your rail.
You will need to measure your existing insert to identify the best replacement section. This width should be between 10mm and 17mm. As this insert may have distorted or been squashed overtime, it is also useful to measure the rail where this seal should be fitted. When measuring the rail, it is advisable to find the end and measure the internal width. This is often larger than the visible opening.
For guidance with identifying the best replacement awning rail insert, please see our How to Identify and Replace an Awning Rail Insert technical help guide.
How long do awning rail inserts typically last?
These inserts do not have a fixed lifespan, but can degrade over time due to being exposed to extreme weather and temperature fluctuations. This can result in issues like discoloration and shrinkage.
Since these inserts are made from flexible PVC, they can experience shrinkage at either end. This can leave parts of the rail exposed, potentially causes a faster deterioration of the actual rail. It’s important to regularly assess the condition of your awning rail inserts and replace them when necessary.
How do I replace my awning rail insert?
Replacing an insert that fits into the centre of your awning rail is a fairly simple process. Start by lifting one end of the old insert out of the track. Once it’s loose, pull the section along the length to fully remove it from the rail channel.
Before installing the new insert, make sure to clean the rail thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
To make the new insert easier to install, you can soften it by placing it in a bucket of warm water or leaving it in the sun. This will make the material more flexible and easier to work with. Start by pinching one end of the infill into the opening of the awning rail, and carefully work your way along the length pressing the insert into place without stretching it.
Since this material can stretch during installation, leave about 3 to 6 inches of the insert hanging out of the end of the rail to allow it to shrink back to its original size. After a few days, you can trim off any excess.
Please see our How to Identify and Replace an Awning Rail Insert guide for assistance with replacing these strips.
Support with purchasing and replacing your awning rail insert
For support or assistance with choosing a replacement awning rail insert for your caravan or motorhome, please get in touch with the technical team at Seals Direct.
Our extensive range of sizes and colours allows you to choose a replacement insert that is a replica to your existing section. All of these products are manufactured from high-quality PVC compounds that have been specifically designed for outdoor use.
For further information on any of our products or for technical assistance in choosing the best replacement insert strip, please get in touch with our knowledgeable team.