T6.1 - Awning Rail to fit under OEM roof rails

[Stu1210]

Hi All,

I've decided to your use my T6.1 for some shirt camping breaks. I plan on buying a Kampa TC Air awning but want a driveaway awning rail that doesn't involve me screwing into the van and also is up to the job.

I've discounted the magnetic ones, so ideally would like one that bolts under the existing roof rails. i have found this: VW T5/T6 Pre-Drilled C-Channel Awning Rail for Roof Bars

does anyone have any experience with this one? Or know of anything similar? I would prefer a painted version if at all possible

Just to add, No Pop Top, standard roof

 

[JDC]

Did you ever get any of these rails???

 

[Weeman]

I had one of these on my last T6. It worked well, easy to fit. Although it was not painted I don't think it was all that noticeable.

 

[oscarcharlie]

I'm after the same sort of thing, I've found these from VanStyle:

VW T5 T5.1 T6 T6.1 SWB Black Awning Rail Roof Bar Compatible - Vanstyle

www.vanstyle.co.uk

VW T5 T6 Transporter - C-Channel Concealed Awning Rail Black - Vanstyle

www.vanstyle.co.uk

I'm not entirely sure of the difference between the two. One appears to come with a fitting kit but is quite a bit more expensive. The cheaper option seems to be suitable for offside and nearside.
Both roof bar / rail compatible, both made from tough aluminium.
Not sure if I'm missing something.

Anyone had any experience with these, recommendations or advice?

Thanks

 

[JDC]

I got the bottoms ones. Seem good and hard to notice under the roof bars. I got 2 as I have twin sliders and gives the extra flexibility for an awning and canopy.

 

[AeonMach]

I looked long and hard at this and found these from a small specialist business - Camper Essentials - that I think are better than the ones mentioned (eg the attention to detail with chamfered ends that help awning strip slide in without snagging):

VW T5 T6 Bolt On Awning Rail – Camper Essentials

Camper Essentials offers the best Volkswagen VW T5 T6 Bolt On Awning Rail. Simply bolt on in minutes. The easiest and most secure awning attachment. UK made

camperessentials.co.uk

The owner is very enthusiastic and helpful; give them a ring to discuss…

PS I can show you a photo of mine if you’re interested…

 

[Pewt]

I got the spacers in the garage if anyone is interested because i removed my roof rails and have no use for them.

 

[Skyliner33]

I got the spacers in the garage if anyone is interested because i removed my roof rails and have no use for them.

Would those spacers allow roof rails to be fitted with the camper essentials awning rail? Is os Im interested.

 

[Pewt]

Would those spacers allow roof rails to be fitted with the camper essentials awning rail? Is os Im interested.

Yes mate.

VW T5 Bolt On Awning Rail Roof Rail Spacer System Option 2 – Camper Essentials

Camper Essentials offers the best solution with this VW T5 Bolt On Awning Rail Roof Rail Spacer System mounted in the gutter without compromise to either

camperessentials.co.uk

 

[Skyliner33]

Yes mate.

VW T5 Bolt On Awning Rail Roof Rail Spacer System Option 2 – Camper Essentials

Camper Essentials offers the best solution with this VW T5 Bolt On Awning Rail Roof Rail Spacer System mounted in the gutter without compromise to either

camperessentials.co.uk

Thanks, would you pm me a price please? Thanks

 

[oscarcharlie]

I looked long and hard at this and found these from a small specialist business - Camper Essentials - that I think are better than the ones mentioned (eg the attention to detail with chamfered ends that help awning strip slide in without snagging):

VW T5 T6 Bolt On Awning Rail – Camper Essentials

Camper Essentials offers the best Volkswagen VW T5 T6 Bolt On Awning Rail. Simply bolt on in minutes. The easiest and most secure awning attachment. UK made

camperessentials.co.uk

The owner is very enthusiastic and helpful; give them a ring to discuss…

PS I can show you a photo of mine if you’re interested…

Yes please, some pictures would be great. I like how discrete these are. Thank you

 

[AeonMach]

Yes please, some pictures would be great. I like how discrete these are. Thank you

Here you go:

Very discrete!
(ignore what looks like a crack on front support - it’s ice!)

 

[oscarcharlie]

Thanks very much for those pics, looks good.
Can I ask which roof rails you have?

Also, couldn't help notice the 'Stitches and Steel' on the first pic.
I've recently come across their YouTube videos and I'm also contemplating getting their awning rail.
Have you bought anything from them?

 

[AeonMach]

The roof rails were also supplied by Camper Essentials. They’re basically as per the OEM ones AFAIK (ie same manufacturer!)…

I think the CamperEssentials awning rail is (much) better than the S&S rail…

… or were you talking about the actual awning itself?
I have the basic S&S awning which I think is really good!

And those are S&S neoprene seat protectors you see in the pic… simple but good.