Bongo Newbie - Gutter Rail & Fig 8 Query

[MargotBongo]

We took our first trip in our 1999 2.5cc petrol Bongo this Easter. We've been committed campers all our adult lives but this is our first campervan - and I cant imagine EVER returning to a tent!

We had planned to get a drive away awning but after thoroughly working through all the threads here on awnings/canopies etc I think our budget will only really stretch to a simple manually attached canopy, which will probably better suit our requirements anyway. However, before we buy I just wanted to check re the Gutter Rails.

Advice here states we'll need to first attach Fig 8 to the van Gutter Rails - are these rails the small channels found on the side of van, as per photo's below?

They seem so shallow - how does a Fig 8 stay on securely?? And how do we actually attach it - does it slide or clip on easily?

Advice here also recommends sourcing a single length of Fig 8, rather than multiple smaller strips. Do they vary in quality? The only place I have found that will deliver a single length is Camper Interiors at a cost of £16.50 plus £13.50 delivery. Does this seem reasonable??

https://camperinteriors.co.uk/products/ ... s=e&_v=1.0

Many thanks

[g8dhe]

The fig-of-8 slides on and is normally quite hard to fit the first time as it grips rather well! Many just leave it on permanently especially the long ones!
Some people fit it by putting it to the edge above and then pull it down horizontally causing the outer edge to slide over and underneath.
You can fit shorter lengths but people have reported water leaks when its raining over the door at the joins!

[MargotBongo]

Thanks Geoff - and are the rails the small channel things on the side?

[Ian]

No need to pay that much: https://olproshop.com/figure-of-8-plast ... pack-of-3/

And yes, they fit on the gutters as indicated in your photo

[g8dhe]

Yes the "rails" are the rain gutters.

[James_C]

Hello all,

We're looking to get the same setup - figure of 8 rail and a sun canopy.
I was looking at this one from olpro -

https://olproshop.com/multi-shade-campervan-canopy/

Does anyone have any recommendations for them?