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Bongo Newbie - Gutter Rail & Fig 8 Query

Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 4:46 pm
by 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?
GutterRailQuery1of2 copy.jpg
GutterRailQuery2of2 copy.jpg
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

Re: Bongo Newbie - Gutter Rail & Fig 8 Query

Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 5:14 pm
by 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!

Re: Bongo Newbie - Gutter Rail & Fig 8 Query

Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 5:22 pm
by MargotBongo
Thanks Geoff - and are the rails the small channel things on the side?

Re: Bongo Newbie - Gutter Rail & Fig 8 Query

Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 6:30 pm
by 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

Re: Bongo Newbie - Gutter Rail & Fig 8 Query

Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 6:37 pm
by g8dhe
Yes the "rails" are the rain gutters.
fig_of_8_and_attachment.jpg

Re: Bongo Newbie - Gutter Rail & Fig 8 Query

Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 7:59 pm
by 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?