Brandrup Top Rail Installation

Last month I installed the rails.  

We had the first chance to use them on a recent trip to First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, VA.  If you have the chance I highly recommend this spot.    The facility and beach  were terrific and the location allowed easy access to the sights we wanted to visit in the area.  

Here's the parts list from the source. 

http://www.campervantastic.com/product/awnings-sun-canopies-fittings-and-rails/awning-rails-and-fittings/brandrup-vw-t4-top-rail-swb-and-lwb-fits-both-sides-does-not-include-side-spoiler-set/ 

http://www.campervantastic.com/product/awnings-sun-canopies-fittings-and-rails/awning-rails-and-fittings/brandrup-vw-t4-near-side-spoiler-set-left-for-top-rail-100-700-012/ 

http://www.campervantastic.com/product/awnings-sun-canopies-fittings-and-rails/awning-rails-and-fittings/brandrup-t4-off-side-spoiler-set-right-for-top-rail100-700-011/


You will also need to purchase a couple of additional items that are used during the installation.  I ordered them from http://www.emisupply.com   

1 x Sika Remover 208 1 Liter Can, 4 Per Case

1 x Sika Primer 210 250 ml Bottle

1 x Sikaflex 252, Black, Elastic Polyurethane Adhesive, 10.3oz Cartridge

The installation took about 5 hours.   The procedure is outlined at following link.    The only change I would make to the instructions is to be sure to wax the areas that you might be applying masking tape to before you get started.    I've learned from past experience that the adhesive might take your clear coat off when you remove the tape if no wax has been applied.      I was also able to perform the installation without an assistant.   I used the shipping container as a prop for the far end of the rail where the instructions show an assistant.    

http://www.brandrup.de/files/manuals/en/TOP-RAIL_VW_T4.pdf

The rails have added some great versatility with an unexpected benefit.  The van is much quieter.  The rails block the wind noise that used to come from around the top gasket at highway speeds.    Visually the rails really blend well into the van and do not call attention to themselves.    My family and friends didn't even notice the change until I pointed it out to them.   

The extra attachment point that the piping rail provides allowed me to attach my Khyam awning over top of the sliding door with no gap for rain to come through behind the awning.  I also was able to hang the solar shower and clothes line from driver's side.   I had picked up a pack of these awning hooks before the trip and they worked very well.

I've already come up with quite a few more ideas about how to take advantage of the new rails.    I'll be sure to post some pictures of those ideas in use in a future post.    

Happy camping!