Fitting guide
How to work out your rope and track size
At first glance this seems very straightforward, but the terms 8mm and 6mm can be misleading. Here is how to check which size track your caravan, van or pop-top actually has, so your awning slides in cleanly. An online calculator tool is coming soon; in the meantime, send us your measurements and we will help.
The general rule
8mm or 6mm, and why it is not that simple
As a starting point, New Zealand and Australian vehicles (caravans, vans, pop-tops and more) are usually fitted with a track that takes an 8mm rope. European and UK vehicles are usually fitted with a track that takes a 6mm rope.
There are exceptions. Both sizes of track can be bought in New Zealand, so a damaged track (which is rare) may not have been replaced with the original size. Vans, buses, home-made caravans and other vehicles may have had a track added at some point, so the size may vary. Sometimes the track itself is damaged, so the internal diameter of the channel will not let the rope slide past.
The term "8mm rope"
This is an 8mm diameter rope wrapped in canvas, so the finished size ends up around 10mm in diameter. The track it needs has an internal diameter of around 10.5mm.
The term "6mm rope"
In the same way, a 6mm diameter rope wrapped in canvas ends up around 8mm in diameter, and requires a track with an internal diameter of around 8.5mm.
In short, 6mm and 8mm are identifying terms, not the exact diameter of the finished awning attachment. Remember this when matching an awning to your track.
How to measure
Checking your own track
- Check along your track to make sure it is not damaged, bent or compressed anywhere along its length.
- Understand that it is not simply a matter of 8mm or 6mm. These are reference terms, not the actual diameter of the finished awning attachment.
- Take a rope of known diameter, allow for the canvas wrap by wrapping it in a similar thickness material, then slide it into your track to confirm which size you have. Do not just go by the track entrance, as these are often spread a little; slide it further along the slot.
Need to buy new track? Aluminium awning track is sold through Vulcan (formerly Ullrich Aluminium), which has branches across New Zealand and Australia. A useful advantage is that they often stock track in 4m lengths as well as 2m, so there is no join needed for our 4m Walk-Through and 4m Universal awnings.
We will do the maths
Not sure? Send us your measurements
If you are still unsure which rope and track size you need, send us the details of your caravan, van or pop-top, along with any measurements you can take of the track, and we will help you work it out. Photos of the track opening and a slice along the channel are ideal.
Our online rope-size calculator is on its way. Until then, this form is the fastest way to get a confident answer.
Send us your measurements
Tell us about your vehicle and track, and we will confirm the right rope and track size for you.