A kador rail (also called an awning rail or kador channel) is the C-shaped aluminium channel that allows a drive-away awning to connect to your campervan. Most professional campervan conversions include one as standard — but if yours doesn’t, fitting one is a straightforward job that opens up the full range of drive-away awnings.
This guide covers what a kador rail is, what you need to fit one, and how to do it correctly.
What Is a Kador Rail?
A kador rail is an aluminium extrusion with a C-shaped channel that runs along the roofline of your campervan, typically on the offside (right-hand side in the UK). Drive-away awnings connect to it via a kador bead or sleeve that slides into the channel, creating a secure connection point.
The rail is usually fitted horizontally along the length of the van body, just below the roofline. The height of the rail from the ground determines which awning profile you need — low, mid, or tall.
Do You Need a Kador Rail?
Not necessarily. If your van doesn’t have a kador rail, most drive-away awnings support at least one alternative connection method:
- Pole & clamp kit — clamps to the van’s roof rails or body. Less neat than a kador rail but effective and reversible.
- Guy line attachment — some awnings (e.g. Kampa Cross Air) support a guy line connection as an alternative. Check your chosen awning’s spec.
If you plan to use a drive-away awning regularly, a fitted kador rail is the neatest and most reliable connection method. If you camp occasionally and want flexibility, a pole & clamp kit may be sufficient.
What You Need to Fit a Kador Rail
- Aluminium kador rail extrusion (sold by the metre — measure your van’s side length first)
- Kador rail end caps (to finish the ends neatly)
- Stainless steel self-tapping screws or rivets
- A drill with metal drill bits
- A rivet gun (if using rivets)
- A tape measure and chalk line or masking tape for marking
- Sealant or self-amalgamating tape (to weatherproof fixings)
- A spirit level
Step-by-Step: Fitting a Kador Rail
Step 1 — Choose Your Height
Measure the height you want the bottom of the kador rail to sit at. This determines your awning profile. For most large panel van conversions (Sprinter, Crafter, Ducato), aim for 220–240cm — comfortably in the mid-profile range. For compact vans (T5/T6, Transit Custom), aim for 190–205cm for low-profile compatibility.
Mark a horizontal line at this height along the side of the van using masking tape and a spirit level. Check it’s level from front to rear.
Step 2 — Mark the Fixing Points
Mark fixing points at regular intervals along the line — typically every 25–30cm. Avoid drilling into body seams, ribs, or any structural elements. Check behind the panel (if accessible) for wiring or fuel/brake lines before drilling.
Step 3 — Drill the Fixing Holes
Using a metal drill bit sized for your chosen fixings, drill through the van body at each marked point. Deburr the holes to prevent corrosion.
Step 4 — Apply Sealant
Apply a bead of appropriate sealant (e.g. Sikaflex 221 or equivalent) along the back of the kador rail channel before fixing. This weatherproofs the fixing points and prevents water ingress — critical on a vehicle that will be used in rain.
Step 5 — Fix the Rail
Hold the rail in position and fix using stainless steel self-tapping screws or rivets at each marked point. Work from the centre outwards to keep the rail aligned. Check alignment with a spirit level as you go.
Step 6 — Fit End Caps
Fit kador rail end caps to both ends of the rail. These prevent the awning bead from sliding off the end and give a neat finish. Apply a small amount of sealant inside the cap before fitting.
Step 7 — Test the Fit
Slide a kador bead along the full length of the rail to confirm it runs smoothly. Check for any high spots or misalignment. The bead should slide freely from end to end without binding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not sealing fixing points: Unsealed drill holes will let water into the van body. Use sealant on every fixing.
- Fitting at the wrong height: Measure carefully before drilling — the rail height determines your awning profile and can’t easily be changed once fixed.
- Not checking for hidden wiring: Always check what’s behind the panel before drilling. Many conversions run cable looms along the upper body sides.
- Using too few fixings: The rail needs to be secure — a drive-away awning in wind puts significant load on the kador bead connection. Fix at 25–30cm intervals minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my kador rail be?
The rail should run the full usable length of the van body side where you want the awning to connect — typically 2.5–4m depending on van length. Most awnings use a section of the rail to connect rather than the full length, so a longer rail gives more positioning flexibility.
Which side of the van should the kador rail go on?
Convention in the UK is the offside (right-hand side when sitting in the driver’s seat). Most drive-away awnings are designed to attach on the offside and pitch out to the right. Check your chosen awning’s instructions before fitting.
Can I fit a kador rail myself?
Yes — it’s a straightforward metalworking job that most competent DIYers can complete in a few hours. The key steps are marking the correct height, sealing all fixings, and checking alignment. If you’re unsure, a campervan conversion specialist can fit one quickly.
What’s the difference between a kador rail and an awning rail?
They’re the same thing — different terms for the same C-shaped aluminium channel. “Kador rail” refers to the specific kador bead profile that fits the channel; “awning rail” is the more general term. Both refer to the same fitting.
Can I use a drive-away awning without a kador rail?
Yes — most drive-away awnings support a pole & clamp attachment as an alternative. It’s less neat than a fitted rail but effective. See our Drive-Away Awnings Buying Guide for more detail on connection methods.
Shop Drive-Away Awnings at Newquay Camping Shop
Once your kador rail is fitted, browse our full range of drive-away awnings — low, mid, and tall profile, poled and inflatable.
Newquay Camping Shop
4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ
Open Monday to Friday
Browse all drive-away awnings online.
