How to install a sliding RV gate?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to install a sliding RV gate?’ We will discuss the essential steps to install a sliding RV gate. We will also talk about the materials required to install a sliding RV gate and list the essential tools for this project. At the end of this post, you should be able to install a sliding RV gate within one day.
How to install a sliding RV gate?
To install a sliding RV gate, the following steps need to be considered.
- Measure the gap between the posts
- Install the gate tracks
- Install the gate
- Fix the gate guide
- Fix the lock
- Fix the gate stop
Measure the gap between the posts
- The first step is to measure the gaps between the posts. You must have these wall posts on each side to install a sliding RV gate. Before going ahead with this project, make sure to have a concrete ground base.
- With the help of tape, you must measure the gaps between the posts. Measure the height of the posts as well and use a leveler to check the concrete. The concrete must be level and there should not have any uneven spots to lay the gate track. The concrete base is important and it should have a minimum of 15 cm from the posts.
- When it comes to the length, the concrete base should extend longer than the gate on the receiving side.
Install the gate tracks
- Once you have the measurements, you must install the gate tracks. To start with this step, use a pencil or marker to mark the track line. It is also important to mark an extension line behind each post.
- Next, you will need to mark the line of travel. The line of travel can be a little less than half of the extension line. Make the line of travel for the gate from one end to the other end of the post.
- Based on the markings and the line of travel, you will need to place the gate tracks accurately.
- Drill holes on the sides of the gate track to fix them into the ground. You can leave a gap of one foot between each hole. Make sure that you drill holes on both sides. With the help of a drill, you can get some screws right into the earth to secure the gate tracks.
- The edge of the ground track must be in line with the post. Fix the gate tracks properly and install the extension that goes behind the post.
Install the gate
- The next step will require help from another person to help carry the gate. Place the gate on the ground track and let the mid-point stay in line with the post on the receiving side.
- With the help of a spirit level and wooden blocks, you must ensure that the gate is perfectly vertical.
- Place the blocks in between the gap of the gate and the posts. You might need to clap the blocks to the post to make sure that it is perfectly in place. The gate has to be straight and in line with the post.
Fix the gate guide to the post
- Fix the gate guide onto the upper gate rim and two blocks. Do this temporarily before moving on to the next step.
- Leave around five millimeters of play between the top of the rollers and the upper gate rim. Make sure that you position the gate guide in the center of the post.
- When you are confident of the right position, you will need to use a pencil to make the holes to fix the gate guide.
- Drill the holes into the posts based on the marking. This is an important step since you need to fix the bolts. Use the right masonry drill bit to drill the holes.
- You cannot fix the gate guide directly through the drilled holes. Hence, you will need to insert wall plugs into the wall. You can use wooden pegs as wall plugs to secure the gate guide.
- Check the level of the gate guide and fix the blots with a 13-millimeter spanner. Be sure to check the level all the time.
- Some people prefer to motorize the gate. In that case, there is no need to install the lock. However, if you want to motorize the gate, you must fix a guide rail exactly one meter from the bottom of the gate.
- You must also add an extension piece on the receiving end to install the motor unit rack.
Fix the lock
- For those who are not keen on installing an electric motor, you can go ahead and fit the lock.
- Mark the gate one meter from the base of the gate in line with the handle. Use the lock as a guide and mark the opening for the cylinder. You must consider the direction of the handle and the four holes that are provided to fix the lock.
- Drill the holes according to the measurements on the lock and install it. Now, you can place the gate in the closed position, but leave a small gap between the post on the other end.
- You will need to get the right position to install the striking plate on the post. To do this, lift the latch and position the striking plate on the post. Double-check to see if the measurements are right. You will need to mark the fixing holes on the post.
- Drill holes in the markings, insert wall plugs, and fix the striking plate in the right place.
Fix the gate stop
- Open the gate fully and place the gate stop on the ground with the buffer touching the edge of the gate. Mark the drill holes and use the driller once again. You will need to insert wall plugs once again and secure the gate stop.
- Don’t forget to place the protective cover of the gate top on top. That said, you will be done with the installation of a sliding RV gate.
Materials required to install a sliding RV gate
There are a few materials that are required to install a sliding RV gate. This is helpful for those who want to make their sliding RV gate. Here are the materials that are required to install a sliding RV gate.
- A sliding gate
- Gate guide
- Ground gate track
- Lock
- Striking plate
- Gate stop
- Wooden blocks
Tools required to install a sliding RV gate
The tools are the most important part and without these tools, you cannot install a sliding RV gate.
- Pencil or marker
- Tape measure
- Masons rule
- Chalk line
- Spirit level
- Hammer
- Drill
- Metal drill bits
- Masonry drill bits
- Concrete wall plugs
- Clamps
- Cordless drill
- Flat spanner
- Socket spanner
- Allen keys
- Screwdriver.
Installing a sliding RV gate is not too difficult if you have the right tools. It also depends on the type of gate that you plan on installing. Most sliding gates arrive with their installation instructions and they are easy to install. Remember that you will need help from another person to install a sliding RV gate.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to install a sliding RV gate?’ We have discussed the essential steps to install a sliding RV gate. We have also talked about the materials required to install a sliding RV gate and listed the essential tools for this project.
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