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Old 02-23-2017, 08:14 AM   #1
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Rear bumper end caps

Seems like they're more easily to come out after repetitively taking in and out.
Is there anything I can do to keep from losing them while going down the road?
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Old 02-23-2017, 08:26 AM   #2
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What I did was remove them completely and put a hitch pin from tractor supply. I used the smallest od one they had so I didn't have to drill too big of a hole thru the bumper.
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Old 02-23-2017, 08:31 AM   #3
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Good idea dinosaur. I've seen them with small keeper pins attached by a mini chain or lanyard.
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Old 02-23-2017, 08:31 AM   #4
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I did a Search for "Bumper end caps" and found several threads on the subject including these two:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aps-79052.html

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aps-11262.html
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Old 02-23-2017, 08:57 AM   #5
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Folks use what they can find.
Basically drill a hole in the top and bottom of each bumper and cap.
I drilled 3/16 hole about 1/8 from the end of the bumper.
Then insert-
stainless meat skewers from Dollar store
stainless welding rod
galvanized fence wire bent to look sorta like a giant safety pin
even a coat hanger but it will rust eventually
etc....

Good luck!
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:24 AM   #6
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They are cheap to buy at WalMart so I keep an extra set in the pass thru but have yet to lose one.
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:30 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KyDan View Post
Folks use what they can find.
Basically drill a hole in the top and bottom of each bumper and cap.
I drilled 3/16 hole about 1/8 from the end of the bumper.
Then insert-
stainless meat skewers from Dollar store
stainless welding rod
galvanized fence wire bent to look sorta like a giant safety pin
even a coat hanger but it will rust eventually
etc....

Good luck!
I did the same and used a tent steak (peg).
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:41 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailor Bill View Post
They are cheap to buy at WalMart so I keep an extra set in the pass thru but have yet to lose one.
If you mean you are yet to loose an end cap beware.... I've seen both
trailers going down the road dragging their dump hose because it's hanging
out one end of the bumper AND I've seen a sewer hose laying on the
side of the road that apparently came all the way out.
AND I found my end cap hanging by a thread twice before I drilled and pinned
them in place.
A really crappy road apparently makes my rig and many others, wag
it's tail enough that the sewer hose slides back and forth in the bumper.
Eventually it can "hammer" the end cap off and fall out.
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:52 AM   #9
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Any kind of 'pin' will work and it doesn't have to go the whole way through.

Just drill a small hole in the top of the bumper and the cap near the edge.
Insert a nail, unused pop rivit, machine/sheet metal screw (smaller than the hole) bent paper clip, romex staple, corn cob holder, pin the tail on the Donkey or whatever.
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Old 02-23-2017, 10:06 AM   #10
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On my old Cougar, I replaced the OEM original End Caps with ones that could be fasten into the bumper and these where hinged. I used two 1/8 pop rivets in each end cap to hold them in place never lost them after I did that and they always stayed closed. These where purchased from Amazon.
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Old 02-23-2017, 10:17 AM   #11
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Just wanted to mention that the end caps that came on my 2016 Rockwood TT, that was purchased in Oct 15, have had no problems after a year of camping. I have not seen what type of end caps are being used, but can say that my end caps have a type thread, for lack of a better term, that keeps it from coming out without pulling them out. To put them into the bumper, one has to hit the cap to place it into the end of the bumper. Might suggest to view the type of cap on a newer Rockwood TT.
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Old 02-23-2017, 10:19 AM   #12
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This was my very first "Mod". Simple hole thru bumper and flange of end cap and a cotter pin.
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Old 02-23-2017, 11:46 AM   #13
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There are a lot of aftermarket solutions out there.
CW sells a number of end caps that lock in.
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Old 02-23-2017, 01:43 PM   #14
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I replaced my OEM end caps with these that have a squeezable grip and ridges that keep it from working itself out. Haven't lost one since and didn't have to drill holes or put in screws

https://www.walmart.com/ip/29764340?...&wl13=&veh=sem
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Old 02-23-2017, 01:53 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tapex View Post
Seems like they're more easily to come out after repetitively taking in and out.
Is there anything I can do to keep from losing them while going down the road?
I removed stinky slinky from inside bumper and put it aside. I took a 10 ft length of nylon twine string and fished it through the bumper, end to end. Then I fished the end of the twine through the hole in the middle of the cap, made a sliding loop and tied that around the outer edge of the cap as it inserts into the bumper. Do the same thing for the opposite end and then put stinky back inside the bumper. I have pulled into the CG several times over the last 30 years and have had one cap hanging by the string. Haven't lost one yet. BTW, make sure your string keeps the freed cap from hitting the ground ... just shorten the string if needed.

Happy Camping ............. Swampy
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Old 02-23-2017, 02:07 PM   #16
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Bumper Hatch, Set of 2 - Design For Fun 900 - Sewer Accessories - Camping World

Installed This end cap I bought at RV show last year. I have used it for one year and am very happy with it. It closes very securely and was an easy install. Just be care full when you use the self drilling screws that you don't over drive them. I also used a hacksaw blade to cut the end of the screw off inside the bumper to prevent it from damaging the sewer hose.

Hope This Helps Tim
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Old 02-23-2017, 02:23 PM   #17
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I simply used prox 1/8th inch rod stock. Cut to length and put a 90 degree bend on last 1/2" of one end. Drilled hole to fit thru bumper and rubber plug. Have used this simple method for about 11 years.
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Old 02-23-2017, 02:26 PM   #18
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There are a number of after market bumper end caps available. The standard end caps keep falling out, but look for some that are spring loaded, bug restrictive, they work well.
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Old 02-23-2017, 02:29 PM   #19
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I solved this problem on my Rv by drilling small hole thru bumper and installing a plastic wire tire through the hole and the cap. Allows me to remove cap and it still stay attached to bumper.
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Old 02-23-2017, 02:29 PM   #20
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I've had these in 2 trailers since 2011 and havent lost one out of the 4.

my wife purchased a set for the toy hauler and they went looking for the rear bumper... lol
they are now a Yankee Swap gift.

https://www.amazon.ca/Camco-40325-In.../dp/B00C5RB03W
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