Can't keep bumper end caps from wiggling loose

Troutd0g · 07-31-2018, 11:19 PM

2019 Shamrock 21SS - was missing both bumper end caps when we picked it up from the dealer. They replaced them and after a long trip to Idaho both caps are now gone. I kept tapping them back in place at each gas stop but somewhere along the way they dropped out. Do they make a cap that is guaranteed to remain in place? I've avoided storing the flexible drain tube in the bumper as recommended because I worried about it coming out while traveling down the road.

Hutch333id · 07-31-2018, 11:29 PM

I have the same problem with the rubber cap that fit in to the hitch receiver when I'm not using the tow bar to mount the Rock Tamer mud flaps. Lost several of those square 'Reese' caps that fit in to a class IV receiver.

First world problem (for me) I know but still annoying.

rockfordroo · 07-31-2018, 11:51 PM

Many people drill a hole down through the bumper into the cap and drop a nail into the hole.

**bikendan** · 08-01-2018, 12:33 AM

There are a number of aftermarket bumper caps on the market, that you can secure.

dmdrj5 · 08-01-2018, 05:36 AM

Hi TroutdOg,

I just used heavy duty tape wrapped over it. It kept the caps in and kept the mice out.

Good luck,
Don

Miweber929 · 08-01-2018, 06:22 AM

I didn’t have that issue with our ‘19 24ws, in fact they were a bitch to get on and off, but I replaced the factory caps with the magnetic Camco units that attach to the drain hose and those work great. I think the set was under $15 from Amazon.

Witch Doctor · 08-01-2018, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Many people drill a hole down through the bumper into the cap and drop a nail into the hole.

That's exactly what I did, never lost another one.

Mr Towed · 08-01-2018, 11:25 AM

I recently had trouble getting the flushing adaptor off of our slinky so I threw it in the back of the pickup for the trip home. I was patting myself on the back for remembering to close the bumper cap even though I hadn't stored the hose inside. Well, I got home and when i got the fitting off the hose and went to put it away... NO CAP! I'm guessing i actually did NOT remember to put the cap back on and it rode on the bumper until it fell off, but now I have a spare. I have seen ones with a tether on them, and I was thinking about doing that, just drill a hole in the middle and pass a little bungee or cable through and tie it off somewhere nearby on the bumper or frame.

Gotagonow · 08-01-2018, 01:30 PM

I believe I learned about these from this forum: self locking bumper plugs. You put them on and push the middle, the rubber center, formerly and "outy" becomes an "inny" and the whole thing stays put. Have had the same one for 3 years via Amazon: WirthCo 30000 Black RV Locking Bumper Plug. Of course it doesn't solve the old "left it on the bumper" thing,

karrun · 08-01-2018, 01:37 PM

I drilled a hole in the bumper and tethered mine with a short chain. Got this idea from this forum.

djhender · 08-01-2018, 01:43 PM

Drilled two holes and put in two stainless steel screws.

BriaBeck · 08-01-2018, 01:50 PM

I bought one of these... so far, works great!

Camco 40311 Magnetic Bumper Cap with Lug Fitting

If you don't like the thought of drilling holes in your bumper, you could put some silicone sealer around the "fingers" that hold the original caps in, then install the cap. The silicone won't let the cap fall or work it's way out, but it would still be removable if you need to.

Splitshaft · 08-01-2018, 02:10 PM

I one owned a Skyline travel trailer that had hinged metal covers on the hose carrying bumper. I loved it because they opened easy and it was impossible to lose or forget them. The hinge point was not at the top, so when closed, the hose could not push out and open the end cover. The cover had to be lifted first to get it to hinge open. Too bad Forest River cannot provided that style hose carrying bumper as it might add a few more dollars to the cost of ten’s-of-thousands or hundred’s-of-thousand-dollar coaches.

NMWildcat · 08-01-2018, 02:27 PM

We use the cheap Camco squeeze grip covers. Have never lost one after we switched out.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Squeeze.../dp/B00C5RB03W

Wisconsin-1 · 08-01-2018, 02:33 PM

I notices the same with the end caps coming loose. I took them off bent the ends out a little and they seemed really tight. Well last camping trip going through a very bumpy part of the highway one of the caps must have worked loose. The way I found out was people were pointing to pull over. I pulled over thinking the worse, I walked around the back of the camper and on the passenger side the stinky slinky was hanging out by 4' just flopping around and the cap was gone. I decided to remove the caps and spray paint as far as I can the inside black so I dont see the rust. For now I am going to store it in a bucket in the back of the truck until I do some kind of mod for storing it. By the way it was all rusty from the bumper and I picked it up from the dealer mid-May and they just got it the week before from the manufacturer. I think it looks better without the caps.

The best part was when my 3 kids asked "Dad what was wrong". I said the stinky slinky was hanging out the back of the trailer, they couldn't stop laughing

NMWildcat · 08-01-2018, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wisconsin-1

I notices the same with the end caps coming loose. I took them off bent the ends out a little and they seemed really tight. Well last camping trip going through a very bumpy part of the highway one of the caps must have worked loose. The way I found out was people were pointing to pull over. I pulled over thinking the worse, I walked around the back of the camper and on the passenger side the stinky slinky was hanging out by 4' just flopping around and the cap was gone. I decided to remove the caps and spray paint as far as I can the inside black so I dont see the rust. For now I am going to store it in a bucket in the back of the truck until I do some kind of mod for storing it. By the way it was all rusty from the bumper and I picked it up from the dealer mid-May and they just got it the week before from the manufacturer. I think it looks better without the caps. [emoji106]

The best part was when my 3 kids asked "Dad what was wrong". I said the stinky slinky was hanging out the back of the trailer, they couldn't stop laughing

The rust and 'contamination' is why I never use the bumper for hose storage.

mijola · 08-01-2018, 03:03 PM

Buy the magnetic ones. I haven't had any issues since changing over and just put on 6k down some horrible roads

Mark Ulmer · 08-01-2018, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

We use the cheap Camco squeeze grip covers. Have never lost one after we switched out.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Squeeze.../dp/B00C5RB03W

X2. I use these too and have never lost one yet.

danc · 08-01-2018, 03:34 PM

Put a small screw through mine......Just to keep the rain and wasp out.

Larry-NC · 08-01-2018, 03:34 PM

Drill a hole in the bumper tube about 1-1/2 inch back. Use a long cable tie with some slack. If you make the hole on the bottom side, the cap won't be in your way when loading or unloading the tube.

Larry

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