Rear bumper bent 351-THSS Owners beware

[Pauls Toy Hauler]

So this happened...........



I had drug the rear on a 2 other occasions and caused no rear bumper damage like this and while I didn't do it on purpose and I don't like when it happens this one particular instance it was the spare tire located directly underneath that hung up and when I drug the trailer off an exit from a restaurant, it was the tire that pushed out the bumper like this.

I was more surprised than upset. Granted I have done and do plenty of steel work, so the repair isn't daunting but just creates more work.

My game plan is to relocate the spare tire a little further up, repair/straighten the rear bumper and then reinforce it with more steel to make stronger, then add 4 steel skid wheels to the reinforced bumper to avoid dragging anymore.

I just wanted to point out to any 351-THSS owners that from the rear tires to the end of the trailer is very long and low and will drag easily on steep entrances or exits.

[youroo]

Is this really a Bumper or part of the Frame? Youroo!!

[Pauls Toy Hauler]

well.......rear frame. These toyhaulers don't really have bumpers but it's the best way to explain it I guess.

[aceinspp]

I know one thing I'd do it relocated the spare besides under the camper. About the worst place to put one is under the trailer. Later RJD

[TURBS]

Mount spare up front!

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

[Pauls Toy Hauler]

Yeah, I'm thinking of putting the spare near the axles. either in front or behind them but definitely moving it from the rear end. It really is a ridiculous place to put a spare. Especially if it hangs as low as it does.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Mount spare up front!

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

X2. With it up front it's completely accessible and won't bottom out thanks to the landing gear. The only problem you may face is the exhaust for the generator if you have one. If you are ever planning JT Armstrong stabilizers or the like, make sure you mount it back for the bars to clear.

[Jim in Halifax]

I purchased an "BAL Hide a Spare spare tire carrier" and mounted it just behind the back wheels of our 5er See

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsPze0XeHj8s

.... It was in front storage area..took up too much room....I highly recommend this unit for convenience

[Pauls Toy Hauler]

Originally Posted by Jim in Halifax

I purchased an "BAL Hide a Spare spare tire carrier" and mounted it just behind the back wheels of our 5er See

.... It was in front storage area..took up too much room....I highly recommend this unit for convenience

Thanks for showing me that. I really like it. I think I could make my own just by looking at it.

[silverback 35ts]

Originally Posted by Pauls Toy Hauler

So this happened...........



I had drug the rear on a 2 other occasions and caused no rear bumper damage like this and while I didn't do it on purpose and I don't like when it happens this one particular instance it was the spare tire located directly underneath that hung up and when I drug the trailer off an exit from a restaurant, it was the tire that pushed out the bumper like this.

I was more surprised than upset. Granted I have done and do plenty of steel work, so the repair isn't daunting but just creates more work.

My game plan is to relocate the spare tire a little further up, repair/straighten the rear bumper and then reinforce it with more steel to make stronger, then add 4 steel skid wheels to the reinforced bumper to avoid dragging anymore.

I just wanted to point out to any 351-THSS owners that from the rear tires to the end of the trailer is very long and low and will drag easily on steep entrances or exits.

I am very sorry for the issue with your trailer, BUT this is not new for any brand of trailer like yours, and it dose not need to be a toyhauler! Most tag trailers have had this issue for some time, and that is why they have made skid plates or drag wheels for some time now.

Yes moving the tire forward will help, but since you say metal work is up your alley, you might be further ahead just making skid plates, since as they wear you can just weld more steel on, and then go down to the next park.

Hope this helps and good luck with your repairs and Happy Camping

[Pauls Toy Hauler]

Originally Posted by silverback 35ts

I am very sorry for the issue with your trailer

Thanks. It's cool. Actually I thought I would be more bothered by it but I'm not. I think mostly because it is steel and I can work on it, but if it was something else I might be more bothered or rather my insurance company might be more bothered . This thought I can keep off my insurance and just do it myself. At any rate it will give me the opportunity to make it better anyways.

Now to find time to do it.

[kenk]

Looking for info on slide topper awing side of 320- 2014.
there is a bout 2" clearance between the slide and awning
is there a problem with the 2" clearance.