Sewer Hose Bumper Replacement

[Woodstock]

Hi All,

I had a minor altercation with a sapling this weekend while backing up a steep grade...sapling won...buckled my sewer bumper. I don't use the bumper to store the sewer hose and was wondering if anyone has replaced their bumper with either a exact replacement bumper or a variation...looking for ideas, sources, costs, etc.

THX

[EMD_Driver]

I don't know if this will help, but have you thought of replacing the steel with a plastic fence post cover? It would give you a place to store a "Backup" sewer hose and be relatively inexpensive.


If you would rather replace it with another steel bumper, I am not sure where you would find one.

[Woodstock]

EMD, I need the bumper for the protection of the TT structure...never used it to store a sewer hose as I keep them in a closed container in the bed of my pick up. I know the 4X4X96 tubing is available unpainted for less than $100 delivered, but was looking for other ideas for a strong bumper. This little accident was a real eye opener as to the kinetic energy a heavy slow moving object possesses. Without the bumper I would have destroyed my Sunline.

[EMD_Driver]

I wonder if Lowes would have any square steel tubing that would work. I don't know what you have available to you locally, but a metal supplier would have to have something close to what you are looking for.

You might also try looking for something used. We had a Sunline bumper, but it was destroyed in a rollover accident.

[Sunline Fan]

I'd recommend trying some place like Lippert components (LCI) or Dexter Chassis Group. They both use similar bumpers and should be able to find you something that would work. If they can't sell to you retail, hopefully they can set you up with someone who could after you figure out what you need.

Jon

[Honda03842]

Woodstock,

I don't know where you are located but I have the pumper from my 1982 Sunline. You or anyone else for that matter is welcome to it.

[Honda03842]

Of couurse I meant to type bumper

[Honda03842]

And I meant to type course, Yikes age is catching up with me

[dougie]

ive seen bumpers that bolt on as replacement and not welded but dont know who the dealer might be dougie

[Woodstock]

Thanks for the replies and your offer Norm..much appreciated. I called my RV guy and the cost of a replacement bumper is $65 + labor to paint and install...looks like I will pursue with him. It would be nice if there was a cost effective but much stronger alternative, but I have yet to find one.

[Steve Collins]

I'd think about using 4" steel pipe and having a welding shop move the mounting tabs from the old bumper.

Now that I ponder it a bit, it might even be possible to weld the mounting tabs to the base of 4" U-bolts which would fasten on to the pipe.

[Woodstock]

That's a good thought Steve....might be kinda heavy though...I'll have to take a ride to Home Depot to check out some pipe.

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by Woodstock

That's a good thought Steve....might be kinda heavy though...I'll have to take a ride to Home Depot to check out some pipe.

I don't know if Home Depot or other home improvement places will have steel pipe that large. Check in the electric department as well as plumbing. Steel pipe is used for some electrical installations.

Failing that, you may have to contact an electric supply house.

I don't know if steel pipe is available in thin-wall in any size from 3.5" to 5", but it might be worth looking into. Electric supply houses might carry that.

Almost any diameter in that range would probably work pretty well.

[JohnB]

Hi Woodstock

Since you have a 2005 it is like my 2004. Your right the bumper is not structural. It does not take much to bend it. Sorry to hear about the branch, it happens...

Options:

1. Your dealer route, however I do not know if the will paint the inside. I painted mine with a rag on the end of a stick. Maybe they will paint the inside of the bumper but maybe just paint it your self. Get Rust-o-elum paint at Lowes. Get the brush on. 1 quart is plenty and you can use it to touch up the TT frame too.


2. Go to a metal fab shop in your town and ask for 4" structural tubing. They have 1/8", 3/16 and 1/4" wall thickness. The 1/4" is overkill big time. even 3/16 is very very strong. It may be 2 or $3 a foot.

3. Go to the lumber yard and buy a pressure treated 4 x 4 and a white vinyl fence post cover. Use long 3/8" bolts to bolt it on the flanges on the back of the camper. it will be as strong if not stronger then the original.

Hope this helps

John