Forum Discussion

bthayden's avatar
bthayden
Explorer
Jun 19, 2015

Sewer Bumper

Well, I finally had my first fender bender with my 2012 Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite. I was backing into get close to a gas pump and hit the concrete barrier around the island. The only damage was to my sewer bumper, which looks like it is pretty much bent beyond repair.

I have been trying to find one online, but all they have is the 4x4' tube, unpainted without the mounting hinges. The body shop has quoted me around $1,000 to order the new tube, knock the old one off the hinges, re-weld the new one on, paint it, etc.

Seems like a lot of money for a pretty simple hunk of metal. Any ideas from you veterans out there on how to replace/repair?

Thanks,
Brad Hayden
Class C
  • Dusty_R's avatar
    Dusty_R
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2015
    Our Itasca got rear ended. Dealer fixed it, insurance paid for it. It's made of aluminum.
  • Pops's avatar
    Pops
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2015
    Friend of mine hit a tree, bent his from the welding spot out to the end, couldn't get his hose out, had to fish it out from the other end. Took it to the dealer where he bought it. (only like 5-10 miles away)They hooked it to something and pulled most of the bend out, enough so his hose would slide in & out easy. Didn't charge him cause he had some other stuff done. Some guys are lucky.
  • bthayden's avatar
    bthayden
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2015
    Thanks for all the responses.I have started calling around here in Albuquerque looking for a good welder. I like the idea of getting a thicker bumper anyway (like Scott recommends), one that would hold up better in another fender bender situation. Maybe just buy a plastic tube like this one (thanks J-D and Dakota for the suggestions) that I can install on top of new, heavier fender: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/64-e-z-hose-carrier-black/60174

    I'll keep you all posted and send pics of what I end up doing.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jun 19, 2015
    Last I looked the "part" (piece of thin square tubing) was only about $100. But, No Brackets. That's where Welding comes in, and probably better to Cut the Old Bracket off, Grind Clean, and Re-Weld, than to find or make new brackets that have the original bolt pattern but still have to be welded.

    Note that in years of use, the wet sewer hoses will cause the bumper to rust from the inside and fail again. I carry a couple longer hoses in the bumper, but only use it when the shorter one that I have in a plastic carrier won't reach.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2015
    Another option.

    Cut the old bumper tube off & get a length of "channel iron" & have it welded in place of the old bumper.

    Then check out this posting by thrasher053 sewer hose storage

    POSTING
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 19, 2015
    I just went to a steel supplier and bought 4" square tubing and then had a welder install it. The steel was about $40 IIRC and welding was done by a friend but it only took him 15 minutes. But that was after I cut and ground off the old one and had it all ready to install.
    BTW, I used a much thicker metal which is great for bike racks, etc but I can fit a hose in it anymore.

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