Rear fiberglass cap

[goukcats]

We just ordered a Columbus 320 & did not order the rear cap. I think they look great but other than aesthetics, is there a true benefit? I would appreciate your thoughts...

[2008Wildcat]

jsr21 wrote:
but....very weird to see a trailer with a molded rear cap and a steel bumper

That is what sold me on it.

Hate the rear caps without a bumper. Fiberglass is a whole lot more $$$ to fix than steel bumpers....

[goukcats]

The_Barbarian, you may want to check the Forest River Forum on the Blue Ridge. My wife liked their looks as well, so I checked it out. They seem to have more grief & negative posts than any brand I have seen.

This is not intended to be a slam. I have not owned one & don't known anyone who has. I just thought you may want to check the info if you are interested in one.

[goukcats]

I was glad to see the option with the molded cap came with a bumper. Fiberglass doesn't flex like an auto bumper so I figured it would be easier & cheaper to repair or replace the bumper verses repairing the fiberglass as the end result of a small bump (from my actions or someone else).

I do appreciate the input because I had not factored resell as a benefit during my thought process.

[Me_Again]

The roundness and angling in on the corners of the rear cap is what helps with mileage. Here is a picture of my 2005 29WBLX Cardinal. I moved from a 9,500 trailer with square corners to a 12,400 pound trailer with caps on both ends and get better MPG.

It does not appear the rear cap in question was design to help mileage, and is more for looks. Chris

[laknox]

Don Z wrote:
Columbus with flat rear cap:



Columbus with "aerodynamic" rear cap:



Don Z.

Thanks for the pics, Don. IMO, this is purely aesthetics and really wouldn't have any measurable affect on MPG, despite my previous post. MAYBE, if towed 100k+ a year...

Lyle

[laknox]

goukcats wrote:
I should have clarified...it comes standard with the flat rear that is the same material as the sides. There is an option for a fiberglass contoured rear cap. I'm wondering if there are benefits for this option beyond good looks.

If you travel a lot, the reduced turbulence from the contoured cap will help your mileage. By a "lot", I mean 10's of k's per year, otherwise you'll never recover the cost. They can also make towing just feel more smooth, especially in windy conditions. How much is the option, anyway?

Lyle

[Me_Again]

The_Barbarian wrote:
It seems like I am perputually shopping for a new 5th wheel now that my travel trailer is 13 years old. I have noticed on my top choice, the Montana 3150RL, that there is a rear fiberglass cap. On my wife's top choice, a Blue Ridge 3125RT, that there is not a cap. I too have wondered about the diffence. It makes me think that the Blue Ridge is of a lesser quaility of construction than the Montana just on that basis alone. Any insight would be apprecitated.

The Blue Ridge is the lower line of Forest River's Cardinal line up. The Cardinal is more on par with the Montana line up. Chris

[The_Barbarian1]

It seems like I am perputually shopping for a new 5th wheel now that my travel trailer is 13 years old. I have noticed on my top choice, the Montana 3150RL, that there is a rear fiberglass cap. On my wife's top choice, a Blue Ridge 3125RT, that there is not a cap. I too have wondered about the diffence. It makes me think that the Blue Ridge is of a lesser quaility of construction than the Montana just on that basis alone. Any insight would be apprecitated.

[Me_Again]

jsr21 wrote:
but....very weird to see a trailer with a molded rear cap and a steel bumper

I noticed that also. Sometimes it is hard to not look cheap! Chris

[jsr21]

but....very weird to see a trailer with a molded rear cap and a steel bumper

[Me_Again]

The trouble I see with a flat rear is I would always want to walk around the front of the trailer even if it was the longer route! As Atom Ant says, "I would think it would pay for itself at resale"! ALL the higher end units have rear caps!

Chris

[Atom_Ant]

I would have definitely got the rear cap. I would think it would pay for itself at resale.

[2008Wildcat]

The big deal for me was that with the rear cap, it put a flat seam around the sides and top to seal it instead of the corner trim.

Less potential for water issues....

[Red-Rover]

Love those frameless windows and diamond plate wrapped rear bumper.
Get the moulded back cap.