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This mod. is one of the most obvious external changes I've made. It is generally mistaken for a oversized sewer hose storage tube. Not! |
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The view on the right shows how the length of the tube matches the trailer's width at about 7ft. |
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I picked up this tube and the end caps at a local plumber supply store. The PVC plastic tube is 6" in diameter with a 1/8" wall thickness. "Home Depot" and "Lowe's" did not carry anything larger than 4" in diameter; and I knew from rolling up my carpet that 4" is just to small a tube size. I could only purchase this piece of tube in a 10ft. length. Cutting the tube with a hacksaw was easy enough, once I figured out the sizing, and taking into consideration how much space end caps take up. Note: I've found it easer to roll up the carpet tightly by starting with a long wood dowel and rolling at an angle. (this keeps the seamed edge from building up a larger than needed diameter) |
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Attaching the end caps was a breeze. The glue used to bond on the caps allows for a smooth sliding motion with a secure seating when pushed on fully. I've drilled several holes along the bottom side to allow for water drainage. I mounted the tube directly on top the short pieces of frame extensions used to hold the bumper. A 1½ long 1/4-20 truss-head bolt goes from the inside of the tube thru a hole on the bottom. The bolt then passes thru ~5ea. stacked fender washers and thru a hole drilled on top the frame extension. Finally from under the frame a washer and nylock-nut are used to secure the whole assembly together. This is done on two locations- one over each frame extension. Note: I've seen people use the screw-on end caps for both ends. I prefer to have one end permanently closed. |
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This tube fits behind the spare tire. The bracket that holds the spare tire had to be cut in half because both bracket and tube cannot occupy the same space. The bracket mounts onto the top of the tube using a hinge because of the odd angle of contact. I also wrapped a length of plumbers tape around the tube and attached both ends to the point where the bottom of the bracket used to attach. The whole assembly when secured well is rather rigid, even if the PVC tube only has a 1/8" wall to support itself. |
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The carpet I use is Prest-O-Fit® 6' x 15' Patio Rug, bla-bla bla bla, I picked it up at Camping World, yada-yada ya... and it's blue!Supplies for this mod. cost ~$80-. I spent a full Saturday figuring it out and didn't particularly enjoy spending ~$60- on just the PVC tube. |
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Many of the Ideas I've used came from other people; the carpet tube mod. is one
of them. How many times have I packed a muddy and dripping wet carpet inside the
trailer before making a outside storage device? Way to many!
