Community Forums

IdahoBob · 08-22-2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheetmusic

I am considering the Fantastic vent covers for the two vents on our Timber Ridge. I am looking for feedback on the value and effectiveness of the vent covers.

I would never have a vent without a vent cover. We don't like rain in our rig. We have Maxx air covers on our rig. They may somewhat restrict the flow capability of the Fantastic fans. But they are ok for us. I suspect the Fantastic vent cover is better matched to the Fantastic fan's venting capability.

Bob

kayakcrazy · 08-23-2014, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoBob

I would never have a vent without a vent cover. We don't like rain in our rig. We have Maxx air covers on our rig. They may somewhat restrict the flow capability of the Fantastic fans. But they are ok for us. I suspect the Fantastic vent cover is better matched to the Fantastic fan's venting capability.

Bob

x2.

Larv · 08-23-2014, 05:59 PM

>>>>1010, my bumper does have sewer hose storage but the factory installed diamond plate on the bumper with rivets that stick into the bumper. Next to impossible to slide a hose into that mess or tear a hole in the hose.

Larv

**JohnRR** · 08-23-2014, 08:09 PM

Can you replace the rivets with shorter ones?

1010 · 08-23-2014, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larv

>>>>1010, my bumper does have sewer hose storage but the factory installed diamond plate on the bumper with rivets that stick into the bumper. Next to impossible to slide a hose into that mess or tear a hole in the hose.

Larv

I have the same problem with the rivets, one side is worse then the other, but I manage to get the hose in, the upside of the rivets is they will stop the hose from coming out of the bumper if the squeeze cap fails.

The 2015s (5th whls, Black Stone & Wind Rivers, not sure about the rest) have the bumpers coated with a Lynex or Armorall. Apparently Outdoors Rv has gotten negative feedback on the long rivets.

1010 · 08-23-2014, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRR

Can you replace the rivets with shorter ones?

We took a quick tour of the plant & those long rivets caused enough negative feedback for the diamond plate to be replaced by a coating similar to Lynex or Armorall. I was told this was a time consuming & more costly process but it was the answer to the rivet problem, not sure why smaller rivets wouldn't be a cheaper answer. I was going to ask, but the rivets will prevent the hose from sliding out the bumper if the cap falls out, saves me from drilling holes in the bumper and putting a bolt through them to prevent the hose from slipping out.

1010 · 08-23-2014, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakcrazy

I laid down a couple of 1X4's on either side of the spare tire, laid my stinky slinky fence post on top and secured everything with very long and wide cable ties. I did have to add longer bolts to the tire carrier so the fence post would lay flat on the rear bumper.

Thanks for the info, I will give it try when we get our trailer back.

Highway 4x4 · 08-24-2014, 12:22 AM

I don't know if anyone plans to be at the big RV show in Pomona Ca that happens in October. It's the biggest Mfg supported show on the West coast that has been going on for many years. There are reps from all the big mfg there. Well, as it looks at this time there will be no Outdoors RV units or reps there. Probably no units from Northwood either other than perhaps pickup campers. I would hope I am wrong, but probably not. If I hear otherwise I let ya know.

kayakcrazy · 08-25-2014, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1010

I have the same problem with the rivets, one side is worse then the other, but I manage to get the hose in, the upside of the rivets is they will stop the hose from coming out of the bumper if the squeeze cap fails.

Hey 1010 - what I did to stop the end caps from coming out was to drill a small hole through the bumper and end cap (top or side) and put in a 1" cotter key (should be a snug fit). We had a 5'er that we hauled around for 25 years - the original end caps were still in place. Please note that you have to watch where you drill into these new caps as you want to drill into plastic.

schrod · 08-25-2014, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1010

We took a quick tour of the plant & those long rivets caused enough negative feedback for the diamond plate to be replaced by a coating similar to Lynex or Armorall. I was told this was a time consuming & more costly process but it was the answer to the rivet problem, not sure why smaller rivets wouldn't be a cheaper answer. I was going to ask, but the rivets will prevent the hose from sliding out the bumper if the cap falls out, saves me from drilling holes in the bumper and putting a bolt through them to prevent the hose from slipping out.

I've been thinking on this problem of long rivets holding the aluminum diamond plate on. I think the easiest and best solution since these are also aluminum rivets is to drill them out and buy short stainless steel screws to replace them. Won't cost much, won't take much time, and will most likely solve the problem and still look just as good.
I myself store my drain hose in the bumper and yes it kind of catches and fits tight but just take your time and it goes in and out without snagging. I will soon be doing this upgrade of replacing the rivets with short stainless screws. I think 3/16 long will be more than adequate, 1/4 inch at the very most.

IdahoBob · 08-25-2014, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schrod

I've been thinking on this problem of long rivets holding the aluminum diamond plate on. I think the easiest and best solution since these are also aluminum rivets is to drill them out and buy short stainless steel screws to replace them. Won't cost much, won't take much time, and will most likely solve the problem and still look just as good.
I myself store my drain hose in the bumper and yes it kind of catches and fits tight but just take your time and it goes in and out without snagging. I will soon be doing this upgrade of replacing the rivets with short stainless screws. I think 3/16 long will be more than adequate, 1/4 inch at the very most.

My sewer hose fits fine into my riveted diamond plate bumper. I did have to file the flanges on the hose end fitting. When you replace your rivets with SS screws, I humbly suggest you don't use the self tapping variety...

Bob

Mtn Dave · 08-25-2014, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larv

>>>>1010, my bumper does have sewer hose storage but the factory installed diamond plate on the bumper with rivets that stick into the bumper. Next to impossible to slide a hose into that mess or tear a hole in the hose.

Larv

My drain hose works just fine in the bumper , rivets do not seam to bother at all.

schrod · 08-26-2014, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoBob

My sewer hose fits fine into my riveted diamond plate bumper. I did have to file the flanges on the hose end fitting. When you replace your rivets with SS screws, I humbly suggest you don't use the self tapping variety...

Bob

Use one self tapper to cut the threads, back it out and use standard screws for the final install.

BandC · 08-26-2014, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schrod

I will soon be doing this upgrade of replacing the rivets with short stainless screws. I think 3/16 long will be more than adequate, 1/4 inch at the very most.

Great suggestion! I can't come close to fitting mine in the bumper, and I simply put all my Black tools in a plastic container, but I think it would look good to put SS screws in, with a dab of lock-tite.