Community Forums

Gobrowns · 06-12-2012, 09:12 PM

I have a newer Rockwood Mini-Lite and in a rookie move I backed into a small tree while backing into our driveway and broke off the license plate. It was held by two tabs that attach to the taillight. I can't see where I did any other damage other than the broken plate bracket. Anyone else ever do this? It was the first really dumb move I've made yet. Is there anything I should look out for to make sure I didn't damage the trailer? I have no idea how to replace this so I may have to take a trip to the dealer at the end of camping season.

10Boomer · 06-12-2012, 10:49 PM

What model Rockwood Mini Lite? We just purchased a 2012 2109s, so far so good, our license plate is on the actual back wall of the TT, not the bumper. I would say just order the new part and install yourself.

camper33 · 06-17-2012, 04:03 PM

Buy a metal plate bracket and then remove the lens on the tailight. Slide the new bracket under the edge of the light ( you may have to loosen the bottom screws on the tailight) and install 2 screws through the light to the new bracket, replace the lens.

R Milam · 06-18-2012, 08:43 AM

You can buy these replacement kits through the most recent Cabela's catalog.

wa8yxm · 06-18-2012, 11:16 AM

You can get a replacement at most any auto parts store, Stock item, comes in two or three different versions.

Generally you will have to remove the tail light it attaches to, slip the old broken plastic tabs off the bolts, slip the new one on over the bolts and bolt it back down.

Very easy to do.

Gobrowns · 06-19-2012, 06:36 AM

Thanks everyone. The problem I'm having now is trying to take off the tail light cover. There are two little white tabs on the side and it looks like the cover just snaps in there. It is very difficult to push those tabs in to remove the cover. I tried but I'm afraid of snapping one of the tabs off.

GWinger · 06-19-2012, 07:09 AM

Gobrowns,
Don't know if you've noticed or if anyone has told you but the tabs under the rear lite really isn't a great place for a plate. I'm surprised you don't see more plated laying around on the road. These are made from "junk plastic" (my term) and are very fragile. The longer it sits in the sun the sooner it gets hard and brittle and can break from just wigglin' around.
I wouldn't attach a plate to a NEW unit in this location.
GWinger

MickBrennan · 06-19-2012, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWinger

Gobrowns,
Don't know if you've noticed or if anyone has told you but the tabs under the rear lite really isn't a great place for a plate. I'm surprised you don't see more plated laying around on the road. These are made from "junk plastic" (my term) and are very fragile. The longer it sits in the sun the sooner it gets hard and brittle and can break from just wigglin' around.
I wouldn't attach a plate to a NEW unit in this location.
GWinger

In our state the rear license plate must be illuminated to pass inspection. That may be the reason to attach it in a location already wired and lit!

Gobrowns · 06-19-2012, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickBrennan

In our state the rear license plate must be illuminated to pass inspection. That may be the reason to attach it in a location already wired and lit!

That's what I was thinking too. Otherwise, I would consider attaching it to the bumper.

Frank P. Martin · 06-19-2012, 07:48 PM

Someone stole the license plate from my TT and, in the process, broke one of the plastic tabs off.

It took a little work, but I cut off the remaining plastic tab, fabricated two new tabs out of aluminum and attached them to the tail light with screws.

The license plate has been attached to my tabs for the last six years and hasn't fallen off yet.

GWinger · 06-20-2012, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickBrennan

In our state the rear license plate must be illuminated to pass inspection. That may be the reason to attach it in a location already wired and lit!

Mick,
And this relates to my post,... how?
GWinger

GWinger · 06-20-2012, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank P. Martin

Someone stole the license plate from my TT and, in the process, broke one of the plastic tabs off.

It took a little work, but I cut off the remaining plastic tab, fabricated two new tabs out of aluminum and attached them to the tail light with screws.

The license plate has been attached to my tabs for the last six years and hasn't fallen off yet.

Good repair, Frank
GWinger

wa8yxm · 06-20-2012, 06:26 AM

Actually you may not need to remove the lamp cover. You need to access the backside, inside the wall or inside the trailer, there should be some bolt and nut things there,

USUALLY (But not always) the bolts go through the light (And are welded to a metal part therein) and into the wall behind the light and the nut is behind the wall..... USUALLY

Never a guarantee

Sometimes it's a screw inserted from the outside.

wa8yxm · 06-20-2012, 06:27 AM

Another option I amost forgot is my favorite sticky stuff.. GOOP.

Just goop the dang thing back into place. (You can get GOOP adheasive/sealant at most any hardware of home imporvement store save Wal-Mart and Lowes, they don't sell to Wal-Mart.