Community Forums

mds1 · 09-14-2015, 06:25 PM

Does a full rear cap that wraps around, like the front cap, serve a purpose other than for looks?

I watched a couple videos of 5th wheel walk-around where it was mentioned the full rear cap makes a difference on fuel economy because of aerodynamics. In this case the rear window was set inside the cap rather than flush with the front of the cap. Do you know if this is correct or not?

I've seen both Montana and Grand Design rigs that did not have the wrap around end cap.

Skip426 · 09-14-2015, 07:16 PM

My last 5er had the flat rear wall , no cap. The same 5er was available ( up-grade $$ ) with the rear cap, no mention of aero or fuel mileage in the brochures. I've seen the rear windows dirty on all sorts of 5ers, flat wall and capped so any aero advantage doesn't keep dirt off, as for mileage, I don't even know how you could get an accurate test.

But if I can get a government grant of a couple of million , I bet I could figure it out.

Two identical trucks , two fivers, with and without , convoy around the country, for a few years, I'll start the grant paper work are you interested.
For 2 mil, I'd go back to towing a fiver.

redhooker · 09-14-2015, 09:53 PM

Strictly aesthetic, and a rear cap adds about 8 feet of additional caulk to maintain. Not saying they are good or bad just personal preference for each owner.

caissiel · 09-15-2015, 05:22 AM

Had both model, opted for the flat model on present unit.
The previous unit caused roof rot due to bad roof fit. I had to caulk every year and it still rotted until I added more rubber to the roof area. Also there was no insulation like the front, it all fell to the bottom.
Present unit rotted in the wall and needed repairs,, caulking did not prevent the rotting.
The pour insulation was next to none existing. Rebuild the wood framing that rotted and fully insulated with foam.

To me they are as bad one or the other.

mds1 · 09-15-2015, 09:26 PM

Appreciate the replies. I looked everywhere for topics about rear caps and could not find any.

Bamaman · 09-16-2015, 11:00 AM

They do have better visibility outside and more light inside with the rear cap. But that light comes at a $10K cost--premium units.

Cumminsfan · 09-16-2015, 11:17 AM

Less chance for delam with a FG rear cap. Bigger chance for cap fade though. I think they look high end with the rear cap. But then what's the R value? How is the insulation held in place? With a typical rear flat wall the ins is sandwiched between and can't fall down. JMO but I'd take a solid cap over the typical rear flat wall. My concern is delam with any fiberglass sided trailer. So eliminating that possibility on the rear is a bonus. I'd rather have to do a little extra caulking than have a bubble from delam. The caulk used on caps is thicker, at least on my 5th front cap than the other caulk areas. That means it should last longer.

Dasmoeturhead · 09-16-2015, 11:39 AM

It's PURDY that's why :-)

mel s · 09-16-2015, 11:46 AM

I'm pretty sure that without a rear cap the furniture would fall out.

Dasmoeturhead · 09-16-2015, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mel s

I'm pretty sure that without a rear cap the furniture would fall out.

I love it!

jimcumminsw · 09-16-2015, 03:37 PM

This is a very nice feature on the Cedar Creeks units plus the automotive widows that they have. Sure washes up nice compare to my old 2010 Cougar.

schrod · 09-16-2015, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

This is a very nice feature on the Cedar Creeks units plus the automotive widows that they have. Sure washes up nice compare to my old 2010 Cougar.

LMAO

Cummins12V98 · 09-17-2015, 04:32 AM

Because they look good!

IC2 · 09-17-2015, 08:19 PM

I have to say that the nice rear cap on our last 5er sure looked good (Titanium) but it did come with an added 'price' for maintenance time and effort vs the 2014 Montana with the flat panel. As far as better fuel mileace - not a clue as I traded a V10 gas truck for a much improved mpg diesel about the same time.