Community Forums

dkperez · 09-22-2024, 07:33 AM

We have a 2010 Cougar 5th wheel. This year it had some repairs and among them was replacing the rear bumper. Our sewer hoses were the "standard" ones that look like this:

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When the repaired RV came back from the shop, and we took off on the first trip, when it came time to dump, I pulled the nice new rubber bumper caps off, reached in to pull out the hose, and IT NOT MOVE... Jammed in the bumper tight. Then ensued a 20 minute battle to get the hose out because it was jammed tightly into the bumper. Then I got to do it a SECOND time 'cause the OTHER side was ALSO jammed tightly into the bumper.

I never had this problem with any of the previous RVs, but did bumpers change size somewhere along the way?

Brunnie · 09-22-2024, 07:45 AM

I've found that the ears have to be in the corners of the bumper to make things fit right. Based on previous trailer ownership... I do believe that the bumpers are slightly smaller, but the sewer hose will fit.

**hamm2018** · 09-22-2024, 08:57 AM

On our first 2 RVs we used the bumper to store the sewer hose, like everybody else. After replacing the bumper on the 2nd rig, I figured out the bumper rusted from the inside out, because of water left in the sewer hose when stored.
I started using the storage tubes for the hoses.
https://www.campingworld.com/valterr...077_color=blck

Mudfrog · 09-22-2024, 09:19 AM

I would forget about using the bumper for storage. Instead, mount a piece of pvc pipe under the trailer, glued cap on furthest end, screw fitting with cap on the end near the drain area. Nice and smooth with much less chance of causing pin holes to develop in the hose.

dkperez · 09-23-2024, 06:16 AM

I thought about using a tube for that. I"ll have to look and see where there's a good spot for one. I know a number of people have used a length of 4" pvc with ends for storage, but we never had this problem with any of the previous bumpers. This one doesn't fit even in the corners. It's extremely hard to get the hoses in and out.

Persistent · 09-23-2024, 09:20 AM

Good advice posted above. Sometimes the welded on bumper has welds protruding into the interior. Those bumps may tear up a hose.

I use a plastic tube underneath that is bolted to the frame.

oldenavy · 09-23-2024, 09:36 AM

I always connect the sewer hose to itself, making a loop. That way nothing can spill out. With our fivers, I kept it, along with any sewer fittings in a Rubbermaid tote in the truck bed. Easy access when needed and never any sewer smell in the storage compartments. Have never used a bumper or storage tube for a sewer hose.

4x4van · 09-23-2024, 01:36 PM

Some newer sewer hoses have also gone to slightly bigger (externally) end fittings; that could contribute to a tighter fit in the bumper.

dkperez · 10-07-2024, 04:04 PM

I really like the continuous loop in the tote in the truck bed...

I've fiddled with my hoses a bit, trying to see if there's a good way to store them in the bumper, but they're definitely too big and bind heavily.
I may try grinding down the fittings on the two hoses, and see if they still work OK, but it seems really stupid that the hoses and storage are so incompatible...

Rhagfo · 10-16-2024, 08:34 AM

Well I placed a 8' long 5" square vinyl fence post under our 5th wheel. this will not only hold the hose, but all the fittings.

Cumminsfan · 10-16-2024, 10:19 AM

Been using this same 5" fence post on 3 different trailers. Keeps my fittings and two sections of hose in it. Guessing its around 12 years old.

I mounted it right next to my sewer outlet on the trailer. No walking back and forth. It's all in one spot for a quick and easy dump.

Rhagfo · 10-17-2024, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhagfo

Well I placed a 8' long 5" square vinyl fence post under our 5th wheel. this will not only hold the hose, but all the fittings.

Well I was able to access my pictures today, so here they are.

dkperez · 10-25-2024, 01:12 PM

It's interesting to see how people have worked around the problem of not having a place to store the sewer hoses, but WHY are we having the problems NOW?

In the previous 50+ years, every trailer we've had, stored the hoses WITH all the couplings IN THE BUMPER. It worked FINE.

THIS TRAILER originally had the hoses with all the couplings in the bumper. It worked FINE until the exiting wheel destroyed the bumper on it's way out. The DEALER, during the repair REPLACED the bumper with one that's a VERY TINY bit smaller - one that DOESN'T fit the couplings OR the rubber end caps on the bumper.

AND THEY KNEW it didn't fit 'cause once I pried the hoses OUT of the bumper, they'd both been ground down on the fittings so the hoses would ALMOST fit in the bumper. Once the dealer crammed them in, it was near impossible to get them out and they DEFINITELY weren't going back in easily.

It's ONLY the female end of each hose the has the problem, so fixing it wasn't a big deal. I ground the four sides of the female ends of both hoses a little more smoothed the areas on everything so they fit easily into the bumper but still retain all the mating surfaces.

What an unnecessary pain in the <>!