Flagpole Buddy Mount Without a Ladder

[steveinfla]

We have a 2024 Phaeton 40IH. Our last coach had a ladder but this one does not. Previously we used two Flagpole Buddy ladder mounts to hold a Starlink and a weather station on each side of our ladder. I really liked the Flagpole Buddy system and found it super convenient and very easy to put up and take down the poles.

I am considering trying their suction cup mounts (and I probably will even though I’ve read they might leave visible rings that require a little elbow grease to remove).

But what I’d really like is to install the Flagpole Buddy ladder mounts directly to the side or back of my rig. They can be screwed directly to a flat surface and don’t have to be used on a ladder . But I’m not super excited about putting screw holes in the side of my rig. I’m also not sure if I do screw the mounts to the side of the rig that they will be sturdy enough to hold a Starlink or a weather station. The other mounting option I’m considering for the Flagpole Buddy mount is VHB tape. Both options will probably muck up the paint a little and/or leave holes but if I never take the mounts down then maybe I won’t mind.

I have a hitch mounted flagpole holder but I don’t really like it. I’m also not really interested in a mount that goes under the tire.

Anyone have thoughts on possible permanent (or semi-permanent) mounting options for the Flagpole Buddy ladder mounts to the side or back of a motorhome?

Thanks,
Steve

[David 70]

Screwing them to the side/back of the motorhome would be the most secure way to do it. I don't see it would be any worse than what the factory does so far as mounting items. You would have to be sure to get them anchored to an upright under the skin and seal them like the factory does. If done correctly they would not look bad. The only thing is, when you trade/sell the unit they would probably need to stay with it. I know it is always hard to start butchering up a new vehicle but, like I said the factory mounts things to the sides all the time. How do you think they fastened the ladder?

[777 Driver]

Steve, if you decide to go that route, be prepared for some slapping of the pole on your coach. There's a lot of flex in that pole and the mount will put the flagpole very close. I'd also be very, very concerned that the forces exerted on your mount will rip it off from your coach leaving a bunch of damage.

I really enjoy flying my flags and was a fan of the Flagpole Buddy system ladder mount on a prior coach. My current coach doesn't have a ladder. I tried the suction mounts. Didn't like them for a variety of reasons.

I've transitioned to a hitch mounted, aluminum pole. Much prefer that system.

I apologize that I'm on my phone. Later today, I'll post info on my setup.

Take care,
Stu

[steveinfla]

I am using the Flagpole Buddy 2" diameter aluminum pole sections that are about 4' long and snap together. Previously when I had the mounts on the ladder I used 2 sections of pole for both the Starlink and weather station. The total pole length was about 7'. That got them both a little above the roof which was perfect. Those poles are pretty stiff and as long as I don't extend them super high I'm hoping they won't flex very much. Ideally I'll end up with a very similar setup if I mount the holders to our rig.

I attached a picture of our previous setup when we had a ladder.

-Steve

[steveinfla]

Originally Posted by David 70

Screwing them to the side/back of the motorhome would be the most secure way to do it. I don't see it would be any worse than what the factory does so far as mounting items. You would have to be sure to get them anchored to an upright under the skin and seal them like the factory does. If done correctly they would not look bad. The only thing is, when you trade/sell the unit they would probably need to stay with it. I know it is always hard to start butchering up a new vehicle but, like I said the factory mounts things to the sides all the time. How do you think they fastened the ladder?

Those were my thoughts...the manufacturer makes holes and mounts things to the rig. I'm confident I can seal any holes so they don't leak.

Any idea how to find supports or uprights in the wall?

[Alpine36]

I’d use a hitch mount long before I would drill a bunch of holes in the body.
If and when you try to sell the coach stuff like that is a real turn off to many potential buyers. One advantage to a hitch mount is you can easily add multiple “poles” on a tee bar and they can be gimbal mounted to easily fold them down for maintenance, flag changes, aiming antenna etc.
All with no chance of damaging paint.

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

Later today, I'll post info on my setup.

Take care,
Stu

As promised, here's the flag pole that I use:
https://www.uncommonflagpoles.com/th...gpole-20-foot/

20 foot telescoping flagpole made of sturdy 16 gauge aluminum with an anodized finish.

https://www.uncommonflagpoles.com/flagpole-solar-light/

so that I can leave it up during hours of darkness.

I attach it to the receiver hitch using something like this: https://www.uncommonflagpoles.com/al...e-hitch-mount/

My hitch mount was actually fabricated so that I can attach the mount without requiring me to remove my towbar. Flag set-up/tear-down takes about 5 minutes and is rock solid.

I'd be very, very concerned about screwing the FlagPoleBuddy mounts to/thru the coach wall, regardless of whether you're able to connect with some more sturdy structural member behind the fiberglass. The forces generated by the wind on your flag(s) will be substantial. Plus, those forces are generated at the end of a relatively long moment arm.

The ladder mount FlagPoleBuddy spreads that load over, typically, 8 attachment points for the ladder. Those attachment points are designed to handle shear forces on the ladder.

Imagine how much force will be generated by a 25mph wind on a flag (or two) coming from the front of the coach. If you believe that you'll NEVER leave the flag(s) up during a wind, you're much more diligent than I.

Take care,
Stu

[Dutch Star Don]

We don't have a ladder on ours and I still like to fly the flag. I didn't want to mess with a hitch mount as it would require my tow bar removal. I'm also not a fan of the tire holders.

On my coach, the horizontal crossbar for the hitch had open area on both sides. The photo below is a little hard to decipher, but I added a second receiver to the left of the main receiver (driver's side). I bought a receiver from Harbor Freight and used two U-bolts to secure it to the top of the horizontal hitch tube. I made a square tube that slid into the receiver and welded a round vertical tube to that to hold the round Flag Pole Buddy flagpole.

[Electrified]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

As promised, here's the flag pole that I use:
https://www.uncommonflagpoles.com/th...gpole-20-foot/

20 foot telescoping flagpole made of sturdy 16 gauge aluminum with an anodized finish.

https://www.uncommonflagpoles.com/flagpole-solar-light/

so that I can leave it up during hours of darkness.

I attach it to the receiver hitch using something like this: https://www.uncommonflagpoles.com/al...e-hitch-mount/

My hitch mount was actually fabricated so that I can attach the mount without requiring me to remove my towbar. Flag set-up/tear-down takes about 5 minutes and is rock solid.

I'd be very, very concerned about screwing the FlagPoleBuddy mounts to/thru the coach wall, regardless of whether you're able to connect with some more sturdy structural member behind the fiberglass. The forces generated by the wind on your flag(s) will be substantial. Plus, those forces are generated at the end of a relatively long moment arm.

The ladder mount FlagPoleBuddy spreads that load over, typically, 8 attachment points for the ladder. Those attachment points are designed to handle shear forces on the ladder.

Imagine how much force will be generated by a 25mph wind on a flag (or two) coming from the front of the coach. If you believe that you'll NEVER leave the flag(s) up during a wind, you're much more diligent than I.

Take care,
Stu

Stu, can you tell me the diameter of the hitch mount you have? It looks like 3" their website but they don't say. TIA

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by Electrified

Stu, can you tell me the diameter of the hitch mount you have? It looks like 3" their website but they don't say. TIA

The inside diameter of the aluminum tube is 2 5/8". A PVC tube liner is provided that fits inside the aluminum tube. The flag pole (mine is the Original 20' pole) fits inside the PVC sleeve. The inside diameter of the PVC tube is 2 1/2".

Take care,
Stu

[Electrified]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

The inside diameter of the aluminum tube is 2 5/8". A PVC tube liner is provided that fits inside the aluminum tube. The flag pole (mine is the Original 20' pole) fits inside the PVC sleeve. The inside diameter of the PVC tube is 2 1/2".

Take care,
Stu

Thank you. I believe I am going to go with this hitch mount. It appears I can use my HF flagpole and the sleeve with no modifications.

https://servicefirstproducts.com/pro...39340022137032

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by Electrified

It appears I can use my HF flagpole and the sleeve with no modifications.

As long as the flagpole fits snugly in the tube, it should be good. It it's loose, any wind will result in annoying rattling and result in additional stress as the flagpole flops around in the tube.

Take care,
Stu

[M Smith]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

As long as the flagpole fits snugly in the tube, it should be good. It it's loose, any wind will result in annoying rattling and result in additional stress as the flagpole flops around in the tube.

Take care,
Stu

Would a shim(s) help that?

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by M Smith

Would a shim(s) help that?

I'd expect so. My flagpole fits into the holder with just enough play to allow the pole to slip into the holder. The flag exerts quite a bit of force on the pole holder when it's flying in the wind.

Take care,
Stu