Adding tube to rear of QS 8.0

[johnjd]

Hello All,
I want to remove the awning poles from the inside of the popup when traveling. I'm considering adding a PVC pipe across the rear of the camper tied down with zip ties, then just need to figure out how to close off the openings. Do you see any issues with this method? Thx.

[admin]

Heavy duty zip ties should be fine and using threaded end caps for the pvc should work great.

[stevesanders]

I put a 4 inch PVC pipe under my 6.0 several years ago for the same reason.  I used threaded end caps on both ends and cut the pipe so each cap is even with the side walls.

The part of the threaded cap that glues to the pipe also provided a more sturdy area to attach the pipe to the camper.  I bought a short piece of aluminum angle-stock from a big box store and made two brackets that I attached to the inside of the camper frame.  That provided a flat surface just above the area where the cap glues onto the pipe to bolt the pipe to the bracket.  I put rubber washers on both sides of the plastic pipe to absorb vibration and a fender washer on the inside to spread the load.

It's been under there for at least 5 years now and the only time I remove the tent poles is when I'm using them.  I've never had any problems with it.

[stevesanders]

Oh... I put mine just in front of the axle.  I thought that would be the least likely location to ever drag the pipe on the ground.  So far, it's never been a problem.

[johnjd]

Thanks all for the replies. Good to know that no one's had issues. I'll check out the suggestions as they seem reasonable alternatives.