Replacing rear endcap on Coleman

[Campers3]

I have a question, which I hope someone hear can help me with.

I would like to replace the rear endcap on my 2001 coleman trailer.  It has those white ABS endcaps.

Has anyone done this before?  I have done quite a bit of mechanical stuff on autos, homes, rv's, etc... and figure that it doesn't look very hard to replace.

I'm wondering if replacing it with another one from Coleman is the best bet, or if there is another good idea out there.  Maybe that chrome / aluminium diamond plate stuff, custom made to replace the ABS stuff???

I am also looking at replacing the ABS top with one of the new style tops.  Mine leaks through the front and rear seals when being towed in heavy rain.  (I just found this out over the past Holiday weekend.)

Thanks in advance for all your help and ideas.

[Cookalagoonga]

We had a late model Colman Taos and I had to replace the end cap after discovereing cracks come from most of the rivited places.  My dealer told me that the factory had not drilled the holes for the rivits big enough.

After I got the end cap, it sat in my garage for a couple of weeks while I put on my thnking cap.  I decide that I would not use rivits--I have never had any luck with rivits.

I decided to glue it on.  I do not remember what I used, but I went to Lowe's and read every adhesive label in the place.  (I'll look to see if I have any left.)

The only problem that I had was with the wiring that was too short for me to do the job by myself.  after I cut the wires when I took the old cap off, I added enough wire to each lead to allow the end cap to be placed on the ground, leaned up against the bumper.

I used a lot of adhesive and at the bottom where the three of four screws with washers go, I drilled a strip of aluminum stock and used it instead of just the screws and washers.

We used the camper several times and then sold it to someone locally.  They haven't come after me so I am assuming that it is still hanging on.

Those caps are really light and I felt that the adhesive would hold it.

[tleary]

I just remove the ABS storage compartment end cap due to damaged to all the MDF.  The removal was easy because all the MDF was going to be used as patterns and replaced.  The chacks have been opened up and filled with a polyurethane caulking.  As of now all the replacement pieces have been cut,  painted,  and ready to re-install.  FYI  I removed all the MDF by myself.  When it can to removing the nose piece have help...  Check out my pictures of my progress.  I'm updating it  as  I complete each phase.  I hope to have it re-assembled this weekend..  Good luck!!  email me if you should have any questions..  



http://community.webshots.com/album/355971916XGpJWZ

[AlaTex]

tleary

Excellent photos.  I have the same problems.  

Question - Is the storage compartment floor a separate piece of material from the floor in the living area?  From you photos it appears that it is.  

Also, it looks as though the ABS panels (top, front and sides were remover as a unit, is this correct?  On my 2000 MESA, each ABS panel is a separate part.

Keep the photos coming of your progress.

[tleary]

Thanks for the reply.  
Yes,  the storage compartment floor is seperate than the main floor.  It has carrage bolts and self tapping wood screws securing the ABS to the wood floor. There is a plastic "Z" strip that seperates the two pieces. It held down the flooring too.  I'm not going to reuse it.  In fact,  I not going to re-use the two doors that give you access the the compartment..  
The complete nose piece came off as a unit,  abit flimisy with out the wood to surpport it.  Have HELP!!!  Also,  once it is off support it vertically,  so it doesn't sag..  

Last night. I cut the electrical cable and installed a 30 amp marine type plug were the cable came throught the side of the camper.   This was easy since the nose is off...  I have re-gain some storage and won't have any problems with the cable forcing the door open when you push it inside.  I will store the cable it the storage compartment

 I will be adding more pictures to the site tonight.  

.  
http://community.webshots.com/album/355971916XGpJWZ
Keep an eye out for further updates.

[tleary]

I forgot to mention that I just purchased this 2002 Bayside Elite on May 20th.  Nights camping in it  0,  Days working on the repair about 6 part time.  When this is completed,  I hope someone learns something from my experience..   I sure have....

[tlhdoc]

Great pictures.  Take more and keep us updated.

[cupcake4811]

I just remove the ABS storage compartment end cap due to damaged to all the MDF.  The removal was easy because all the MDF was going to be used as patterns and replaced.  The chacks have been opened up and filled with a polyurethane caulking.  As of now all the replacement pieces have been cut,  painted,  and ready to re-install.  FYI  I removed all the MDF by myself.  When it can to removing the nose piece have help...  Check out my pictures of my progress.  I'm updating it  as  I complete each phase.  I hope to have it re-assembled this weekend..  Good luck!!  email me if you should have any questions..  



http://community.webshots.com/album/355971916XGpJWZ

 Do you know how to get the back ABS panel off?  email me at   cupcake@chorus.net

[Jim K in PA]

I forgot to mention that I just purchased this 2002 Bayside Elite on May 20th.  Nights camping in it  0,  Days working on the repair about 6 part time.  When this is completed,  I hope someone learns something from my experience..   I sure have....

WOW!  It is only 6 years old and the flooring is all gone?  What happened?  Abuse by a prior owner?