bent bed leg - support post

[Dunnfamily4]

I have a 2000 Coleman Westlake and we had some unknown mishap with one of the bed legs (outside support posts) on our last trip.  The bed is a king size on the rear of the camper.  I have straightened this as best as I can, but I am now worried about the "structural integrity" of the bed leg.  To replace this is pretty steep ($51.13 for part and shipping).  Is there a trick to finding salvaged parts for campers or a secret link to a discounted part supplier?

I think I could manufacture my own replacement at a lower price, but thought I would ask from anyone with a similar experience.  Thanks - PLD

[wavery]

I have a 2000 Coleman Westlake and we had some unknown mishap with one of the bed legs (outside support posts) on our last trip.  The bed is a king size on the rear of the camper.  I have straightened this as best as I can, but I am now worried about the "structural integrity" of the bed leg.  To replace this is pretty steep ($51.13 for part and shipping).  Is there a trick to finding salvaged parts for campers or a secret link to a discounted part supplier?

I think I could manufacture my own replacement at a lower price, but thought I would ask from anyone with a similar experience.  Thanks - PLD

WELCOME TO PUT

I would go to my nearest hardware store and buy a similar size (O.D.) piece of electrical conduit. Cut it to the same length and use the old bracket. It'll be stronger than the original but slightly heavier.

If the color offends anyone, paint it black .

The other option would be to buy a smaller (O.D.) tube, slide it inside the damaged one and pop rivet it (or screw it) in place (so it doesn't keep sliding out).

NO WAY would I pay $60 for that leg :yikes:

[campdaddy]

To expand on Wavery's idea, I think I'd consider finding a tube or conduit that fits over the support tube. I'd think you'd only need it to be 12 to 16 inches long. Also, I'd epoxy it in place so you don't have to drill any holes which might weaken it. I agree, 60 bucks is way too much to pay. :eyecrazy:

[Hunt4Fun]

Duct tape fixes everything!  

Just kidding.  I would opt for the pipe on the outside of the existing one option.  That way, if the old pipe tries to move it won't go very far.  If pop rivets are not available, consider drilling through in a couple places and using some bolts, washers and nuts.  The pop rivets would be better only because they don't stick out, but not everybody has a tool and rivets.

And to match, you could paint all four pipes.  

Oh, and try to get a galvanized pipe so that will stand up to the weather.  Black pipe will rust quickly.

Hunt4Fun

[popupcop]

I like the conduit idea. It will look neater and be a stronger fix. I wonder if a larger pipe will still let the bed frame slide in?

[Dunnfamily4]

Thanks for all the helpful hints and a cheap, workable solution.  Happy camping, PLD.

WELCOME TO PUT

I would go to my nearest hardware store and buy a similar size (O.D.) piece of electrical conduit. Cut it to the same length and use the old bracket. It'll be stronger than the original but slightly heavier.

If the color offends anyone, paint it black .

The other option would be to buy a smaller (O.D.) tube, slide it inside the damaged one and pop rivet it (or screw it) in place (so it doesn't keep sliding out).

NO WAY would I pay $60 for that leg :yikes: