securing the underbelly

Hello, we have a 2005, 32ft WC with the heated underbelly. We are the 2nd owners on this rig. We bought it just this past September and this is our first 5th wheel. I noticed the plastic undercover is beginning to break away in places from the screws that fasten it to the frame. Does anyone know a better way to secure the undercover rather than just screws?

I stole an idea from scruffy and tater,,,,

flatten the ends of some metal conduit and bolt that to the frame across the underbelly. I used two sections about 5 foot apart toward the front of the camper.
Large washers would help keep it from pulling away from the screw heads.

welcome to the forum....

to the forum. Admin is right on the money

Aw Phillip. You didn't steal our idea. Once we post it, it's here for the sharing. Besides, we stole it from somebody else, just don't remember who.

Tater

Is 1/2 thin wall conduit the best way to go?

I too did this on my Wildcat, had some left over so I put the rest on my Montana.

Not sure how thin thin wall is, but if you cant bend it easy, yes it will work.

the hardest part is drilling the holes in the ends to line up with the existing holes.

I was using my vice to flatten out the ends, until I stripped the threads on the vise.

A hammer on a flat piece of wood is what I used to beat the ends flat. But I think regular conduit is pretty much one size fits all for the cheap stuff.

Would you use 1/2, 3/4, or 1 inch? Thin or thick wall?

Think of the weight, if you used 6 conduit tubes @ 1lb in weight= 6lb
use 6 tubes @ 2lb each =12lb The conduit is only going to hold the underbelly cover in place and help stop it sagging, so I would save weight and go light. Another option is to use plastic water pipe fitted with plugs in the end to add strength, but very light.
Sean

I just went out and looked at the label, its 1/2 inch, but not sure if its thin wall or thick wall. I know I cant bend it with my bare hands.

But like Sean said, its only holding up the plastic, so thin would work fine.

Thank you one and all for the advice.

There is two types of conduit EMT and Rigid EMT is a tubing and very thin and light Rigid is basicaly Pipe but no weld seam inside also is about equivelent to standard sch 40 pipe so it is much heavyer so I would go with the EMT if I did it.

I am LOVIN this Forum!!Thanks everyone! As soon as the snow melts a bit...

That's what this forum is about helping member feel at ease and hopefully giving some good advice
Sean