The rear bumper is useful for carrying long thin items such as awning poles or a TV antenna mast.  It is however dirty inside (virtually impossible to clean), the metal poles rattle around, and the primitive "hinged flap" allows any water thrown up by the wheel to enter.  All these deficiencies can be overcome by lining the bumper with a 2 metre length of 90mm storm water grade PVC pipe fitted with a weatherproof screwed cap. The existing hinged flap and latch are first removed and the holes plugged with stainless steel (or well plated) self tapping screws.  The "inner" end of the pipe is sealed by cementing on a 90mm storm water plain end cap.  On the other end cement a 90mm storm water screw end cap fitting.  >From just inside the pipe screw four self tapping screws (15mm long, 4mm dia, pan head) diagonally opposite each other into the triangular gap formed between the round pipe and the square bumper.  These gaps are then filled with a two-part building filler which once hardened, locks the pipe inside the bumper via the four screws.  Paint the exposed filler the same colour as the bumper. Inside the (now dry) bumper, we carry the awning poles (in calico bag), guy rope pegs (6), guy rope shock absorber springs (6), guy rope adjusting springs (6), and guy ropes (6).

Pam & Keith Thomas