Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: need guidance on drilling into frame

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need guidance on drilling into frame

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8261
Printed Date: 30 Oct 2025 at 8:21pm
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Topic: need guidance on drilling into frame

Posted By: Bovine0001
Subject: need guidance on drilling into frame
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2016 at 9:56am

I am new to working with trailers and I was thinking about mounting a sewer hose holder onto the metal frame of the trailer.

I need guidance on how to safely do this without ruining the structural integrity of the frame. I have read that drilling in the center is important. Anything else?

Thanks in advance.

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2014 Rpod 178
Mods in Order:
1: Added USB charging port
2: Added Spigot at Fresh Water to make easy empty
3: Solar Panel
4: Cut dinette bench panel to improve access underneath

Replies:

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2016 at 11:22am

No problem drilling for small screws. Drill toward the center of the frame member. Use #12 hex head stainless steel sheetmetal screws and flat washers. Predrill with the recommended size drill or 1/64" larger. Be careful as SS screws are brittle and can be twisted off.

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: Bovine0001
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2016 at 11:51am

So maybe not use the impact driver, or it may sheer of heads of screws. Thanks for the help

-------------
2014 Rpod 178
Mods in Order:
1: Added USB charging port
2: Added Spigot at Fresh Water to make easy empty
3: Solar Panel
4: Cut dinette bench panel to improve access underneath

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2016 at 11:59am

Absolutely do not use an impact driver or any power tool. For the initial installation use a hand wrench. That's why the hex head. I predrill and carefully thread the screw in, backing off frequently and advancing like a machine thread tap, until the threads are cut. If you have to remove the screw and reinstall, twist it backwards until you feel it align with the previous threads to prevent cutting new threads. Sheetmetal and self tapping screws can be cantankerous.

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: Bovine0001
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2016 at 12:08pm

Great advice. I've never thought about how self tapping access worked. I will be gentle

-------------
2014 Rpod 178
Mods in Order:
1: Added USB charging port
2: Added Spigot at Fresh Water to make easy empty
3: Solar Panel
4: Cut dinette bench panel to improve access underneath