2nd Lost License Plate - How to secure the license plate?

jkjenn

I lost my license plate, at some point on the return trip home...no doubt, it is on the side of the road on I-80 somewhere between Ogallala and Cleveland. This is the second time I have lost a license plate. The little holders are completely gone. Has anyone figured out a better way to secure the plate?

Ratkity

Are the holders in plastic or do they actually go into metal? If metal, a little blue loctite. If plastic into plastic, a dab of silicone adhesive (shoe goo?) will work.

Nomad

Hmmmmm - Better check mine.

jkjenn

Ratkity said:

Are the holders in plastic or do they actually go into metal? If metal, a little blue loctite. If plastic into plastic, a dab of silicone adhesive (shoe goo?) will work.

No, just plastic. Good idea. Maybe KRAG or Gorilla Glue?

jcfaber1

Thread adhesive because it will break free after a certain amount of force.  You may need to change tags some day.  The brackets themselves is another story.  Attach it permanently.

Ratkity

jkjenn said:

Ratkity said:

Are the holders in plastic or do they actually go into metal? If metal, a little blue loctite. If plastic into plastic, a dab of silicone adhesive (shoe goo?) will work.

No, just plastic. Good idea. Maybe KRAG or Gorilla Glue?

Gorilla glue is water activated and expands. I'd recommend a latex or silicone adhesive. Stays until you want to peel it off with a sharp knife. I found out that half my molding on my T@B is held on by the stuff (as well as the tail lights) and a few well-placed screws. You should see the stuff under the handle moldings.

jkjenn

jcfaber1 said:

The brackets themselves is another story.  Attach it permanently.

Not sure what you mean? The brackets or plate?

jcfaber1

Maybe attached the bracket with screws and the screw has some epoxy on it.  Once hardened, it will give more holding power.  Use blue thread adhesive on the screws that hold the tag to the bracket.

Mouseketab

I lost two plates last year on my Dutchmen Clam. I bought a license plate holder and screwed it directly into my hatch. It's not going anywhere.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/License-Plate-Mount-Tag-Holder-Bracket-6-Secure-Screws-Wrench-Kit-for-BMW-/291329495381?hash=item43d4975155:g:hJoAAOSwc1FXYHu4&vxp=mtr

Allie

Most likely you lost it in Indiana.  Coming thru there to Tearstock, there were many times I wondered how the trailer was still attached to the hitch.  Even had U-Haul examine the hitch to make sure nothing broke/cracked and all the bolts were still there and tight.  Sorry Verna, I know you have nothing to do with the road conditions.  

jkjenn

Allie said:

Most likely you lost it in Indiana.  Coming thru there to Tearstock, there were many times I wondered how the trailer was still attached to the hitch.  Even had U-Haul examine the hitch to make sure nothing broke/cracked and all the bolts were still there and tight.  Sorry Verna, I know you have nothing to do with the road conditions.  

I actually thought about you as I traversed I-80. I didn't find it all that bad. Granted, the roads in the west were much better, but by snow belt standards, they were not that bad. I was thinking more likely Iowa or Nebraska.

mickietucs

Jenn - I used a few pieces of the Command picture Velcro stuff in addition to the two top screws. So far they have seemed to help  - one of the top screws worked itself out of the hole and I've had to reinstall it. But the plate stayed on.

mickietucs

Meant to say 4 pieces (top and bottom).

Allie

The belt and suspenders  approach could also be useful.  I would put double stick carpet tape on the back of the plate also.

jkjenn

Good ideas! I stumbled across 3M Outdoor mouthing tape this year which was pretty amazing stuff, too.

gulfarea

Jenn was your original one plastic? My 2016 plate mount is thin steel. The reason I ask is will mine fall off? Thanks Art

jkjenn

gulfarea said:

Jenn was your original one plastic? My 2016 plate mount is thin steel. The reason I ask is will mine fall off? Thanks Art

I honestly don't recall.