Newbie Surprise or Nontypical Response

[butler]

We all have our story. We retired and are blessed to have ability to buy a new motorhome for adventure. We intend to use it half dozen times a year and felt we would be happy with the Sunstar. First adventure was successful with a list of to do’s generated. One of the more important items is a locking gas cap or fuel port cover. Called our dealer parts department and the fellow recommends we call Winnebago. He explained that W would respond to us and not to him. Seems illogical for W to respond to one time $200K customer and not respond to a General RV multi million dealer rep. If there is a phone number for W with high confidence of response i would gladly use it. Just seemed awkward the so called dealer i bought from had this recommendation. Nontypical i hope.

 

[be happy]

Two ideas for your problem comes to mind. One give Lichtsinn RV a call. They are the go to Winnebago folks and may be able to help. Lichtsinn RV | Winnebago RV Sales, RV Parts and RV Service Dealer

You might also just go to automotive store and get a locking cap.

 

[creativepart]

Glad you have found a motorhome for future trips.

But you have a perception that is typical but incorrect. Buying a Winnebago or any other brand RV is totally different than buying a Ford, or Chevy or any other brand car.

Calling the dealer, or the manufacturer, for something “custom” or anything not part of your original motorhome will be met with blank stares. That’s why General RV doesn’t know the answer, but Winnebago won’t likely know the answer either.

See, Winnebago doesn’t put locking gas caps on any of their motorhomes, so they won’t know what to tell you to buy. If you want to get a locking gas cap do as be happy suggests and go buy one at an auto parts store. There is nothing about the fuel cap on your Winnebago that is unique to your RV.

I’m saying if you want to modify your RV, even with something as minor as a locking gas cap it is up to you to discover what will work. Much of owning a motorhome is figuring out how to make it work, and how to make it work for you.

The chassis of your Sunstar is a Ford F53. So, anything chassis related is still a Ford part.

As to a locking fuel hatch cover (I see you asked about one of those earlier)… nothing like that exists.

Stolen fuel from motorhomes is probably so rare of an occurrence that it’s a problem that hasn’t needed to be solved.

 

[Knightly-WO]

I ordered a 2007 Itasca Sunrise through a dealer. The rig had to be built first so I had a chance to add certain features that I wanted. One of those items was a locking gas hatch cover. The RV was delivered to the dealer about 3 months later and I noticed that it did not have the locking hatch cover. I informed the dealer then took possession. I later received a call from the dealer to bring the rig to have the lock installed. I guess there was a time that Winnebgo did have locked gas hatch covers.

 

[ARKBIZ44]

We all have our story. We retired and are blessed to have ability to buy a new motorhome for adventure. We intend to use it half dozen times a year and felt we would be happy with the Sunstar. First adventure was successful with a list of to do’s generated. One of the more important items is a locking gas cap or fuel port cover. Called our dealer parts department and the fellow recommends we call Winnebago. He explained that W would respond to us and not to him. Seems illogical for W to respond to one time $200K customer and not respond to a General RV multi million dealer rep. If there is a phone number for W with high confidence of response i would gladly use it. Just seemed awkward the so called dealer i bought from had this recommendation. Nontypical i hope.

My understanding is that WGO ceased selling parts outside their dealer network.

 

[Pointyears]

My understanding is that WGO ceased selling parts outside their dealer network.

In which case General RV shouldn’t have punted.

 

[Ted Fyden]

I also wanted a locking gas cap for my RV. F53 chassis. I went to auto parts store and asked for a ford locking gas cap. when they were asking questions, they don't have Winnebago in their system, so I said any ford gas and then I said F350 gas just to give them something to put in. I their computers ask that to find parts. Walla! Locking gas cap that fits FORD F53.

 

[wyocamper-WO]

I bought this one and it fits perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C7YQ2Y

 

[butler]

Two ideas for your problem comes to mind. One give Lichtsinn RV a call. They are the go to Winnebago folks and may be able to help. Lichtsinn RV | Winnebago RV Sales, RV Parts and RV Service Dealer

You might also just go to automotive store and get a locking cap.

I called L and they said and i quote they are technical support to their customers only. Called W number they gave me and response was they don't carry a locking door.

 

[butler]

Glad you have found a motorhome for future trips.

But you have a perception that is typical but incorrect. Buying a Winnebago or any other brand RV is totally different than buying a Ford, or Chevy or any other brand car.

Calling the dealer, or the manufacturer, for something “custom” or anything not part of your original motorhome will be met with blank stares. That’s why General RV doesn’t know the answer, but Winnebago won’t likely know the answer either.

See, Winnebago doesn’t put locking gas caps on any of their motorhomes, so they won’t know what to tell you to buy. If you want to get a locking gas cap do as be happy suggests and go buy one at an auto parts store. There is nothing about the fuel cap on your Winnebago that is unique to your RV.

I’m saying if you want to modify your RV, even with something as minor as a locking gas cap it is up to you to discover what will work. Much of owning a motorhome is figuring out how to make it work, and how to make it work for you.

The chassis of your Sunstar is a Ford F53. So, anything chassis related is still a Ford part.

As to a locking fuel hatch cover (I see you asked about one of those earlier)… nothing like that exists.

Stolen fuel from motorhomes is probably so rare of an occurrence that it’s a problem that hasn’t needed to be solved.

The auto parts cap is not rated for the 2023 F53 chassis. Eventually will get to Ford Truck center. I guess I will make a locking cover and avoid the gas cap light trauma that comes with non factory caps.. People been stealing gas since Henry Ford but worse is if you get a mental midget to add contaminants. Risk probability consequence - high consequence (engine) put a lock on it.
You are right there is no intent for service to be anything except for what the dealer perceives it should be.
Thanks

 

[dkoldman]

What was wrong the locking cap suggested in post #8?

When 1st bought my RV I had the same question, you can find a locking caps most anywhere, the ones I saw way by when were made by slant.

I have Sunstar to and I decided that I didn't want or need a locking cap. My cap was working fine with emissions and ease of use. Never really thought about someone stealing gas. I am not gonna grab my keys every time I pump gas out of that worry. Now if I lost my gas cap which is even harder to do, I would prefer to have a cap that looked like a key was required but it did not actually need a key to twist off.

To your first question I read about the Dealer asking you to call WBGO, I had the opposite initial reaction. That is because the Dealer may have sent you to WBGO simply because they did not want to deal with you. Citing WBGO not getting back to them was an excuse. They have dedicated numbers and can reach WGBO whenever they need, it goes in reverse too. Many Many, Many times, I needed something from the Dealer and they never got back, one call to WBGO and Dealer called the same day.

Maybe Lichtsinn changed the Parts policy today or yesterday. I get info from them all the time to buy parts. The below is in an email I got from them 7/22/25.

Believing you to be telling the truth with what I know I know, I surmise that Lichtsinn may have recently stopped accepting new customers. Maybe they sell parts to me because I am in their system already. I never bought a RV from Lichtsinn. They are on the pricey side, but they simply have the best customer service money can buy. No one is even close.

Lichtsinn RV in Forest City, Iowa, has been awarded the #1 dealer of Winnebago motor homes in all of North America for a single point location dealership each year since 2015. In business for over 45 years, we offer factory-fresh Winnebago Motorhomes and Winnebago Camper Vans and are only one mile down the road from the Winnebago Motorhome Factory in Forest City, Iowa. We also feature pre-owned motor homes and travel trailers. At Lichtsinn RV, we provide fast, efficient and precise RV Service. Our extensive Winnebago Parts Department is the largest in the country, where our team of factory-trained parts team members are ready to assist you with unmatched knowledge and responsive support.

 

[butler]

What was wrong the locking cap suggested in post #8?

When 1st bought my RV I had the same question, you can find a locking caps most anywhere, the ones I saw way by when were made by slant.

I have Sunstar to and I decided that I didn't want or need a locking cap. My cap was working fine with emissions and ease of use. Never really thought about someone stealing gas. I am not gonna grab my keys every time I pump gas out of that worry. Now if I lost my gas cap which is even harder to do, I would prefer to have a cap that looked like a key was required but it did not actually need a key to twist off.

To your first question I read about the Dealer asking you to call WBGO, I had the opposite initial reaction. That is because the Dealer may have sent you to WBGO simply because they did not want to deal with you. Citing WBGO not getting back to them was an excuse. They have dedicated numbers and can reach WGBO whenever they need, it goes in reverse too. Many Many, Many times, I needed something from the Dealer and they never got back, one call to WBGO and Dealer called the same day.

Maybe Lichtsinn changed the Parts policy today or yesterday. I get info from them all the time to buy parts. The below is in an email I got from them 7/22/25.

Believing you to be telling the truth with what I know I know, I surmise that Lichtsinn may have recently stopped accepting new customers. Maybe they sell parts to me because I am in their system already. I never bought a RV from Lichtsinn. They are on the pricey side, but they simply have the best customer service money can buy. No one is even close.

Lichtsinn RV in Forest City, Iowa, has been awarded the #1 dealer of Winnebago motor homes in all of North America for a single point location dealership each year since 2015. In business for over 45 years, we offer factory-fresh Winnebago Motorhomes and Winnebago Camper Vans and are only one mile down the road from the Winnebago Motorhome Factory in Forest City, Iowa. We also feature pre-owned motor homes and travel trailers. At Lichtsinn RV, we provide fast, efficient and precise RV Service. Our extensive Winnebago Parts Department is the largest in the country, where our team of factory-trained parts team members are ready to assist you with unmatched knowledge and responsive support.

Thanks

 

[dkoldman]

Thanks

One other tidbit. If you do buy one online, like here is another one For Ford F-53 Motorhome Chassis Fuel Tank Cap 27914BXMS | eBay

A trick I do is to send a email to the seller telling them the exact year make and model. If they confirm no worries from buying. If they waffle; I move on unless I can confirm their part number elsewhere.

Good luck with what you do

 

[creativepart]

If you note, the “quote” from Lichtsinn was that they only provide technical support for their RV customers. They did not say they don’t sell parts the general public.

And since the OP is searching for a part that actually doesn’t exist it makes sense that Lichtsinn has nothing to offer them. Same goes for Winnebago.

I get it that the OP is concerned about something that the vast majority of owners are not concerned about but what needs to be realized is that since there is little demand for the product he desires the product is not available from Winnebago or its dealers.

Perhaps the OP will develop a locking fuel door and create a whole new product offering for others that share his concerns.

 

[butler]

If you note, the “quote” from Lichtsinn was that they only provide technical support for their RV customers. They did not say they don’t sell parts the general public.

And since the OP is searching for a part that actually doesn’t exist it makes sense that Lichtsinn has nothing to offer them. Same goes for Winnebago.

I get it that the OP is concerned about something that the vast majority of owners are not concerned about but what needs to be realized is that since there is little demand for the product he desires the product is not available from Winnebago or its dealers.

Perhaps the OP will develop a locking fuel door and create a whole new product offering for others that share his concerns

Perhaps.