redux: full-length mud flap

amanda_h · 11-29-2009, 12:20 AM

I know this has been discussed many times in the past but I can't find the exact thread I'm looking for.

We seem to have been getting a lot of pitting on our toad windshield and body from gravel and small rocks being kicked up. We've never used a cover or shield because of the initial trip we took doing so much small damage, we just figured we'd use a shield or protect-a-tow or something when we got a new toad or got the one we have repaired.

I know it's been concluded that the full-width optional guard that is hanging a few feet from the rear of the coach is probably doing more harm than good.

We are about to take a longer trip in probably bad weather ...does everybody think the guard should just be removed and thrown out? We are considering just taking it off entirely.

Those of you who do NOT have the full-width guard (taken it off), does your toad and rear cap of the coach get just as dirty and damaged than if you had a full-width guard?

We have a DP that has a shorter overhang than a gasser so I guess we're looking for responses from those who have a DP so the dynamic is the same.

Thanks!

Route 66 · 11-29-2009, 08:09 AM

The problem occurs when the flap contacts the road, which kicks up stones.

I raised my flap so that it's about 6" above the road and I have never had a problem with stones being kicked up. My toad has no dings.

hardy1000 · 11-29-2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amanda_h

I know this has been discussed many times in the past but I can't find the exact thread I'm looking for.

We seem to have been getting a lot of pitting on our toad windshield and body from gravel and small rocks being kicked up. We've never used a cover or shield because of the initial trip we took doing so much small damage, we just figured we'd use a shield or protect-a-tow or something when we got a new toad or got the one we have repaired.

I know it's been concluded that the full-width optional guard that is hanging a few feet from the rear of the coach is probably doing more harm than good.

We are about to take a longer trip in probably bad weather ...does everybody think the guard should just be removed and thrown out? We are considering just taking it off entirely.

Those of you who do NOT have the full-width guard (taken it off), does your toad and rear cap of the coach get just as dirty and damaged than if you had a full-width guard?

We have a DP that has a shorter overhang than a gasser so I guess we're looking for responses from those who have a DP so the dynamic is the same.

Thanks!

Amanda,
I agree with Route 66 adust the flap to about 6 inches off the ground and all should be good.

RVDude · 11-29-2009, 09:19 AM

Ditto 66. Same result even on Alaska roads. I set mine so it's about 4-5" off the road at ride height.

I have never understood why the factory sets them to graze the road surface.

WeatherTodd · 11-29-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVDude

Ditto 66. Same result even on Alaska roads. I set mine so it's about 4-5" off the road at ride height.

I have never understood why the factory sets them to graze the road surface.

so they wear out and you buy a new one!!

RVDude · 11-29-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeatherTodd

so they wear out and you buy a new one!!

Now that's a good one! It's probably true! Ya know, those things are not cheap!

To "raise" the height of the flap I removed the flap, took off the hardware, used the "newmar" metal stencil as a saw fence and actually cut, using an ordinary circular saw, some 3"-4" off the bottom of the plastic. Then laid everything in place, re-drilled the mounting holes, and screwed it all back together using stainless steel hardware. Sounds harder than it was. Did it on a picnic table at a CG. Took a couple hours only because of the copious use of beer and perquisite game breaks. I think I got the newmar right side up?

Route 66 · 11-29-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVDude

Now that's a good one! It's probably true! Ya know, those things are not cheap!

To "raise" the height of the flap I removed the flap, took off the hardware, used the "newmar" metal stencil as a saw fence and actually cut, using an ordinary circular saw, some 3"-4" off the bottom of the plastic. Then laid everything in place, re-drilled the mounting holes, and screwed it all back together using stainless steel hardware. Sounds harder than it was. Did it on a picnic table at a CG. Took a couple hours only because of the copious use of beer and perquisite game breaks. I think I got the newmar right side up?

Same here.

Moved the SS logo strip up as high as I could and cut off the newly exposed black plastic at the bottom.

Chuck 1935 · 11-29-2009, 06:13 PM

I have found that the fancy one with the stainless steel logo looks great but does not work. The stones go over, under and around it. I tried moving it toward the rear but no improvment. I finally got a Rock Solid stone guard from Camping World, made my own steel square tubing mounting bracket at the rear of the MH with NO GAPS and that works. Leave some room at the bottom for the stones to escape and it should work fine.

Baby Bear · 11-29-2009, 08:08 PM

When we got our '06 Saturn Vue I made up my mind we would not replace the windshield because of stone chips from the MH.
Went to the local auto shop that does reupholstery (sp?) work and had a windshiels cover made for $100.00.
Make a cover the size of the windshield out of canvas. Add backing and filler to give it some strength. Light canvas wil NOT work! Use a lighter backing that will not scratch the windshield.
At the top put a strap on each side that you run through the car interior and pulls tight with a slip buckle.
On the bottom add 4/5 straps that extend to the firewall and are held in place with male snaps on the straps and female snaps on the firewall. There was a reason for this setup- you can't pry off a female snap very easy and when they are new they hold very well.
The cover has held up quite well and after traveling through MT,WY and the Dakotas last summer I feel it has allready paid for itself.
If anyone wants more details PM me.

Chuck 1935 · 11-30-2009, 08:53 AM

Before I put on the rock guard I also made a windshield cover. I got a piece of anti slip matting, (the kind with all the little foam beads) cut a piece tall enough to cover the windshield and wide enough to close in the door jambs. Cheap, lightweight, can be used as antislip mat in back of your vehicle when not on the windshield. It worked great. The reason I went with the rock guard was that I was just trying to find a solution that didn't require an extra step when hooking up plus the rock guard also protects the headlights.