Mud Flaps for Trailer ( 315RLTS w/MORRyde IS )

[howson]

I'll be towing over gravel roads and want to protect the gas lines and stabilizers behind the rear wheels from flying debris. My trailer has the MORRyde Independent Suspension (IS) which made this project easy, as there as a perfectly placed 2" beam for the flap supports.

First pic is the before shot -- note the beam.


The supplies used are:
2 ea 3/16" x 2" x 3' flat steel (one on each side as the main support for the flap)
1 ea 1/8" x 2" x 3' aluminum flat (this was cut in half and used to "sandwich" the flap)
6 ea 5/16" x 2" x 3" Square U Bolts (Would have preferred 3/8" but they weren't available)
12 ea nylon lock nuts (added to Square U Bolts)
1 can Matte Black Spray Paint
1 pair Buyers Products 3VUH3 PR Mud Flaps 18"x 12" https://www.walmart.com/ip/Buyers-Pr...laps/912157714
8 ea (4 per side) 1/2 x 2 galvanized hex bolts (cut excess off with dremel before painting) plus flat washers (both sides of "sandwich"), lock washer, and nut

The steel is attached to the leading edge (against the beam). The aluminum is there just to make sure the mud flap doesn't tear easily.

Here's what the assembly looked like prior to installation (after painting):



And how it looks installed...



Hard to see in the picture, but the 1.5' aluminum flat piece (on the rear of the assy) is "caught" by the first square U-bolt which squeezes it against the steel flat. The second and third U-bolt hold the steel 3' flat in place.




Came out as I'd hoped -- expect a report at the end of the summer as to their effectiveness.

Howard

[TucsonJim]

Nice looking work Howard - As always.

Jim

[Jkwilson]

Looks nice and a good idea Howard. Well executed!

My only suggestion is to make sure there is not some unexpected vacuum effect, either normal driving or when passing or being passed by a semi, that can pull them forward into the tires. I’ve learned that pulling a giant box among other giant boxes causes some unexpected air movement.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Should have used more bolts, and bigger bolts.....

[Hogdrv]

Howard

You need a couple of these or the “other ones” if the wife will allow, to keep them weighted down.(pc correct)



Jim

[howson]

Should have used more bolts, and bigger bolts...

It's the largest they had on the shelf! (Yes, they are probably oversized. I wanted to ensure that "sandwich" wasn't going to move!)

[howson]

You need a couple of these or the “other ones” if the wife will allow, to keep them weighted down.(pc correct)

The "other ones" are a non-starter!

If they survive the trip then (maybe) I'll dress 'em up.

[Jkwilson]

It's the largest they had on the shelf! (Yes, they are probably oversized. I wanted to ensure that "sandwich" wasn't going to move!)

Knowing while you are driving that the thing is secure is well worth a few bucks extra for hardware to my way of thinking. That little nagging doubt about your equipment is exhausting!

[Country Campers]

The "other ones" are a non-starter!

If they survive the trip then (maybe) I'll dress 'em up.

Actually the weight will hold them down and not flap all over the place. If they get to flap too much they will end up on top of the tire and will get ruined for sure. If the last the trip with no weights you will not need weights. You could take a piece of extra steel that you used for the brackets , if you have extras, and bolt it to the bottom of the flaps , painted of course, and that will be enough weight. Another thought is back in the day , when I was younger, I had chains on my flaps on my pick up that held them back just a little, looked cool to, not sure if that is "hip" anymore though.

Brian