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  • Rock Guards (Mod)

    9 Feb 21: This mod is new and "untested". If there are unanticipated issues with the project I'll post a follow-up.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    17 Mar: Yep--there was an "unanticipated issue"! Don't overlook post #10 if considering doing something similar!


    One of the lingering issues I have with my setup is the rocks that get embedded in my '17 Ford SuperDuty's tires. As the readers of this forum know, many campgrounds use rocks on their sites that seem to be just the right size to get stuck in TV tire tread. Sadly, the cap on my 315RLTS shows a lot of evidence from the result of rocks being flung back from my truck's tires. With a trip planned to Alaska in 2022, I had to find a solution.

    When my truck was new-to-me I installed WeatherTech No Drill Mud Flaps (front and rear). They are nice, but not long enough to keep rocks from hitting the camper, thus the need for a different solution.

    The pic below shows just the rear WeatherTech.

    Click image for larger version  Name:	Slide2.JPG Views:	152 Size:	157.9 KB ID:	42417

    Back in September I came across Smart Solutions Rock Solid Tow Guards. The reason I chose these guards is because they will work with a 2.5" ball mount--or in my case the 2.5" Blue Ox WDH I use (and they were on sale at the time).

    Unfortunately, I do not like the Smart Solutions product. At all. They have the same problem as most other rock guards for trucks. What's the primary issue? The guard attaches to the ball mount, so to remove the Blue Ox from the hitch/receiver I had to wrestle with the guard flaps, too, or disassemble the Rock Solid assembly from the ball mount. Those who have read my threads in the past know that I go to great lengths to limit the logistics involved with going camping. I had to figure out a better solution.


    Click image for larger version  Name:	Smart Solutions Combo.JPG Views:	304 Size:	112.0 KB ID:	42413

    What I decided to do was cut down the Rock Solid flaps and attach them to the WeatherTechs. I reused the Rock Solid's hardware. The process was straight-forward: lots of measuring, careful cutting with a very sharp razor knife, and precisely marking equal-distant points for the hardware (and then drilling the holes).

    Note: The nuts, bolts and washers will be replaced with black hardware at some point or at minimum lock nuts and then spray painted. (I cheated and used a magic marker to make the shiny bolts look good for the pictures!)

    The pictures below should convey the story without a whole lot more words. Due to the limitation of five pics per post, the final result will be in post #2.


    Click image for larger version  Name:	Slide3.JPG Views:	151 Size:	139.0 KB ID:	42415

    Click image for larger version  Name:	Slide4.JPG Views:	153 Size:	148.8 KB ID:	42414

    What's not evident is there is velcro that runs the width of the flap to keep the Rock Solid flush where it meets the bottom of the WeatherTech. I anticipate having to reinforce this at some point with a better bonding method if the velcro peals away.

    Click image for larger version  Name:	Slide5.JPG Views:	152 Size:	98.4 KB ID:	42416

    Go to post #2 to see the final result...


    Last edited by howson; 03-17-2021, 05:13 AM.
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

  • #2
    As promised, the final result. I'm very pleased with the initial results. I have enough left over material I may add flaps to the front WeatherTechs, too!

    Click image for larger version  Name:	Slide6.JPG Views:	0 Size:	158.9 KB ID:	42419
    Last edited by howson; 02-09-2021, 09:50 PM.
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

    Comment


    • #3
      Howard, You ever heard of Duraflap (https://duraflap.com)? There are several members on a diesel forum I frequent that have had issues with various brands and all seem to like these.
      Joseph
      Tow
      Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
      Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
      South of Houston Texas

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Jlawles2 View Post
        Howard, You ever heard of Duraflap (https://duraflap.com There are several members on a diesel forum I frequent that have had issues with various brands and all seem to like these.
        Geez...I've read dozens of threads on this subject and no one has ever mentioned this option. My googlefi is obviously not too good, either, as I didn't find it during my searches.

        The Duraflap looks like it's essentially what I just did to my WeatherTechs (sigh).

        Good resource for someone else looking for a solution!
        Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

        2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Jlawles2 View Post
          Howard, You ever heard of Duraflap (https://duraflap.com)? There are several members on a diesel forum I frequent that have had issues with various brands and all seem to like these.
          Those look great! I may be trying them. Thanks
          Steve, Sue, and pups Sky & Sierra
          2017 Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS
          2017 F350 CC, LB, 4x4, 6.7 Blue Ox WD

          Comment


          • #6
            We have the Duraflap on our tv. Most brands I looked at were to short to be effective. They were also no drill install. Very pleased with how they turned out.
            2022 Momentum 397THS-R 12/3/2021
            Traded 2021 Reflection 337
            2020 Chevy Silverado 3500 DRW
            Formerly M&K337

            Comment


            • #7
              I have the https://duraflap.com/ extended length on my 04 dually. I see that have expanded the line. No issues and they work very well - especially with rocks into the front of my trailer. It will be one of the first things on the new to be truck.
              2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

              Comment


              • #8
                I looked and looked for some decent mud flaps for a dually. I found some truck mud flaps at an auto parts store for $15 each. I cut them down a bit on the sides and fitted them up into the Ram wheel wells and attached them in there. Just make sure they are not to low or backing up to a curb will damage them. KEN



                2016 Grand Design 380TH as of 10-29-2015. It's HUGE.
                Update: Traded Momentum for a New 2018 374TH-R Solitude as of 3-16-19
                10-19-18 - 2016 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Crew Cab 4 X 4 Long Box.

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                • #9
                  Finished the front today, using the leftover material from what I cut up for the rear mud guards.

                  The front flaps hang down a little further than I wanted, but the rocks "pinging" off the undercarriage (from the front tires) as I exit a campground is a lot less likely.

                  The with-WeatherTech-mud-guards-only (an aftermarket addition I put on the truck when I bought it) pics are on the left and the modified version with the trimmed-to-fit Rock Solid material is on the right. I used two bolt/nuts to secure the Rock Solid material to the WeatherTech.

                  The process was the same as what is documented in post #1.

                  For the sharp-eyed forum members...yes, I have some alignment issues on that front right tire. The outside edge has excessive wear compared to the inside edge. :(

                  Click image for larger version  Name:	Front Guard Install.JPG Views:	0 Size:	143.4 KB ID:	43528
                  Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

                  2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    So there I was, backing up over a ramp when I hear "crunch" from the rear of the truck. Uh oh.

                    What I found was the Rock Solid flap I'd added on the rear passenger side lying on the ground. Apparently the flap pinched between the ramp and tire, ripping it off the Weathertech. There was minor damage to the Weathertech and also to the inner fender mount on the truck. Thankfully the damage was minor and was easily fixed with a bit of SuperGlue and baking soda*.

                    I shortened all four of the Rock Solid flaps so they are now 4" from the road with no load applied to the suspension. It was easy to shorten the flaps with them off the truck using a straight edge and a sheet rock knife.

                    So why post this embarrassing mod fail? To emphasize once again that anyone contemplating duplicating what I attempt must accept the risk of "oopsies" like this one.

                    To paraphrase John Maxwell from his book Failing Forward, mistakes are stepping stones for success. Based on the number of mistakes I make I'm well on my way?

                    Howard

                    *Superglue and baking soda? yep...

                    How to Repair Difficult Plastic Parts..Super DIY Hack (Sweet Project Cars)



                    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

                    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Howard

                      Back in the day when I had big mud flaps on my pickup I cut a small slot from the bolt hole to the top of the flap. This allowed the flap to be pulled off when encountering an obstacle such as you did. We also use to have chains from the bottom of the flap to the frame of the truck to allow the flap to be raised for this as well. Ah the good old days when trucks were dressed up and cool looking.

                      Brian
                      Brian & Michelle
                      2018 Reflection 29RS
                      2022 Chevy 3500HD

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Thanks for sharing.
                        We went with the Rock Tamer system because we also use our truck for pulling a 20 ft Hewescraft alum weld boat. The RT's work great and are easily adjustable up and down for the load you are pulling.
                        2021 F350 Lariat DRW 4x4 6.7 diesel
                        2021 Grand Design Solitude 310GK-R

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