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  • Mud Flaps / Rock Guards for trailer protection

    I searched this topic before posting and looked at Howards howson mod thread.

    I currently have DuraFlap https://duraflap.com on my current dually. They do an OK job, but do not offer full protection. I am considering them (rear) for my new truck. They make a long extended model now. Thinking Ford stock mudflaps up front should work well with the running boards the KR comes with.

    However for the rear its a different story. Like Howard we are planning a trip up north next year. I know I will be taking some side trips on the gravel roads so I was looking for extra protection.

    I want to protect the front of my trailer as best as possible!

    In my travels I have seen a lot of hitch mounted rock guards

    https://www.etrailer.com/Mud-Flaps/R...yABEgJglvD_BwE

    https://www.campingworld.com/smart-s...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

    The broom style ones

    https://realtruck.com/p/towtector-me...CABEgI45vD_BwE

    All of the above seem to work, but have one big issue - they all appear to sag over time - especially the single top tube mounted ones like the rock tamers. The Broom stiye seem to sail pretty high while traveling offering a bit less protection.

    The I ran across this
    https://www.agricover.com/mud-flaps/

    Is anyone using this RockStar unit? Seems to be of a very stirdy construction. Even though I tow a 5th wheel I will neeed to install a ball shank to attach.

    All of the models will also interfere with the back up sensors too. Was hoping to have them functional when the trailer is not attached.

    Thoughts or suggestions?

    Thanks
    Keith
    Last edited by howson; 02-05-2022, 01:32 PM. Reason: Spelling in title...
    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.

  • #2
    Yoda Keith, If you do an under bumper model it should not interfere with the sensors. Not to mention no need for a shank (shin adjuster) sticking out the back. I imagine with a little fabrication one could use standard mud flaps and square tubing to make something similar. Just depends on how much time you want to put into the fabrication.
    Joseph
    Tow
    Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
    Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
    South of Houston Texas

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    • #3
      I fabricated my own before we had the fiver. It works well and I kept it just inside the end of the bumper so one would not catch there knee on it. The flaps are about 1" off the ground when towing. I do have flaps on the truck as well. The one issue is that trailers are a lot wider than trucks 6 or 8" of the trailer sticks out past the truck so unless you stick the mud flap out that far they will not totally do the job you think they should. Mine does save the front of RV but I do end up with some road debris on the landing gear, I have snap pads installed so they collect a little stuff. I also collect debris on the rear stabilizer jacks and have been thinking on mud flaps for the RV but not sure if that would look funny or not. For the price they want for some those that you have listed if you can build you own it would not cost half that much. I have thought about building new ones that would attach under the bumper as Joseph has mentioned above but have not done that yet.

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

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      • #4
        I'm cheap - my solution was to take my pintle hitch adapter with a piece of angle iron drilled and bolted across the lower open bolt holes, then a couple of used mud flaps from a dump truck on either side with a couple of lime-green/orange tennis balls on the ends to avoid an encounter that would produce "unkind verbiage" and away I went. Zero clearance issues, not the prettiest or slickest setup, but not bad looking either and it was less than $50.
        Towed in rain, sleet, sanded roads, etc. and it's done a nice job protecting the trailer. Been thinking about a wrap film of some sort on the front of the trailer for added protection.
        Important note for Chevy owners - keep an extra tennis ball around - after 1000 miles or so the one on the passenger side will be a bit melted? Turns out the exhaust temp when it leaves the tailpipe might be a bit higher temp than tennis balls are designed for!
        Like the idea of mud flaps on the trailer for the same reason mentioned above, will have to take a look at how they'd work.
        Chris
        Chris
        2019 Solitude 3740BH
        2019 Chevy 3500HD Duramax SRW

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        • #5
          Yoda

          If you make something yourself that attaches to the truck, be cautious about the ground clearance. Not an issue going forward, but when backing up long mudflaps can get pinched between the tire and a curb (or other obstruction). Mudflaps getting ripped off a truck make a lot of noise. Ask me how I know.
          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

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          • #6
            Originally posted by howson View Post
            Yoda

            If you make something yourself that attaches to the truck, be cautious about the ground clearance. Not an issue going forward, but when backing up long mudflaps can get pinched between the tire and a curb (or other obstruction). Mudflaps getting ripped off a truck make a lot of noise. Ask me how I know.
            Yep - I saw that adventure in your other thread


            Thanks everyone for the advice.

            I just remembered what my father did to his Airstream before our Alaska trip in the 60's - he put stick on carpet tile on the front of the trailer. Been thinking of that and getting the extra long duraflap's. However I remember Mom having a fit getting the tiles and residual glue off after the trip. Hmmmm something else to think about. They sure would be easy to install. No holes and simpler than cutting a piece of sheet metal to fit.
            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.

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            • #7
              Yoda Keith, keep in mind that the farther those flaps are from the tire the larger and lower they will need to be in height and width due to the geometry of things. What ever you end up with the closer to the tire the better, more rigid as opposed to flexible or broom style which could easily end up against the tire while backing and be pulled off along with part of your truck, which sounds as though you have experience wit?. Another thought, I see on motor homes many rock guards/flaps that contact the road while traveling and on bumps, many with metal wear strips on them. That is a roadside fire hazard, I have seen sparks fly at night.

              Dave
              flyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)

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              • #8
                In addition to the very appropriate comments about length leading to either a dramatic (Howson's post above) removal of the flaps or causing sparks & roadside fire issues, if you do use my idea of attaching to the hitch you need to be aware clearances when turning. I've checked a number of times but so far it seems like as long as you stay close to the rear bumper and not extend much outside the rear drive tire width there's plenty of clearance. Have a few ideas for improvements I'm hoping to make before traveling this winter - if I get them done will share some pictures.
                Chris
                2019 Solitude 3740BH
                2019 Chevy 3500HD Duramax SRW

                Comment


                • #9
                  Yoda

                  Did you ever buy anything? I'll be towing over a gravel road through Canada (unavoidable unless I want to do a LOT of back-tracking) so looking for extra protection. Here's what I've looked at so far:
                  • Rock Tamers: I don't like their relatively limited coverage--huge gap in the middle. I've read plenty of complaints of how they wobble side-to-side (similar to what you posted).
                  • Rockstar: Nice hardware--most expensive. https://www.agricover.com/hitch-moun...-flaps/videos/
                  • Luverne: Terrible reviews on Amazon--lots of complaints about the hardware.
                  • Towtector: Their "Level 4", for the money (all of these are $$$), has a "horse hair" layer and then a rubber flap. Best of both types of rock guards IMO. There's also a bar support behind the rubber flap to minimize sailing (nice). Hardware looks excellent. Convenient wall mount can be purchased separately. No cutting of the flap (can order size desired). 96" width covers my dually's tires. Still need to see if there's room with my Blue Ox ball mount as outlined on https://towtector.com/instructions-o.../#howtoMeasure My truck has the "low sensors" as shown on the website--nice that they've taken this into consideration in the build.

                  If anyone else has an opinion--would like to read it. Fire away (please)...

                  Howard
                  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
                    Originally posted by howson View Post
                    Yoda

                    Did you ever buy anything? I'll be towing over a gravel road through Canada (unavoidable unless I want to do a LOT of back-tracking) so looking for extra protection. Here's what I've looked at so far:
                    • Rock Tamers: I don't like their relatively limited coverage--huge gap in the middle. I've read plenty of complaints of how they wobble side-to-side (similar to what you posted).
                    • Rockstar: Nice hardware--most expensive. https://www.agricover.com/hitch-moun...-flaps/videos/
                    • Luverne: Terrible reviews on Amazon--lots of complaints about the hardware.
                    • Towtector: Their "Level 4", for the money (all of these are $$$), has a "horse hair" layer and then a rubber flap. Best of both types of rock guards IMO. There's also a bar support behind the rubber flap to minimize sailing (nice). Hardware looks excellent. Convenient wall mount can be purchased separately. No cutting of the flap (can order size desired). 96" width covers my dually's tires. Still need to see if there's room with my Blue Ox ball mount as outlined on https://towtector.com/instructions-o.../#howtoMeasure My truck has the "low sensors" as shown on the website--nice that they've taken this into consideration in the build.

                    If anyone else has an opinion--would like to read it. Fire away (please)...

                    Howard
                    Howard
                    I am going with the DuraFlap https://duraflap.com/. But I need the truck to measure. They should be low enough to catch most of the rocks. I had them on my dually and they did very well. Then from another Rv forum I picked these up from HD https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficM...-301386838-_-N

                    The color on one side is very close to the color of my rig. Was going to trim and install. Was going to use double sided tape or mounting squares and just put them on the front of the trailer. They said GoofOff takes the tape residue right off.

                    However I do like the Rock Star. The other with the brushes if set too low will actually kick up more rocks if the brush hits the ground.
                    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


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Yoda View Post
                      The other with the brushes if set too low will actually kick up more rocks if the brush hits the ground.
                      Yep--that's why they stress a minimum of 3-4" of clearance when hooked up. The Towtector also has an additional 2" of adjustability built-in per their website.

                      Since I already have mudflaps behind the wheels, I'll stick with them vs getting the Duraflap. They are a little unorthodox but they work. https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ock-guards-mod

                      The TowTector will probably only get used on this one trip to Alaska since I know I'll be towing over a gravel road for 100+ miles.

                      What I found when measuring to see if the Towtector will fit is my Ford's receiver adapters stick out (unnecessarily) and there's just under the minimum 1.5" of clearance required due to how the Blue Ox's ball mount is constructed. I'm thinking if I bore out the receiver's insert holes (so the inserts slide back in further) I'll have the 1.5" gap needed. Modifying the inserts will not change the receiver or ball mount holes. Here's a visual of what I'm trying to describe:

                      Click image for larger version

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                      I'm going to call Towtector on Monday to discuss. I'd also like to know if there's any way to incorporate an anti-rattle device. I doubt I'll be able to utilize the one I have now if I go with their product.

                      Howard

                      P.S. Also concerned about the trailer behind the wheels of the camper...the Morryde Independent Suspension frame looks like a perfect place to rig up some homemade mud flaps. I'll post that in a separate thread as I get to it.

                      Click image for larger version

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                      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

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                      • #12
                        You could build your own custom ones like this,
                        Click image for larger version

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                        A welder, some 1" square tubing and a couple mud flaps and bolts is all you need.

                        I have also been thinking of adding mudflaps to the camper, I get lots of rocks and debris on the jacks which are located pretty close to the tires, another winter project.

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

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Country Campers View Post
                          You could build your own custom ones like this,
                          Click image for larger version

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                          A welder, some 1" square tubing and a couple mud flaps and bolts is all you need.

                          I have also been thinking of adding mudflaps to the camper, I get lots of rocks and debris on the jacks which are located pretty close to the tires, another winter project.

                          Brian
                          Almost exactly what I'm thinking for behind the camper, Brian, attached to the IS framing except I'll have to figure it out sans a welder. (I envy your knowledge and skill in that department!)
                          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

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by howson View Post
                            What I found when measuring to see if the Towtector will fit is my Ford's receiver adapters stick out (unnecessarily) and there's just under the minimum 1.5" of clearance required due to how the Blue Ox's ball mount is constructed. I'm thinking if I bore out the receiver's insert holes (so the inserts slide back in further) I'll have the 1.5" gap needed. Modifying the inserts will not change the receiver or ball mount holes.
                            Do they say why they want the 1.5"? The mount does not look that thick. If this is the one you want get it before you think about boring out the insert. From your picture, I think it will clear. Your truck mudflaps should work fine too the way they are.
                            Last edited by howson; 02-05-2022, 04:35 PM. Reason: trimmed quote
                            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.

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by howson View Post

                              Almost exactly what I'm thinking for behind the camper, Brian, attached to the IS framing except I'll have to figure it out sans a welder. (I envy your knowledge and skill in that department!)
                              Howard - don't you need a new tool???? On my bucket list is a Lincon dual voltage mig/tig one that should work fine for this type of project, but I would need to take a class and there don't seem to be any around here. High school got rid of most of thier shop classes. I tried stick welding once - blob, blob, hole, blob, stuck rod, burn myself - repeat.
                              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.

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