Rear flap

[ttarob]

Just wondering what the thoughts are on the rear flap, whether the solid rubber one that goes all the way across or the grass skirt?? I will be using a dolly this year and would like to put something across the bum of the motorhome to try and keep the debris off the car .... Just getting thoughts on this subject!!

Thanks !!

[Mr_D]

We've had the solid ones on our last two MH's. Coming through the Cascades from Bend a few years ago we got a lot of red volcanic rock and mud on the towed. Not sure if anything would have helped with it.
Some people like them, some hate them.

[MSHappyCampers]

We have the UltraGuard solid rubber rear flap, 4" off the ground, and a Protect-A-Tow shield. I feel this gives us the maximum possible protection. I don't see how the "brush" type flap could possibly stop big rocks!

[ttarob]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

We have the UltraGuard solid rubber rear flap, 4" off the ground, and a Protect-A-Tow shield. I feel this gives us the maximum possible protection. I don't see how the "brush" type flap could possibly stop big rocks!

We were out campin this weekend, and our friend that was with us has a C class with the solid rear flap ... She says it actually drags and throws debris on her Escape ... Hmmmmm I think I might be leaning towards the grass skirt!!

[dennis45]

There are other posts on this subject.
During our trip to Alaska last summer, our toad was covered in tiny stones every day after going through the construction areas. To make a long story short, I took ours off and left it in Whitehorse, Yukon and no more stones on the toad. I use a Kar Gard to protect the front of my toad and will not be installing a new flap anytime soon. IMHO, the two flaps directly behind the rear duals do more good, if properly installed than the big ol flap.
Others have reached the same conclusion after removing the rear flap. My guess is if you are using a dolly, the front of the car is high enough that you don't require a full flap or anything else.

[ttarob]

Originally Posted by dennis45

There are other posts on this subject.
During our trip to Alaska last summer, our toad was covered in tiny stones every day after going through the construction areas. To make a long story short, I took ours off and left it in Whitehorse, Yukon and no more stones on the toad. I use a Kar Gard to protect the front of my toad and will not be installing a new flap anytime soon. IMHO, the two flaps directly behind the rear duals do more good, if properly installed than the big ol flap.
Others have reached the same conclusion after removing the rear flap. My guess is if you are using a dolly, the front of the car is high enough that you don't require a full flap or anything else.

I have thought about changing the flaps behind the rear wheels so they cover more and leave it at that .... I used to be a truck driver .... So putting on longer flaps is right up my alley ....

[Bumps]

We took ours off -- initially for weight management reasons (they are quite heavy). At a WIT rally they parked us back-end to a hill, so I had to take it off then, again, for clearance reasons. Drove without it for a trip or two and realized that the front of the Jeep wasn't getting as dirty. Not a scientific comparison, of course, but eventually compromised and installed the hula skirt. When the airbags let down and the rear end is against an uphill, the hula skirt just collapses (see picture); no worries.

Still have the mud flaps behind the rear wheels, tho. Seems to do the job.

\ken

[ttarob]

Originally Posted by Bumps

We took ours off -- initially for weight management reasons (they are quite heavy). At a WIT rally they parked us back-end to a hill, so I had to take it off then, again, for clearance reasons. Drove without it for a trip or two and realized that the front of the Jeep wasn't getting as dirty. Not a scientific comparison, of course, but eventually compromised and installed the hula skirt. When the airbags let down and the rear end is against an uphill, the hula skirt just collapses (see picture); no worries.

Still have the mud flaps behind the rear wheels, tho. Seems to do the job.

\ken

Yes I have seen them, thought they looked quite heavy, I have been looking back thru previous posts here about this subject ...... It has been discussed a lot!! So I'm thinking that a nice heavy duty semi truck muds flaps are the answer for my setup!!!

[Chuck 1935]

I have used the Rock Solid flaps all across the rear of the Coach with no gaps above it and no gap for the tow hitch. Nothing can get past it. It is the only thing thatI have found in 100,000 miles of towing that works well !

[allegro1x]

go with the solid rubber guard, others don't really do much. Dave

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by ttarob

We were out campin this weekend, and our friend that was with us has a C class with the solid rear flap ... She says it actually drags and throws debris on her Escape ... Hmmmmm I think I might be leaning towards the grass skirt!!

Sounds like she's got it mounted too close to the ground! The recommended height is 4-6". If she had been using the Protect-A-Tow, she would not likely have had any damage even with the flap too low!

[Chuck 1935]

I also have a solid fancy guard that says ITASCA on the pretty stainless steel panel . The problem that I found was that it let debris over the guard. When I put on the ROCK SOLID guard, I mounted it on the bottom of the rear cap with no gaps above it and no gaps for the tow hitch. I also left a gap so that it doesn't drag on the ground. It is also stiff enough that it doesn't get deflected by the air.

[srh]

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935

I have used the Rock Solid flaps all across the rear of the Coach with no gaps above it and no gap for the tow hitch. Nothing can get past it. It is the only thing thatI have found in 100,000 miles of towing that works well !

I agree, except instead of rubber which will eventually deform due to heat from the exhaust, I would use the material they use for conveyor belts. I had to replace one on my Essex as it was real warped. It really worked out nicely.

[Chuck 1935]

Originally Posted by srh

I agree, except instead of rubber which will eventually deform due to heat from the exhaust, I would use the material they use for conveyor belts. I had to replace one on my Essex as it was real warped. It really worked out nicely.

That's a very good idea. I'll have to look for some of that material .