Backing Into Drive With Rock Guard

[bresdogsr]

We will be picking up our new to us 2014 Dutch Star 4018 on Tuesday.

I have to back up over a rolled curb into my drive, probably 4 inches elevation. How do I prevent the rock guard from getting damaged? I would prefer not to remove it.

Thanks in advance. Probably many more diesel newbie questions heading your way[emoji3] .

[David D.]

I installed a eye hook in the center of the guard near the bottom. Then when I unhook my tow I attach a bungie cord and raise the guard up and anchor to tow bar. This will prevent it from binding when the air is dumped and should also help when backing up a drive way.

[D Lindy]

Just dragging it over the curb I doubt will damage it, and it should be far enough back from your rear tires that they will not snag it. The thing to do is have some one there to watch it as you back in. I probably will be a non issue.

[palehorse89]

Agree with the above post.........it will be hitting the ground a lot when you dump the suspension and when backing a lot. Here is a recent thread on these rear flaps http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/rear...ch-307128.html to read through while waiting for others to post advice..........
Congrads on your new Coach............post some picture's when you get a chance Please!

[C.Martin]

It is pretty easy to secure the guard with a couple of rope ratchets...They have "S" hooks on the ends... hook the running end thru one of the chain links from the front side of the guard...then pass it under the guard and thru the frame guard loops then over to the hitch..secure...and pull the tag end of the rope tight thru the ratchet mech.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Carolina-...&wl13=&veh=sem

[dav-cle]

Originally Posted by David D.

I installed a eye hook in the center of the guard near the bottom. Then when I unhook my tow I attach a bungee cord and raise the guard up and anchor to tow bar. This will prevent it from binding when the air is dumped and should also help when backing up a drive way.

X2, but instead of bungee I got a piece of coated small coated cable measured to the length I needed with a loop on each end and proper hardware ! Put an S hook on both ends ,and it works great !

[bresdogsr]

Thanks for all the great information!
Will post pics when I get it.

[dutchstr3884]

Best way to protect the rear rock guard is to just remove it and store it in the garage. Lots of benefits in not even having it on the coach.

[bresdogsr]

Thanks again. Used a couple bungee cords and made it in just fine.

[Dutch Star Don]

On mine, I made a metal arm (18") with a hook on one end and one about midway on the arm. I can reach under snag the flap (metal lip on back) with the hook and the second hook drops into the loop on the side of the hitch for your chains. I welded a piece to the end of arm, making a "T", so it's easy to grab.

I have to back over my curb and up a ramp to park mine.

[Jerry J]

I had to drive forward over a curb and smashed the rock guard (?) between the curb and the hitch. I no longer have a rock guard or rock spitter.