Community Forums

hypoxia · 10-15-2018, 01:57 PM

The big mudflap fell off on one side so I removed it.

Is there any reason to put it back on? I see most folks that travel to Alaska remove it. Do they ever reinstall it?

palehorse89 · 10-15-2018, 02:01 PM

Leave it off , your engine compartment and everything will stay cleaner......

dennis45 · 10-15-2018, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palehorse89

Leave it off , your engine compartment and everything will stay cleaner......

I agree, I just followed a Beaver down the highway today with a toad. Every time he went over a dip in the pavement the flap touched the paved surface and I could see a fine spray of sand coming off the flap.
Normal height off the surface looked to be about 4-5" but because of the length between the flap and the rear wheels it didn't take much of a dip before the flap hit the pavement.
I removed mine from our old Dutchstar on our way to Alaska and found no more need for rock guards etc and no more stone chips on the CRV.

xydial · 10-15-2018, 04:23 PM

I removed my flap on the Alaska trip since it threw stones onto the protect-a-tow guard. I reinstalled it when I got back to the lower 48. It lowers the temperature on my rear radiator motorhome in hot weather.

Also, I hit a semi tire tread this summer. I could not move over since I had a semi next to me. The tread bent the flap but saved the tow car. Took the flap off, straightened it and replaced.

RockyMtnRide · 10-15-2018, 05:09 PM

Xydial. I’m curious why the mudflap would affect the engine temperature. Have you got a theory why? I took mine off going to Alaska and have never replaced, but I’m always interested in my rear radiator Diplomat running cooler

MSHappyCampers · 10-15-2018, 07:14 PM

I have a solid rubber flap across the back of the MH to stop the large stuff, and a Protect-a-Tow mesh shield between the MH and toad to stop all the small stuff! Works great for me!

Skiddy · 10-15-2018, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyMtnRide

Xydial. I’m curious why the mudflap would affect the engine temperature. Have you got a theory why? I took mine off going to Alaska and have never replaced, but I’m always interested in my rear radiator Diplomat running cooler

I don't have the rear flap. but here is my theory. with it installed it forces air through the radiator instead of letting it escape around it.

Finance · 10-15-2018, 07:32 PM

I'm keeping mine in the garage. It'll get reinstalled before I trade her in. "My mom only drove this coach to church on Sundays" LOL.

bigjim8499 · 10-16-2018, 05:36 AM

Took mine off 10 yrs ago and never looked back.
JimE
06 exec

will stevens · 10-16-2018, 07:11 AM

I also had unavoidable tire debris bend my flap, and saved my toad.
I have considered removal, but can see the benefits. Straighten and re hang.

CountryB · 10-16-2018, 07:22 AM

The flap looks good too - at least the ones with the chrome. IMO

xydial · 10-16-2018, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyMtnRide

Xydial. I’m curious why the mudflap would affect the engine temperature. Have you got a theory why? I took mine off going to Alaska and have never replaced, but I’m always interested in my rear radiator Diplomat running cooler

I suspect it sets up a high pressure wave under the engine and forces additional air into the radiator.

Constant battle to keep my coach cool!

palehorse89 · 10-16-2018, 07:49 AM

Fan's are rated in CFM, and will not change due to a mud flap..........Pulling Fan's will provide better cooling than a push fan per this article.
https://www.cgj.com/2013/09/06/why-y...the-right-one/

That is why bigger HP diesel engine's in larger Coach's use a side radiator.........fan pulling air.

hypoxia · 10-16-2018, 07:58 AM

I don't have any cooling problems but I do get rock chips on the toad with the mud flap on.

I guess I'll store it for when I sell the RV, the Signature is so nice it'll be long term storage.