Fiberglass/plastic Front Cap Protection?

[Trailer traveler]

I just acquired my first trailer with a molded fiberglass/plastic front cap (Salem Hemisphere GLX). Previous trailers had a section of Diamond Plate at the bottom to protect from rocks/gravel. I know there are a are a number of Forest River models with similar front caps. My question is what if anything have you done to protect the front cap on your trailer? I plan on putting mud flaps on the truck.

[SeaDog]

welcome to the forum its a great place to get your questions answered. I have put nothing on the front of the trailer however I run Rock Tamer mud flaps which work well.

[dward51]

I know sign companies wrap the front of expensive vehicles with a thick clear UV resistant plastic. It's called "Clear Paint Protectant Bra Film" and it can be removed later. That would add protection without looking different.

I used to work with a guy who would buy a new boat every few years. From the dealer, he would take it to a sign shop and have the whole thing wrapped with a custom graphic set (not the clear). When he got ready to sell it, they pulled the wrap off and the gelcoat was just like showroom brand new 3 years later. I've seen him do it more than once so it's not a fluke. He recently did his new pickup truck that way also.

[Trailer traveler]

Originally Posted by dward51

I know sign companies wrap the front of expensive vehicles with a thick clear UV resistant plastic. It's called "Clear Paint Protectant Bra Film" and it can be removed later. That would add protection without looking different.

I used to work with a guy who would buy a new boat every few years. From the dealer, he would take it to a sign shop and have the whole thing wrapped with a custom graphic set (not the clear). When he got ready to sell it, they pulled the wrap off and the gelcoat was just like showroom brand new 3 years later. I've seen him do it more than once so it's not a fluke. He recently did his new pickup truck that way also.

Thanks for your response. I went to a couple of shops that do vehicle wraps. They want about $1000 to do a 36" strip at the bottom of the front cap. I'll have to give that a little more thought.

Originally Posted by SeaDog

welcome to the forum its a great place to get your questions answered. I have put nothing on the front of the trailer however I run Rock Tamer mud flaps which work well.

Thanks for your response and welcome. I am looking at the Rock Tamers. A few bad reviews on Amazon. I have a Chevy 3500 SRW Duramax. The exhaust looks like it might be an issue. There are some mentions of exhaust melting the Rock Tamer flaps.

[SeaDog]

The chevy exhaust coming straight out the back would be a problem for any bumper or hitch mounted mud flaps

[Tall frog]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

The chevy exhaust coming straight out the back would be a problem for any bumper or hitch mounted mud flaps

I have the rock tamers and bought some diamond plate from H.D. then someone cutting and bending made a heat sink to stop the exhaust from melting the rubber. You can buy a premade heat deflector just for that purpose, I was cheap and in a hurry.I have used it for over 12,000 miles and no problems.

[Trailer traveler]

Originally Posted by Tall frog

I have the rock tamers and bought some diamond plate from H.D. then someone cutting and bending made a heat sink to stop the exhaust from melting the rubber. You can buy a premade heat deflector just for that purpose, I was cheap and in a hurry.I have used it for over 12,000 miles and no problems. Attachment 206779Attachment 206780

Thanks for the reply and photos. How far is the Rock Tamer from the exhaust. Looking at my 3500 it looks like the flap would be 6-7" from the exhaust with the exhaust at a slight angle to the outside of the flap.

[Tall frog]

Originally Posted by Trailer traveler

Thanks for the reply and photos. How far is the Rock Tamer from the exhaust. Looking at my 3500 it looks like the flap would be 6-7" from the exhaust with the exhaust at a slight angle to the outside of the flap.

Ypu are correct about the distance, the flaps are adjustable, I will try to take a photo of the flaps on my truck later today.

[woo10-210]

Originally Posted by Trailer traveler

Thanks for your response. I went to a couple of shops that do vehicle wraps. They want about $1000 to do a 36" strip at the bottom of the front cap. I'll have to give that a little more thought.

$1,000?!!! That was their "we really don't want to do it" price. Try auto window tint shops for the paint protector. Many do the paint protection film and they're much more competitive than a body wrap shop.

[SeaDog]

Originally Posted by Tall frog

Ypu are correct about the distance, the flaps are adjustable, I will try to take a photo of the flaps on my truck later today.

On my 2017 2500 Ram the tailpipe is 19.5" from the Rock Tamer. My flaps are connected to the stinger of the WDH not my receiver. That way when I remove the WDH the flaps stay with it.

[Trailer traveler]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

...My flaps are connected to the stinger of the WDH not my receiver. That way when I remove the WDH the flaps stay with it...

I have a Hensley hitch so if I get the Rock Tamers, they will be attached to the Stinger. I have a Chevy 3500HD with the Duramax engine. The exhaust is pretty much straight out the back. Just a slight angle to the curb side.

[Tall frog]

Originally Posted by Tall frog

Ypu are correct about the distance, the flaps are adjustable, I will try to take a photo of the flaps on my truck later today.

Here are photos of my flaps on my GMC, this worked for over 12,000 miles towing our CC 36ck2 in all kinds of weather. Sorry took so long to get the photos, raining last 2 days.

[Trailer traveler]

Originally Posted by Tall frog

Here are photos of my flaps on my GMC, this worked for over 12,000 miles towing our CC 36ck2 in all kinds of weather. Sorry took so long to get the photos, raining last 2 days.Attachment 206939Attachment 206940

Thanks! That really helps. I am going to order the Rock Tamers.

[Trailer traveler]

Got the Rock Tamers and got them installed. There is about 9" of clearance to the tail pipe. Will be working on installing a heat shield.

Thanks to all who commented, provided suggestions and photos!!