Mud Skirt / Flap

[newer]

I am probably going to attach the following Mud Skirt to my RV because a cover is NOT to be used on a MC or it will get beat to death with scratches at a minimum. I am in the process of building a custom removable platform that will slide into a custom dual mount receiver on the frame. Pics later when finished.

The skirt I selected shown below is on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/Splash-Stop-Protective-Brush-sections/dp/B009MPC7IC/

Questions:

1 - Is a mud skirt or flap necessary if not doing a tow (vs attached)
2 - Skirt instead of flap to allow air and no rocks or mud
3 - What is minimum distance from the road the bottom edge should be

 

[JTseed]

Mud Skirt

I've also have a 17 270s and have been researching "mud flaps". I'm now focusing in on the "hula skirt" style rather than the solid mud flap I had on my previous motorhome. Here's my opinion on your questions:

1. I'm not aware of any legal requirements to have mud flaps because the rear wheels have fenders (bottom of the coach) to reduce throwing of road debris. I'll be hard mounting mine to keep on even when not towing. It's more of courtesy to those vehicles behind me rather than a requirement.

2. From my personal experience and from talking with a friend who used to drive trucks I'm going with the skirt rather than flap. I've had road debris bounce off my solid flap and break the toad windshield. I think that the brush/skirt style absorbs small rocks and/or at least slow down the bigger chunks of road debris. I'm guessing you'll get a few replies just the opposite saying the solid flaps are better.

3. Around 4 inches seems to be average opinion on road clearance.

I'm interested to see the pics when your project is complete.

 

[kenandterry]

99% of trucks have flaps.

UPS and Fed Ex use grass skirts along the sides.

Just an observation on the interstate.

 

[newer]

I've also have a 17 270s and have been researching "mud flaps". I'm now focusing in on the "hula skirt" style rather than the solid mud flap I had on my previous motorhome. Here's my opinion on your questions:

1. I'm not aware of any legal requirements to have mud flaps because the rear wheels have fenders (bottom of the coach) to reduce throwing of road debris. I'll be hard mounting mine to keep on even when not towing. It's more of courtesy to those vehicles behind me rather than a requirement.

2. From my personal experience and from talking with a friend who used to drive trucks I'm going with the skirt rather than flap. I've had road debris bounce off my solid flap and break the toad windshield. I think that the brush/skirt style absorbs small rocks and/or at least slow down the bigger chunks of road debris. I'm guessing you'll get a few replies just the opposite saying the solid flaps are better.

3. Around 4 inches seems to be average opinion on road clearance.

I'm interested to see the pics when your project is complete.

I know that there is no legal requirement - that is handled by the existing rear dual wheel solid flap. Being that they are many feet away from the rear wheels, there is no possibility of getting "run over" or something so I am going to go as low as reasonably possible - probably 2"-4" from the road level. Again, as I am attaching vs towing, the skirt may be a moot requirement. Pics of my mods and FR's lousy (non-existent) QC may be seen at Observations and Feedback regarding the RV and Travel Trailer Industry .

 

[CoMaddMax]

On the 5er my dad had he put the hula skirt on it and he towed his boat thousands of miles without any stone chips on the boat or trailer. His was 2" off the road with the trailer on the truck. It went from one end of the 5er bumper to the other end.

 

[newer]

On the 5er my dad had he put the hula skirt on it and he towed his boat thousands of miles without any stone chips on the boat or trailer. His was 2" off the road with the trailer on the truck. It went from one end of the 5er bumper to the other end.

That was my best guess too. 'nice to hear that 2"s is OK - That is what I was planning on doing. I ordered it yesterday and I should have it and installed over the weekend unless something comes up.

 

[mogman]

I have the Hula skirt. it is about 1" above the road surface. When driving at 65 mph it raises to 2 to 3". We have put 25000 miles towing the Dakota inc AK BC and Yukon and have yet to get a paint chip or a busted windshield. You will get fine dust on the toad and plenty in the engine bay, but it washes off easily. I've seen rigs with the toad covered in plastic, tarps and even a bed quilt as well as all the proprietary hitch covers. You don't need any of that with a Hula skirt.

 

[RVSmitty]

Mud Flaps

The stock Dodge flaps were too short and I was throwing mud and rocks on the 5th wheel. Found a new full size flap for a motor home on Craig's List. Cut the center section out as it was too wide for the truck. Made a "T" for the stinger and attached two removable arms with the flaps. Having removable arms make it easier to stow in the bed when not towing. Only made one trip since I made it, but it seemed to keep the 5th much cleaner.

 

[newer]

That was my choice over the solid flaps, but went with the hula to reduce wind drag to the lowest level possible.

 

[newer]

View attachment 164498Update - I decided to cnx my order for a mud flap. After reviewing what I am going to do (fabrication), the bottom plate that the scooter (in reality, small motorcycle) will rest on is level with the bottom edge of the rear end cap/bumper.

Because of that and the angles involved, the rear end vortices will probably make the scooter dirty, ... over time and the mud flap will not aid in preventing anything like that. I do not think that the flap is needed to prevent any thing from hitting or accumulating on the scooter itself because rocks, debris, ... will probably go further aft and more significantly, lower than the scooter's attachment location.



The only benefit of adding any protection would be to traffic following to close.

Photoshop image of what initial design will be - Once I am finished, I will update again.

 

[JohnnyMeteor]

The "hula skirt" flaps you see on the sides or trailers are there to cut down road spray, they are excellent for collecting the spray. Less spray, improved rearward vision in the mirrors for the driver. They will have the same ability on the rear of a vehicle, cutting down spray of dirty or muddy water.

They are also great for stopping or deflecting small stones thrown up by the drive tires, but larger debris with a larger mass will actually find its way through the bristles, not often but I have seen it happen.

There biggest flaw is winter travel. They load up with snow and ice and gain incredible weight. I would assume that wouldn't be an issue for most of us.

My 350 ts goes in next week for a 20" deep and 96" wide solid rubber flap at the back. I will start towing on dolly in April and hopefully it will do the job.