Mud flaps or tow guard for Vista?

[Skyfarmer]

We are trying to decide between rear mud flaps or a tow guard for our Vista 30T. What do you suggest? If tow guard, solid or brush? Thanks, Lee

[afrescopXx]

Towed about 15,000 miles without flaps, rock shield etc. No damage to the toad, a 2013 Ford C Max hybrid. RV was a 2013 Sunstar 35F.

[Kaz]

Skyfarmer wrote:
We are trying to decide between rear mud flaps or a tow guard for our Vista 30T. What do you suggest? If tow guard, solid or brush? Thanks, Lee

I think the reason why one sees so many contradictory reports might be because the best type of toad protection depends on the geometry of the motorhome and the tow arrangement. Your Vista 30T is similar to our ACE 30.1, and our experience on a 7000-mile trip last year was that the paint on the front of the toad ended up badly chipped and pitted. The ACE has factory installed mud flaps right behind the rear tires and no rear-end mud guard. So, obviously, that combination didn't work with our particular layout. After a fair amount of research (including here: Best Way to Protect Toad), we ended up purchasing a Protect-A-Tow. So far, we're only about 760 miles into using it, but there's no evidence of any harm to the front of the toad, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

Skip

[Goldencrazy]

I agree with no flap or other. I did get a front end cover for Alaska trip from Coastline. Otherwise I use nothing and have no trouble,

[chuckftboy]

I prefer a full rear flap and have never had any damage caused by one. I once had a coach with no rear flap and my towed was always covered with road crud at the end of the day. Besides they look good when they have the coach brand name on them in stainless lettering.

[tropical36]

Skyfarmer wrote:
We are trying to decide between rear mud flaps or a tow guard for our Vista 30T. What do you suggest? If tow guard, solid or brush? Thanks, Lee

We've always run both and like the solid type rock guards, best.

[olfarmer]

Just an update on my last post. We just returned from a 2500+ mile trip to Texas and back, I haven't seen any new damage on the Jeep since I removed the tow guard. I am happy with the results so far. It also makes it easier to access the spare tire which is mounted under the motorhome ahead of the rear bumper (fortunately I did not need it but it is easier to get under there and check the air pressure etc).

[georgelesley]

There are pics elsewhere on this forum of the damage caused but full rear flaps. I took ours off and cut it into mud flaps. We also use the protect-a-tow shield. Stopping flying things is much easier the closer to the tire you can get. Next rain storm you are in just watch the rooster tail some mh' spray with full rear flaps.

[olfarmer]

I had both mud flaps and a tow guard on the Winnebago and pull a jeep. I was getting some rock chips in the paint and the windshield was showing fine specks in it (like sand had been hitting it). I took off the tow guard and I don't think I am getting any damage now. It did seem like the jeep was getting dirtier but I drove in some pretty sloppy conditions. This is the first trip without the tow guard so I can't judge for sure but I think the tow guard was stirring up rocks and sand from the road surface. Just my observations so far. Good luck with your choice.

[Navy_Smoker]

We are happy with a solid tow guard on our 2016 Vista.

[crasster]

I think mud flaps are always better.

[wildtoad]

2gypsies wrote:
Just mud flaps behind each wheel - not across the rear.

This!

[2gypsies1]

Just mud flaps behind each wheel - not across the rear.