Question about mud flaps

[Tinstar]

I've read about the full-width mud flap causing a lot of rock pitting damage to the toad. My Monaco has the full-width flap on the back AND I have individual mud flaps behind the duals.

What is causing the rock damage? Am I apt to get rock damage or will the flaps behind the tires reduce that? Does the full-width flap itself do something?

[Fiesta]

They weight 40+ lbs, cause a lot of wind resistance, kick up stones, get bent, reduce mpg, have to be cleaned a lot, are expensive, drag on bad slops. Any one want one of my two sitting at the house?

[dougrainer]

Been watching all the replies. I had a customer 15 years ago and he had CW install the Broom type rear mudflap. It did NOT stop the small rocks and debris from damaging his tow car. He returned to CW and they replaced the Brush with the Hard rubber at the upgraded cost between the Brush and Hard rubber. Still did not help. He returned and got his money back and then purchased the Tow Guard shield for his particular Tow Bar system. THAT fixed his problem. So, after observing for 25 years and listening to customers complain and if you REALLY LOOK at how that rubber side to side Mudflap sits UP above the Pavement and the gaps between the top and the rear cap area, you will realize they are eye candy. They do NOT shield your tow vehicle from harmful debris. Get a Tow Guard for your Tow Bar system. If a customer asks, that is what I tell them. I tell them if I install one, they own it, no refunds. Doug

[Tinstar]

OK, that's what I was wondering. The full-width flap mainly flips up rocks on gravel roads because of them dragging on bumps, dips, etc.

Thanks for the replies.

[Tyler0215]

Mud flaps are required to prevent rocks from being kicked up by the tires and sent flying into the following vehicle. All MH have enough rear over hang that mudflaps are mainly to prevent rocks from dinging the underbody panels of the MH. As far as the full width flaps go, they are useless because they are so far back from the tires. They do dissipate road spray but little else. If you like the looks, go for it, but don't expect any real benefit.

[gbopp]

hipower wrote:

gbopp wrote:
Are Mud Flaps Required by any State or Federal Law?

There are requirements for mudflaps on commercial vehicles but since we are not driving commercial vehicles it would be highly doubtful.

Some of them state, 'any motor vehicle', depending on the design of the body. So yes, mud flaps May be required on a RV.

SoCalDesertRider is correct, they are seldom enforced.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

When I worked at the RV park, most folks with motorhomes pulling toads had those full-width big hairy mudflaps under the rear bumper, in addition to the individual mudflaps just behind the rear wheels.

I guess the big hairy ones work better than the solid rubber ones?

Alot of the trucks pulling travel trailers and fifth wheels full time had those big hairy full-width flaps too.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Most states have mudflap/fender tire coverage requirements in their motor vehicle codes, usually applying to all vehicles on the road. They are seldom enforced.

[Two_Jayhawks]

I believe the full width mud flap is worthless I am not a fan. I removed it from my last coach very early on and never suffered any ill effects with the toad. The main reason I removed it was on occasion (ok fairly rare) a site at a CG was so lousy when leveling it could drive the flap into the earth and damage it. I believe mfg's install them on coach's because they think we all want them.

[hipower]

gbopp wrote:
Are Mud Flaps Required by any State or Federal Law?

There are requirements for mudflaps on commercial vehicles but since we are not driving commercial vehicles it would be highly doubtful.

[wolfe10]

The REAR mud flap can easily touch the ground when you go over bumps. That brings up debris from the road.

[gbopp]

Are Mud Flaps Required by any State or Federal Law?

[subtroll]

We made our Alaska trip with a $100 "Rock-Solid", heavy duty plastic strips, guard and had zero Toad damage. My friend, traveling the same roads,speed and equivalent rig had a $500 solid board mud guard. The Board scraped up lots of rocks and covered his toad's hood and roof. As stated the biggest problem is on-coming gravel trucks.

[jorbill2or]

The flaps behind each wheel do the best job in protecting the towed , if the are positioned properly , high enough not to drag.they are the best as they are far enough forward of the rear. The rear full flap needs to be high enough that it never touches and doesn't create a air turbulence that can suck small rocks up and throw them into the towed. My belief is that the rear flap is mostly a appearance item. To make the rear of the coach look nice. Several folks I know who travel gravel roads remove them for the trip.

[bobkatmsu]

When folks drive the rough roads in Alaska, the mud flaps drag on the gravel roads with all the dips they have and kick gravel back on the toad. Most people take the mud flaps off before the get on the Alcan highway and put them back on, on the way home.