Mud flaps of the tow vehicle

[Cracker]

No question about the need for flaps on a dually - but a little rock picked up by any aggressive all-weather tread can sure damage the windshield on a car following. I just had my windshield repaired last week for that very reason.

[GStephens]

Enkays are all we have, but I like the idea of another set of flaps nearer the rear tires. Even with the Enkays, I've received a few dings already on our new stainless rock guards installed last month.

GStephens

[clancy_boy]

Just some friendly advice I received at the Can Opener Rally. It is critical with the ENKAYs to have the proper ride height from the road when connected to the trailer. I had improperly installed mine and without the trailer had 3 inches and with the trailer only had 1.5 inches (yes the trailer was hitched correctly and the load distribution hitch was used). This was too close and upon calling the 800 number they told me to have ATLEAST 4 inches and 6 was still not to high when the trailer was connected. Seems you can kick up rocks with the flaps if there is contact with the road in a bounce.

OK - I'm off the soap box - my two cents.

[JStanley]

I didn’t need mud flaps or stone guards with my Chevy Express van. After buying a Suburban, I noticed small dings after one trip. So I got the Enkay type from Cabelas, and they work great.
However- - -they are heavy to put on and take off. There always is a trade-off.
I wonder if there is a lighter kind that would be just as effective, and that I could leave on all the time. Remember it increases the tongue weight.

[clancy_boy]

Originally Posted by JStanley

I didn’t need mud flaps or stone guards with my Chevy Express van. After buying a Suburban, I noticed small dings after one trip. So I got the Enkay type from Cabelas, and they work great.
However- - -they are heavy to put on and take off. There always is a trade-off.
I wonder if there is a lighter kind that would be just as effective, and that I could leave on all the time. Remember it increases the tongue weight.

I asked this question to a company rep - it's really like carrying the same weight in the truck bed. It is forward of the tow ball and is an addition to the total vehicle weight - not the trailer weight.

I agree they are heavy - that's part of there effectiveness - they don't flap - they hang straight down. I remove the flap and bars when not in use and the receiver hitch entirely when not towing. The rattle is annoying.

[ZoominC6]

It looks as if Northern Tools is the low bidder with pricing at $10 below Cabelas plus free shipping.

[Ken J]

Got a question for you Enkay folks - how much of the hitch bar does the Enkay Flap take up - I want to use them for a utlility trailer too and is the isn't much room on the bar -

Ken J.

[clancy_boy]

It needs 2" of space on the bar sticking out from the receiver. Beware - some drop bars have a triangle of steel to support the drop and from above may look like you have room but in reality the space below is used for this support.

[GStephens]

Clancy Boy you are right on with your observations as to proper installation regarding the flap's height above the ground.
GStephens

[SilverGate]

Duraflap Custom Mud Flaps installed today…
For Ford F-250 Superduty 4x2, standard suspension.

Custom order: 2XL FR cut down… 12" hangs below tire well.
Resulting in 7" clearance from ground… unhitched.
I expect about 5 ½" clearance when hitched.
Husband & wife team/owners of Duraflap very helpful with custom order.
They met Rich Luhr at AS International Rally in Salem last year.

Clancy boy is correct re: problems if not enough clearance from ground.
2" or less from ground creates vacuum that pulls up road dust/debris.

I like the idea of this possibly being the only flaps that I will need…
And not worrying about attaching & removing Enkays each time.
And reducing pebbles/rocks thrown up on others who follow me.
But if needed, I can always add Enkays later to hitch.

SilverGate

[2airishuman]

hi silvergate and thanks for posting the pic...

IS YOUR TRAILER BUILT YET?

i like the duraflaps but don't have them...

i'm a fan of the double redundant mudflaps...

using the enkays and husky mud flaps...

a nice feature of the husky flaps is they are custom molded for each configuration...

so they fit the super duty like a glove...

Mud Guards

and are on full time...

while the enkays are just for towing...

the 2 compliment each other and stop more stuff...

even critters...

http://www.airforums.com/forum...th-18538.html?

where u can c they work 2gether!

got chipmonk?

cheers
2air'

[SilverGate]

Thanks 2air’ for your comments re: redundant mud flaps and Duraflaps.

Welcome back from Can Opener Rally… glad you returned safely!

I await your comments regarding trailer coupler locks… my next purchase.
See my thread in Towing sub-forum:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238/theft-prevention-airstream-trailers-29301.html

My answer to your question regarding our Airstream is at:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161/its-thursday-i-like-my-airstream-because-20853-44.html

Cheers,
SilverGate

[Amsterdamer]

Has anyone tried the Blue Ox Sport Guard mud flap? These are similar to Enkay's in that they slide over the ball mount shank. They are priced similar to Enkay's.

Here is the link:
Blue Ox Sport Guard