Sheet Metal Box Around Exhaust on New Interstate

[interstateflyer]

I noticed that the 2006 Interstate has a 3 sided galvanized "box" around the exhaust pipe as it runs from the chassis frame to the end of the pipe. This is where it runs under the fiberglass running board. This part is not on my 2005.

Does anyone know why this was added to the 2006 model?

[xrvr]

Don't know, but I bet it is to protect the pipe. I've managed to drag mine when going over a curb (don,t ask!). I also own a 2005 Interstate. Jim

[xrvr]

another thought is that the floor under my dinette is directly over the exhaust pipe, and it gets warm, not hot , after a long drive. Could the box be to help keep the floor cooler? jim

[eubank]

Yeah, it's probably to keep the floor from getting too hot. My old MG had the exhaust pipe directly under the foot area, driver's side. On one long trip in the Texas summertime a couple of decades ago, I wound up with a blister on my heel from the hot floor. ('Course, it might have helped, had I worn shoes.)

Lynn