Home made mud flaps.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I have been contemplating making mud flaps for my Lincoln and finally decided how I was going to do it. I won't know how well they work until I take a trip, but they should be better than nothing. I decided that it would be simple to add an angle iron on the bottom of my hitch receiver. I bought a piece of 1" angle iron from the metal supply store. I had them cut it 7' long and when I started to fit it in place, I decided that it was about 6"s too long. I laid the angle iron on the ground, up against my rear wheels and cut it to the width of my rear tires. There are two bolt holes on the bottom of my receiver that I had planned on using. I also needed to use larger nuts and a few washers to space it evenly. The two bolts weren't enough to hold the angle iron firm enough so I cut two smaller pieces of 3/4" angle iron to make end brackets. To hold the end brackets in place, I had to drill two 1/4" bolt holes in the receiver. [warning do not cut drill or weld the hitch] OOOppps. Oh well two little holes shouldn't hurt anything, especially where I drilled them. I went to NAPA Auto parts store and bought two of the smallest truck mud flaps they had in stock. I measured and drilled my angle iron and rubber mud flaps to fit where I wanted them. I decided that I wanted to make my own mud flaps because I wanted them to stay on my tow vehicle whenever I unhooked and removed my Equal-i-zer hitch assembly and be able to remove them easily with only four bolts. The total cost was right at $50.00, The break down is $6.00 for the angle iron, $30.00 for the rubber mud flaps, and another $6.00 for nuts bolts and washers. Plus taxes.

[A W Warn]

Those home made mud flap looks good! I've been contemplating making some myself. Thanks for sharing how you did it.

[RLS]

I like that!! In fact, I guess I will be doing that. You did I very clean, simple design that will work good.
Thanks for sharing,

[Mikethefixit]

BOB
They look real good. Thats kinda what I did. I went to the local Fruehuf Dealer(semi-trailer dealer) he had several skids of flaps that were ordered by some company and not used. My hitch(receiver) that came on the truck had openings on the ends. I used two peices of aluminum angle each pushed in from each side.I think I had the bolts and washers. The angles are held in by a tarp strap and can be removed if needed. I probably have 12 bucks in mine. SORRY No pictures. They have been on the truck for 3 or 4 yrs now. I just leave em on all the time. SW 1 tons dont come with flaps is why I leave em on all the time,to protect others and it helps keep from throwin water and stuff on my flatbed and on customers equipment while in transit and I dont have to go hunt them everytime I hook to the AIRSTREAM.

[crispyboy]

Looks good Bob!
I'm also working on a set that is removable. I have everything welded up now I just need to get the flaps.

[doorgunner]

Bob;

Mud flaps??
that ford product got 4 wheel drive?
drive much on dirt roads?

BUT

Where's the chrome silhouette girls?

I'll be looking for them when I see you in Oct. ! !

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

Bob;

Mud flaps??
that ford product got 4 wheel drive?
drive much on dirt roads?

BUT

Where's the chrome silhouette girls?

I'll be looking for them when I see you in Oct. ! !

Hi, doorgunner.

Mud flaps??............... Yes of course.

That Ford product got 4 wheel drive?............No, and you don't have to have 4 wheel drive to need mud flaps; The rear wheels can do a lot of kicking.

Drive much on dirt roads? .................No, but this next trip might be on some unpaved roads.

Where's the chrome silhouette girls?...............Lee Lee said I can't have them; I told her I would put the naked lady on my side and a naked man on her side. I got one of those looks that only a wife can give you!!!!

[Airslide]

You guys are too funny

[masseyfarm]

I tried also to solve the flying stone chip problem for a small investment.
I have mounted behind the wheels the normal OEM mud flaps, but needed something to protect the toad.
My problem with the Clipper was that with the overhang and the low suspension height, many times I will drag the rear on the entrance to the coffee shops on the road. Anything solid on the rear is going to be damaged. I did not want an expensive skirt and solid heavy flaps were not the answer.

This seems so work so far and is light and pivots on the aluminum round stock.
It allows airflow, but restricts most rock chips and slows any that bounce off it.
Our toad Tracker has not experienced any damage so far.

Dave

[JFScheck]

Nice job Robert, and they look good too!

[dznf0g]

Nice, Robert. One suggestion. It appears that there is a space at the top where rocks could get over the top between the bumper cover and the top of the flap. ( and the little ^&*!!!#$% will find any crack). If you can stand behind the truck and see any portion of the tire tread, I would suggest mud flaps for the truck wheel wells, or installing an extension for your rubber a few inches above the metal bar. High enough that you cannot see ANY tire tread from behind.

NEVER MIND, I blew up the pic and see that you have extra rubber folded under. I would worry about wearing the paint on the bumper though. Maybe a couple of Velcro loop side, stuck on at the contact points?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Nice, Robert. One suggestion. It appears that there is a space at the top where rocks could get over the top between the bumper cover and the top of the flap. ( and the little ^&*!!!#$% will find any crack). If you can stand behind the truck and see any portion of the tire tread, I would suggest mud flaps for the truck wheel wells, or installing an extension for your rubber a few inches above the metal bar. High enough that you cannot see ANY tire tread from behind.

NEVER MIND, I blew up the pic and see that you have extra rubber folded under. I would worry about wearing the paint on the bumper though. Maybe a couple of Velcro loop side, stuck on at the contact points?

Hi, yes the rubber mud flaps fold up under the rear bumper, so that area is protected. As for the paint, The Lincoln isn't that nice anymore and I suggest that anyone taking a trip, such as I'm on now, wait a few years with your trailer and tow vehicle because they will be damaged. "Bob & Lee's random trip"

[batman]

Robert I like your idea. I would like to try combining masseyfarms idea with yours. Only using all aluminum angle and frame extruded aluminum for the flap/rock guard. Bolt it on when needed and remove it when I don't. Thanks for sharing...

[doorgunner]

masseyfarm Dave--

Are those vortex generators on the aft side of your rig?
Have you run a reynolds number analysis on your rig?
just wunderin,,,,

[masseyfarm]

Aerodynamic Fuel Economy Savers for Road Vehicles

Yes, these are "AIR TABS" vortex generators. They have been around for a few years and are now common on many new highway trucks and multi trailer combinations (Super B Trains. etc.).
The motorhome/RV market is catching on slowly to the benefits of the "AIR TABS"
On the Clipper, they have 1) improved mileage. 2) helped cool pusher engine temperatures. 3) keeps the rear of the Clipper cleaner, 4) reduces the push when heavy vehicles overtake at high speed. 5) keeps the toad cleaner.

See this thread for some RV questions about the problems that the Air Tabs help remedy.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463/18-wheeler-air-flow-58771-2.html#post775102

Member "Lewster" is a source for more info for motorhomes. Contact him for more info.

The Air Tabs will work on any unit but will give greater results on any squared off corner such as on a moving box trailer.

Dave

Originally Posted by doorgunner

masseyfarm Dave--

Are those vortex generators on the aft side of your rig?
Have you run a reynolds number analysis on your rig?
just wunderin,,,,