After Market Replacement for large mud flap?

LK23 · 02-06-2006, 01:38 PM

I bent the large mud flap on the rear of my 2005 Horizon 40AD. The replacement costs almost $600. Has anyone replaced their mudflap with an after market version? Any recommendations?

LK23 · 02-06-2006, 01:38 PM

I bent the large mud flap on the rear of my 2005 Horizon 40AD. The replacement costs almost $600. Has anyone replaced their mudflap with an after market version? Any recommendations?

Dougmyers · 02-06-2006, 05:40 PM

This flap can not be removed and repaired?
Seems that would be the cheaper way to go if possible.

AFChap · 02-06-2006, 06:07 PM

I believe if I were you, and the "flap" could not be straightened, I would just toss it and forget about it. From all I've read, they don't really help, and in some cases they cause more damage than they prevent, particularly if they are too close to the pavement. Your real mud flaps are mounted immediately behind your rear tires.

RedT · 02-07-2006, 03:34 AM

Don't know, but was told by a Winnebago engineer a few years ago that the original purpose of the "mug guard" was to prevent rocks thrown by the rear wheels from entering the radiator - not to protect the toad.

The placement of mine seems to suggest that is the purpose - don't know if I would remove and toss.

RedT · 02-07-2006, 03:35 AM

Shoulda been "mud guard"

Fat fingers

CHIPPYSGT · 02-07-2006, 04:26 AM

LK23,

I did the same thing on my new Meridian. Upset to say the least, let alone the "I told you sos" from the "boss".

I removed it, laid it on the ground with a blanket under it and drove over it with my Jeep. One trip running the length of it straightened it right out. I put the chrome side down with the hump up in the middle.

I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain with the attempt.

It worked like a charm.

Good Luck!!!!!!!

Doug

CHIPPYSGT · 02-07-2006, 04:31 AM

Don't forget the blanket or the chrome will scratch on the ground or pavement. I laid mine in the driveway of a campground in Carlsbad, NM.

The flap is very heavy, so the easiest way to get it back up is have somebody hold the loose end to keep it from tipping over while you try to hook the first side up. I then put a block under the second side to hold the weight and it went right on.

It helps if you call it the rigth names in the right order, too!@#$%^&*()_

Doug

Zimectrin · 02-07-2006, 04:50 AM

To answer your question, there is an "UltraGuard" at the RV stores that fits Winnie. Runs appox. 100.00. We purchased the tallest one and cut it in half. Now we have a one in the shed for when the other one gets creamed.

Like has been stated, don't see a lot of benefit, but it is there anyway.

Gary CA · 02-07-2006, 05:13 AM

LK23: You can straighten the flap out, and there is a company out there that will make you a custom chrome plate for about $100. I re-hung my mud flap using about 4 links of chain that allows the flap to swing side to side. I found bolts where the tow bar mounts to the frame is a good place to attach the chain using a 3 1/2 inch replacement bolt and nut. I also attached support metal straps at the top of the flap for strength. Godd luck

LK23 · 02-07-2006, 01:04 PM

Thanks for the replies. I have already attempted to straighten the mud flap. It is now fairly straight and re-installed. However, the bending has weakened the mud flap and I am fairly certain that the internal bracing (angle iron) is broken. It will surely bend again with a small amount of pressure, maybe even the wind while driving. I am sure I will need to replace it.

Steve, or anyone else with Ultaguard experience. How did you install it? Did you mount it to a piece of angle iron at the top?

My current mud flap has a notch at the top for the exhaust pipe. That makes the installation of an after market mud flap tricky.

AFChap · 02-07-2006, 06:12 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">was told by a Winnebago engineer a few years ago that the original purpose of the "mug guard" was to prevent rocks thrown by the rear wheels from entering the radiator </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Our Spartan chassis has a side radiator, and we installed a Spartan-provided rock guard after they had problems with rocks taking out the fan and/or radiator WITH the full mud guard in place...

Moder2 · 02-08-2006, 02:58 AM

Albeit Slightly dishonest... I know someone who "lost" one on the road and Winnie warrenteed it...

Flame On!

funhouse · 02-08-2006, 05:03 AM

I have a mud guard from a 2004 Journey in pretty decent shape FREE for the taking. I am 17 miles south of Boston.

Zimectrin · 02-09-2006, 05:54 AM

I used a piece of angle iron and quick links to attatch the UltraGard to the frame of the coach. It is essentially mounted the same way the factory mounted the standard guard on the Itascas that we examined.

Hope this helps.