Front bumper opening - 2021 Minnie Winnie 326T

Subsailor653 · 03-25-2021, 01:35 PM

Every time I look at my front bumper that opening with no guard looks like a perfect way to end up with a damaged radiator from a kicked up rock. Is anyone else concerned about this? Has anyone has a damaged radiator due to a rock flying through this opening. I have a 2021 MW 326T on a 2019 E-450 chassis.

**Eagle5** · 03-25-2021, 09:23 PM

Hi Subsailor653,
As far as the E-450 radiator opening on my 2019, I have noticed that too, but so far, I haven't had any problem. I quickly checked on Amazon, and I didn't find a specific product being offered.
Welcome to the Forum.
Eagle5

Subsailor653 · 03-27-2021, 06:21 AM

Thanks for the welcome Eagle5!

I have looked at multiple website and found nothing. To me this indicates this is not enough of a problem for someone to design and produce a rock guard for the opening. Let’s hope it does not become an issue for us.

Lance · 03-27-2021, 03:04 PM

I actually purchased a LED light bar that will fit in that 30” x 3 inch opening. Once weather gets warmer I plan on installing it. See how I like it

Subsailor653 · 03-28-2021, 05:08 AM

Lance, will the light bar block all the air flow? The opening allows a lot of air flow to the radiator area and you might cause an overheating issues, maybe not so much going down the highway but if you get stuck in traffic on a hot day you might overheat. Matt

Lance · 03-28-2021, 06:03 AM

Matt
I thought about it also. I actually got the idea from a buddy’s F350. He has this crazy aftermarket front clip with lights, wench and all kinds of crash guards. He doesn’t seem to have an issue, and that covers a lot more area Also the opening is 90 square inches, the light bar is about 50 square inches, so I have room all around for air flow. I don’t think it will be an issue but I will see after I install it.
If it does become an issue I could drop down to 2 small bar lights that are about 7 inches long.
I wanted the lights because I have come into some areas at night when I really wanted better visibility along with areas of dense fog

Subsailor653 · 03-29-2021, 05:44 AM

Lance, I can see your need for the light bar. If you think about it, let me know how it all works out. Matt

Ret.LEO · 03-31-2021, 04:13 PM

A section of chicken wire held in place with baling wire?

Sorry, I'm just a old country boy.
Honestly though I would share your concern. I have noticed that wide opening also. It would make me nervous. The light bar is a good idea but then again I would worry about air flow. But I can only imagine the cost to replace that radiator. Again another case of darn if you do and darn if you don't. I hope somebody comes up with a solution for you Subsailor.
QUESTION: by your name were you a member of our "Silent Service? My oldest son was on boats for thirteen years....Nuke Engineer.

Santee2 · 03-31-2021, 05:09 PM

Make sure you are not cutting of air supply to transmission cooler. Thats why I have not put a light bar on my 2019

Subsailor653 · 03-31-2021, 06:06 PM

Leo, yes I was a sub sailor, four year on a fast attack out of Charleston SC, the USS RAY. I was also a nuc engineer. Still work on them. Tell you son thanks for his service! Matt

Pride Run Deep!

Subsailor653 · 03-31-2021, 06:09 PM

Leo, good idea about the chicken wire, I also was thinking about expanded metal but mounting it would be a pain. Santee, cooling is a concern with anything blocking air flow.

Jos 56 · 04-01-2021, 08:28 AM

Before heading on the Dempster in northern Canada, I installed bug screens over the openings at the front of my Ford E-350 Super Duty that I purchased from https://www.bugscreenwarehouse.com/products . I also mounted a full-sized spare tire about 8 inches from the front. We had no issues with overheating on an 11 week trip.

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Ret.LEO · 04-01-2021, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subsailor653

Leo, yes I was a sub sailor, four year on a fast attack out of Charleston SC, the USS RAY. I was also a nuc engineer. Still work on them. Tell you son thanks for his service! Matt

Pride Run Deep!

Hi Matt, son did his service also on fast attacks, based out of Norfolk, San Diego and Hawaii. Thank you also for your service....alot of dedication to serve on boats.

raytaylr · 04-02-2021, 11:17 AM

I'll bet it's windy up there]

Ronzo · 05-05-2021, 02:50 PM

I purchased on-line a filler for the opening for the front bumper for my 2015 MW 27Q. If anyone is still interested in this item, I'll research where I purchased it and pass on the info. Easy install...stainless steel too. AND, it is not chicken wire...really looks great.