Gravel deflector

TheFireman · 10-04-2016, 08:28 PM

I have a 2015 precept 35UN. Has anyone else installed a gravel deflector? If so what kind and where was it installed exactly?

StevL · 10-04-2016, 08:51 PM

Wow, there are many threads in many forums on this subject. I've been trying to figure out what to do myself.

Here is what the majority are saying;
Take off those large rubber deflectors, they cause more rock damage than without them
Lot of people like the screens that go between the coach and toad and lay over or under the tow bar.
Some do like the soft hula skirts, at highway speeds they do blow back and up a fair amount.
Many many people use nothing and swear by it.

I decided to use a protective film on our toad. Wanted something very easy and that it is. We only have about 700 miles towing, I see no damage or impact areas to our film.

No easy or right answer

Good luck!
Steve

NickM · 10-05-2016, 06:43 AM

I recall reading somewhere on the Jayco forum that with the 35 series coaches the rear duals are so far forward of the toad that there is little to no damage from debris thrown up by the rear tires.

Having said that the front of my 2007 Wrangler (with painted fenders) has a lot of tiny pockmarks in the paint/plastic from daily driving with the previous owner so I'm not planning to do anything until I see if there is any truth to the above statement. We are planning a snowbird trip to Sanford, FL in January so that will be the ultimate test.

My camping neighbor has a full width stiff rubber flap across the rear of his coach and commented that it didn't prevent damage to his toad like he thought it would.

I would probably go with some sort of wrap on the front of the vehicle if I were towing a new one.

mowdoc · 10-05-2016, 07:47 AM

I tow a JEEP that is slightly lifted and have not had any damage - - - yet. As stated above, the 35UN has pretty good natural protection. I bought a trailer with a front rock guard to haul my Harley and that has been perfect so far too.

I read all the info about flaps causing loss of gas mileage and still whipping rocks up when I was shopping for hitches so I did not go that route. If I do start having problems with my JEEP I will add the guard on the tow bar. That seems to be the way to go right now on the forums and people are having good luck with them.

TheFireman · 11-07-2016, 02:46 PM

Does anyone have one of the screens that goes above the tow bar? Are you happy with it?

street rod 37 · 11-07-2016, 08:37 PM

I have a 2015 35un and tow a Jeep Wrangler. I have watched and have had no problems yet that would push me to install protection for the Jeep.

Mwade · 11-07-2016, 09:20 PM

I made this one myself for about $35.00. So far it has done the job!

TheFireman · 11-08-2016, 01:58 PM

Streetrod...I have little tiny pits all over my windshield and last time out I got a chip that my glass guy said will eventually crack all the way across.

TheFireman · 11-08-2016, 01:59 PM

You have a plan for that with dimensions?

street rod 37 · 11-08-2016, 04:49 PM

My Jeep sets up a little higher than norm mabey that helps. It's had 3pulls to Florida with no problems

Mwade · 11-08-2016, 07:20 PM

No I don't. I'll take some measurements. Is your veh. a Wrangler?

TheFireman · 11-09-2016, 10:52 AM

I have towed mine for 3 years and just got a crack. But the fine sand it kicks up has sure pitted the windshield

NickM · 11-09-2016, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFireman

I have towed mine for 3 years and just got a crack. But the fine sand it kicks up has sure pitted the windshield

Hey Fireman, what is your tow vehicle?

kevfra · 11-10-2016, 02:20 PM

Interesting the comments regarding no protection at all. Not for the toad, but just in general behind the duals. I just checked mine to find a screw missing, which I replaced, but was thinking these are pretty lame. I am skeptical they would make a difference in gas mileage, but from a failure standpoint I would be happy to remove them. My question though is what about liability? Is this a required piece of road equipment, and if a stone goes into the windshield behind me and they report it - will I be liable? I'm in California and we are liable for things that happen in Thailand!

Any thread on this? Many thanks

mowdoc · 11-10-2016, 04:04 PM

kevfra, lost screw is not new. I lost two so I used thru bolts with fender washers and elastic stop nuts. Problem solved.

I believe you are misunderstood on the flaps though. The stock flaps are fine and do not effect mileage. We are talking about those one piece flaps that go side to side and hang to 4 inches from pavement. They, according to users, have a profound effect on fuel mileage and also tend to whip more debris up than without.

mowdoc · 11-10-2016, 04:07 PM

The long overhang of a Precept gives good natural protection when the stock flaps are in use. Besides, a JEEP sits well within the width of the duels and rocks tossed up by tires fly past the toad. The vortex generated at rear of any RV is pretty strong so sand could, and does, cause windshield pits. My JEEP is lifted, which gives even more protection, so not much damage found so far.

kevfra · 11-10-2016, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mowdoc

kevfra, lost screw is not new. I lost two so I used thru bolts with fender washers and elastic stop nuts. Problem solved.

I believe you are misunderstood on the flaps though. The stock flaps are fine and do not effect mileage. We are talking about those one piece flaps that go side to side and hang to 4 inches from pavement. They, according to users, have a profound effect on fuel mileage and also tend to whip more debris up than without.

Thanks, I suspected such but came across 'flaps' (plural) which made me wonder.

TheFireman · 11-11-2016, 09:40 AM

A 2014 jeep wrangler

Arniesports60 · 11-11-2016, 12:50 PM

I haven't towed yet, so it's interesting to hear the various comments and
opinions - once I start towing next year and if I will need something
to protect my wife's nice Honda CRV ...

Mwade - Very clever with your custom setup!

Regarding the "flaps". Not sure of laws , but I think there is a rule
if you have them what is the height off the ground.

I did find the following links regarding replacing standard flaps with
more aerodynamic ones -

AeroFlap® AF-24 Series Aerodynamic Mud Flaps | Fleet Engineers

Eco-flaps - Home

Mwade · 11-11-2016, 03:18 PM

I took measurements of the rock guard. The top pipe is 55"- the vertical end pipes are 26" tall- the top and bottom angle pieces are 9" long. The pvc pipe is schedule 40. I ordered the 1/4" wire from e-bay.

I didn't have any problems with gravel stricking my jeep until I was in road construction. After we arrived at the Rv camp, I noticed gravel all over my jeep. The gravel was stuck to the paint with road tar! After that trip I added a skirt to the back of the Seneca, and built the guard.

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