Mud flap ?

[CKinsella]

My class C had a solid mud flap across the back end. In motor home magazine this month they say that it can reduce mileage by restricting air flow under the unit. They say that a hula skirt mud flap would be a better choice.
Two questions.
Has anyone changed from a solid mud flap to a hula skirt and seen a difference in mpg?
Since I'm not currently towing anything behind the RV do I need either one?

[Seann45]

You will not live long enough to get a payback on this.. the difference is so slight it can only be measured in a wind tunnel with high end equipment. You have to remember that magazines are out there to sell product so if they can get everyone to change over then their advertisers are happy.

[hoppers4]

Have to agree with Seann45. Gas mileage on these rigs is so poor to begin with that you'd never be able to tell the difference. Front end wind resistance (barn door effect here) is many times more than a mud flap could generate.

Without a toad you don't need a full width flap to keep debris away from the toad.

[CKinsella]

Thanks for both replies. You saved me some work and money.

[Sam]

I have a solid full width flap and can not tell any difference in fuel mileage. I have found that when not towing my toad the back of my Seneca stays much cleaner since installing the flap. I also noticed this on a previous RV.