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Old 03-20-2015, 09:45 PM   #1
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Rock guard/skirt.

One of the projects I have been meaning to do is attach a rock guard/skirt to the back of the motorhome as last year, the toad got awfully dirty, not to mention rocks and such getting thrown on it as I am towing it down the road.

I actually bought the skirt last year, it's one of those brush looking ones.



However, I have two issues with mounting it like this. First, I'd have to mount the skirt to the bottom of my 4" square tube bumper, and the only way to fasten it would be to run sheet metal screws up into the bumper.

But since the bumper also holds the sewer hose, I would have to find another place for the hose as it would no longer fit into the bumper tube with the screws in the way.

The second reason is it looks ugly in my opinion.

So I decided to build a frame and bolt the skirt up under the RV, about 18" forward of the rear bumper. That way, it will be more or less out of sight - or at least more out of sight than if mounted to the rear bumper.




I bought a welder, a Hobart 140 MAP/Wire feed, about 6 months ago (well, my wife bought it for me for my birthday last year). Up to this point, I had not used it, but finally came up with a project that I could use it. I am an amateur when it comes to welding, and my only experience was 45 years ago when my grandfather taught me to use his Lincoln 220 arc welder.

I guess I was 14 or 15, and I made my dad a wagon for Father's Day by welding up some angle iron, attaching a couple of tires, etc.

So, that means the project has that amateur look to it, but not really that bad. Besides, I ground off the worst parts (I had to get it to fit flush with the frame), and it's under the RV anyway, so it won't be seen.

I was going to weld the nuts on that attach the skirting, but I ran out of MAP gas so the welding phase of the project is done.



I have to paint the other side yet, but once it's dry, I can mount it to the RV.

I will upload more photos as I finish the project.

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Old 03-20-2015, 10:41 PM   #2
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Nice job..
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Old 03-20-2015, 10:46 PM   #3
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I ran out of MAP gas just as I was finishing up, so I am blaming that for any bad welds I might have done.

But it's been a fun project so far, as I really don't get much chance to weld stuff.
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Old 03-23-2015, 10:26 PM   #4
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Finally finished the rock guard/skirt. The weather outside was 30Deg, and my fingers were freezing to the wrenches, but at least there was no snow (it was snowing not too far from where I live).

But dang it, the calendar says its spring, and spring is for getting the RV ready to go, regardless of the weather.

Here are a couple of photos:



I like the look with the skirt attached up under the chassis rather than at the bumper, both for aesthetics as well as being able to retain the sewer hose storage in the bumper.




I am kind of liking this welding thing...
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Old 04-08-2015, 10:56 AM   #5
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Nice Idea. I will be doing the same.
Butch
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Old 04-08-2015, 12:35 PM   #6
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It looks so much nicer tucked up under the chassis than if I would have bolted it to the bumper.
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Old 04-08-2015, 09:10 PM   #7
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I agree. Fortunately I own a Machine Shop and I will be copying your idea, I am also going to build an undercarriage Spare Tire holder
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Old 04-09-2015, 12:52 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toolman View Post
I agree. Fortunately I own a Machine Shop...
Nice.
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Old 04-10-2015, 01:57 AM   #9
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Excellent job FW.


Can I ask where you purchased the skirt. I use the Defender screen on my tow bar which works really good to keep rocks down as well, but wanted the skirt as well.
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Old 04-10-2015, 02:18 AM   #10
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Amazon.

Amazon.com: Industrial Brush 3006154 Splash Stop 16" Brush Shield: Automotive

The one I have is 16" tall, but Amazon has different heights as well (most are 8ft long). And they have a rubber strip version if you would prefer that.
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Old 04-10-2015, 06:10 PM   #11
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thanks FW!
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Old 07-12-2015, 04:30 AM   #12
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Good suggestion and thanks for showing your installation method. This mod is definately on my list before I pull the Wrangler again...the last trip resulted in a broken windshield on the Jeep;(
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Old 07-12-2015, 12:32 PM   #13
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Has anyone mounted a rock guard on a Miramar? Crawled up under and does not seem to be a rear bumper, or a beam across the back to bolt to.

I have a 34.2, any ideas other than building a frame on how to attach this thing? I purchased a Rock Solid and can't seem to find the best way to mount it.

Thanks all.
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Old 07-12-2015, 03:46 PM   #14
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Why the skirt all the way across the whole width? Wouldn't mud flaps behind each set of tires do the trick?
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Old 07-14-2015, 12:59 PM   #15
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The MIramar actually has factory flaps, but towed our CRV on a dolly and it was covered with road grime. Any ideas on how/where to mount this thing? Again there is no bumper across the back, just the bottom edge of the fiberglass rear cap.

Thanks all
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Old 09-19-2015, 06:45 PM   #16
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According to some RVer's the mud flaps and full rubber skirts actually kick stuff up into the toad. I removed the full length mud flap that hung down on the back of our diesel pusher and we seemed to get less stuff kicked up on the Toad. We also had the Roadmaster full size plastic shield but now Chevy does not recommend the shield as it blocks airflow even though the engine is not running. Thinking about the brush guard or a fabric shield that goes from the back of the MH to the bumper of the toad. New MH has exhaust out the side so the fabric shield will work.

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Old 11-11-2015, 02:14 PM   #17
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Great project! I will have to look into this as well.

I am turning to you all for help because I can't seem to find a manufacturer that sells or can produce a skirt for my unit. I was wanting something that is insulated and that covers all four sides for winter RVing. Any help, links, suggestions, and pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Veterens day to all my fellow vets out there.
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Old 11-11-2015, 03:51 PM   #18
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EZ-Snap Exterior Shades & Outdoor Blinds

Any thoughts about this system?
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Old 11-19-2015, 01:00 PM   #19
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I use Protect-A-Tow between my coach and my towed car. Also a bra on the car during towing. Here's a link: Protect-a-Tow

Other forums have posts warning about the grass skirts, and even the long flaps kicking up rocks. We've all seen grass skirts sailing high on the road, making them worthless for the intended purpose.

It mounts quickly, just 4 eyebolts on the bottom of the coach bumper and two on the car, on the front corners. Hook on a pvc tension bar in the middle, and you're all set.
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Old 01-17-2016, 01:03 AM   #20
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My son bought me for Christmas the Protect-A-Tow, I have not used it yet, but I have it so I'll use it, as soon as i get set up to tow but I compliment the OP on the install. Nice job.
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