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Topic: Rear mud-flap quick-link fasteners (Read 644 times) previous topic - next topic

Rear mud-flap quick-link fasteners

Our coach has a long rear flat steel bar running side to side that is used to hold big mud flap.  We also have eye-bolts on the bar for our 'Underskirt' between the motorhome and Jeep.  We know that Foretravel used many different mud flap fastening methods.

Our mud-flap has a steel flat bar attached to the top backside, and can freely swing back & forth to clear obstacles.

We originally had two 2" quick-links between mud-flap and motorhome's steel bar.  After hearing that a broken fastener allowed a mud-flap to drag and be damaged, we added two more quick-links.

So now on the left & right side of our mud-flap we have two quick-links about a foot apart to share the weight and for redundancy.

Quick-links look like this and come in different sizes:
Lehigh 1,200 lb. 1/4 in. x 2-1/4 in. Stainless-Steel Quick Link-7441-12 at The


Mud-flaps can be damaged when coach leveling lowers the rear, squishing the vertical mud-flap between ground and fasteners.  If we see that the rear will be lowered, we first manually swivel our mud-flap to a horizontal position and hold it there with a chain looped over the hitch.  Anything to protect the Foretravel name from being damaged...

Re: Rear mud-flap quick-link fasteners

Reply #1 –
Funny - although I have been under our coach many times, I have never looked to see how the mud flap is attached.  Guess I'll have to check it out.  Thanks for the tip!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Rear mud-flap quick-link fasteners

Reply #2 –
Am thinking Barry's method is exactly how Xtreme did my new mud flap a few yrs ago, bought the flap & Foretravel logo at FOT, the steel etc from Lowes, then the Xtreme gang did a great installation giving the flap plenty of freedom to move & not be damaged as have seen some that looked like they lost the battle.
After about 30,000 miles with the toad, not any issue of damage from anything.

Re: Rear mud-flap quick-link fasteners

Reply #3 –
My mudflap is held by a 2"X1/4" steel plate and 3 quicklinks. Several years ago I noticed that the holes holding the 2 outer quicklinks had worn very close to the upper edge of the steel plates, so I welded a bead over the top edges of the holes. They have not worn any since. I believe that the quicklinks would have eventually worn through. The original holes were probably drilled too close to the edge of the plate. It appears my mud flap  is mounted similar to Barry's.
Felix and Gail Mathieu
99 U320
Jeep Liberty CRD
Build number 5522

Re: Rear mud-flap quick-link fasteners

Reply #4 –
We all call it a "mudflap."  I believe its purpose is to reduce aerodynamic drag....  Is that correct?
Carolyn and Lewis (Andy1) Anderson
1996 U270 36'

Re: Rear mud-flap quick-link fasteners

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Lewis Anderson –
We all call it a "mudflap."  I believe its purpose is to reduce aerodynamic drag....  Is that correct?

No, actually it INCREASES aerodynamic drag-- it does not allow the air that goes under the coach to smoothly exit.  If the correct height (i.e. does not drag the ground), it reduces the number of rocks and debris that can hit your toad.  And it looks good.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
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