Diamond Plate Rock Guard

[realfine409]

Prepping my 30 ft 5er for a lot of miles this year. Thinking about buying some light Alum. Diamond Plate, cutting and screwing it to the low leading surface of the trailer immediately behind the truck. Any one have experience and/or suggestions about gage and fastening?

 

[jelag]

The most common size is (1/8" thick) 4x8 or 5x10, both are off the shelf sizes... I purchased a one of the two... can't remember which and sheet cost was about $250 which really surprised me.... the last time I bought a full sheet it was under $175.. I'd find a guy with a water jet... or laser and give them a specific drawing and have them cut the material... I'm guessing the 4x8 would do it for you..... My BIL has done this.... For me it was simpler and easier for me to put on a good set of flaps and prevent the rocks that way....

 

[SnoKing]

Arctic Fox trailers come OEM that way. Chris

#ad

 

[realfine409]

I was hoping to find something thinner than .125" thk. but then wonder if anything over pebble size would dent it anyway. I have some laser and water jet cutters nearby don't know $$$ yet. Now that's what I'm talking about Snoking!! I see they also finished the edges with white extruded trim or is that the normal stuff that's most likely already on my unit? Do you think that stuff is readily available at an RV Center or repair facility?

 

[JLeake]

If you are contemplating thin diamond plate, even the 0.125" stuff will dent with rocks, etc by itself. Resistance to dings depends upon what is behind the plate.

 

[Killgore]

I've got the Husky mud-flaps, but I was wondering about the aluminum diamond plate also. Jim, what about running the AlCan? Are the mud-flaps sufficient?
- Ed

 

[realfine409]

Killgore! You're reading my mind! We are prepping for the same journey/adventure. I hear stories of miles of road repair and recall seeing severe rock rash on fenders and trailers years ago, just trying to save myself a "DUH" moment!

 

[jelag]

I put truck mudflaps on my truck when it was new in 05... I've changed them both once... Actually if you know where to look they are available free... most large trailer dealers pull off new flaps off of trailers they sell and install their own.... that is they remove the manufactures flaps and install the dealers flaps... so my large flaps are maybe 2-3" wider on each side than my duals... and I have them mounted high enough so that when the truck is loaded.... the flap is about 2" off the road... I had to build a strap that runs down the flap 3/4 of the way... so it won't wind sail back....

When I bought the .125" material... I found that it was the hot lick number... you could purchase .125" diamond plate for less money than the next size smaller.... and for less money than a sheet of aluminum the same thickness without the polish and the diamond plate.... as it wasn't as common as a part number.... so the volume of sales demands the lower price... I've not had the 1/8" material dented so that you could feel the dent on the back side..

And yes I think they protect the trailer and I've not used the aluminum plate to protect my trailer... I do have issues with bug splats.. and keeping it clean from the bugs... but not a problem with rocks...

 

[Killgore]

Jim, thanks for the info. I think I will add the aluminum sheet on the front, trying to cover the obvious strike zone. I really like the way Chris' Arctic Fox is protected and will move in that direction not trusting completely in the Husky mud-flaps.
- Ed

 

[SnoKing]

Actually that is just a picture from their web site and I linked to! I have a Cardinal 5th wheel. Chris

 

[Killgore]

Chris, it's a good concept though and I appreciate you posting it. I get the inevitable bug splats and road tar which I suspect could be eleminated with one of the several paint protector films but I would suspect that the protection from gravel, rocks, etc. would be limited.
- Ed

 

[SnoKing]

One of those receiver mounted mud flap setups that snowmobilers use would be cheap and effective. Chris

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/hitch-mud-flaps

 

[Killgore]

And, while we're discussing strike zones, has anyone been able to locate any stainless guards for the front of the rear fenders for a dually? Even with mud-flaps on the front end I still collect crud.
- Ed

 

[Killgore]

Yep, that looks like a winner. Thanks.