Mudflap Problem Solved ?

[bushwacked Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bushwacked]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

The new mudflaps will be fitted in about 2 weeks, so will be able to give a description and if I can work out how, some photos.

It probably helped that I turned up for the 1000km check with a car covered in dust and locusts and over 7k on the odo from a quick run to Mt Lebig (300 NW of Alice). They seemed to take my concerns about fitness for purpose seriously. At the service I asked for SR5 flaps to be fitted (and was prepared to pay for this). The dealer would not fit them (said it could contravene ADRs), but put in a report to Toyota and this was the result.

Main point is Toyota seem to be recognising the problem and doing something tangible.

Bushwacked

[Silvo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Silvo]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Silvo,

A bit more money, but we spend to add extras anyway. Looking at the extras on your Prado, have you kept a total of the money spent, or don't you want to know (or don't want the missus to know)?

I'm just about to start adding to my Prado. In 1995, I spent over $10,000- on the 80 series Cruiser, now with a new vehicle, the spending starts again.

Yowie.

the wife knows how much .. she reminds me every time she wants to spend money on something..

my point was that the way we use the 4wds, is unfortunately in the minority. so, when you have a smaller market, and a demand for the supply, generally you will pay more money for it. you will still want to add extras to whatever 4wd you buy, as i'm sure the manufacturer will not make it exactly for you, but for the majority of that minority.

i'm sure i'm well over $10 on this current truck, and still planning ways to spend money on it.. exhaust, chip, lift kit... it goes on.

i can't wait to see the toyota solution.

dan

[bushwacked Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bushwacked]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Just an update - I am booked to have the trial Toyota mudflaps fitted at my local dealer on Thursday. Will post pics.

Bushwacked

[bushwacked Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bushwacked]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Toyota fitted the new design mudflaps for a trial on my vehicle today. For those interested, this is how they look:

Front flap:





Inside guard view:





Rear flap. Note the black plastic panels behind the flap - I do not recall this being there before:




Inside guard view:




Most telling of all is the damage to the lower part of the rear bumper. Car has done about 8500km mostly from a trip to Mt Lebig NW of Alice Springs. It has done less than 1000km on dirt roads, yet the bumper has been ripped with hundreds of small stone chips.





Toyota took lots of photos including the damage. I think they were quite shocked at how bad it was already. The plan is I expect to be off to the Kimberleys and Arnhem Land in a month or so, and they will review the mudflaps performance when I return.

I hope they will not wait until they get feedback from me to implement the new design, at least on new deliveries.

Hope this is of interest.

Bushwacked

[Silvo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Silvo]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

that part behind the rear flap was there before, it was colour coded so you probably didn't notice it.

it looks as though all they have done is extend the flap - make it longer. from the photos it is a little hard to tell, but it still doesn't look as though the angle from the bottom of the tyre to the flap will protect the whole rear bumper. it does look like an improve though. is it just me or do they seem to be not as wide.

dan

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Hi

Looks like more work required to get the right shape. The other issue will be how long will rigid mudlaps last in real off road conditions? I'm very happy with my Gravel Rush mudflaps as I put them on before 6000kms of gravel roads all done without any chips, I wonder of Toyota will offer to repaint the rear panels?

Regards, Richo.

[bushwacked Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bushwacked]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Silvo

It looks to me as though the flaps are about 50mm longer.

I put a straight edge against the rear, and it looks like the last 100-150mm of the bumper will remain unprotected. If the vehicle were standard height, it would probably cover the whole bumper, but with the "50mm" lift it gets worse.

I updated the post with larger photos which I think make it much clearer.

Bushwacked

[Tar Trek Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tar Trek]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Hi there,

From the photos, it appears that "The New" mudflaps are a little longer however they appear to taper inward towards the bottom.

A photo from directly behind would have given us a better idea.

I think from the photos, the "New Mudflaps" don't protrude as far out from the body alignment as the "HiLux Mudflaps".

I doubt that the new ones will offer much more protection than the originals.

Tar Trek.

[bushwacked Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bushwacked]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Tar Trek

Here are some photos from directly behind. As I said, I think they will offer much better protection for a standard height vehicle. I think the rear part of the bumper will still be exposed on a lifted vehicle like this one.












Bushwacked

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Thanks for the update Bushwacked... Wondering when they will contact me as I lodged a dealer product report at my first service too. I'll be following this thread very closely, please do keep us updated.

Cheers

[Silvo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Silvo]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Hi there,

From the photos, it appears that "The New" mudflaps are a little longer however they appear to taper inward towards the bottom.

A photo from directly behind would have given us a better idea.

I think from the photos, the "New Mudflaps" don't protrude as far out from the body alignment as the "HiLux Mudflaps".

I doubt that the new ones will offer much more protection than the originals.

Tar Trek.

How much in comparison to the hilux flaps?

Also, considering these look like a bolt on match, I would rate these over the hilux.

Still doesn't have it over the GR flaps. This would offer enough protection for gravel touring.

I'm ore interested in seeing if Toyota will be repairing me paint job.

Dan

[Tar Trek Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tar Trek]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Hi there,

Comparison ORIGINAL To HILUX mudflaps.

ORIGINAL

Width at bottom 220 mm (approx)
Distance to ground 305 mm (approx)

HILUX

Width at bottom 290 mm (approx)
Distance to ground 190 mm (approx)

"By 1metre Ruler" from bottom of tyre under bottom of HiLux mudflap, road debris should miss bumper by approx 80 mm.

Tar Trek.

[Silvo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Silvo]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Hi there,

Comparison ORIGINAL To HILUX mudflaps.

ORIGINAL

Width at bottom 220 mm (approx)
Distance to ground 305 mm (approx)

HILUX

Width at bottom 290 mm (approx)
Distance to ground 190 mm (approx)

"By 1metre Ruler" from bottom of tyre under bottom of HiLux mudflap, road debris should miss bumper by approx 80 mm.

Tar Trek.

hi Tar Trek,

no doubt they are effective, but they look ordinary in my opinion. read in my opinion again, because it is just that, my opinion.

also, adding such a flap to the front of the vehicle, at any sort of decent steering lock do you have any issues with the tyre hitting the flap? according to my tests you would, especially during articulation.

dan

[Tar Trek Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tar Trek]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Hi Silvo,

The HiLux mudflaps don't look the part as much as the original or updated mudflaps, however I don't have any stone chips on my rear bumper.

The only real issue for me is the ground clearance when reversing up to a gutter, however they clear a standard gutter.

The front mudflaps have plenty of clearance from the wheels.

One thing to bear in mind is that I bought my Prado to tow my caravan, not for "Off Road", apart from gravel roads in National Parks.

I guess it's a case of "Horses for Courses".

Tar Trek.

[wifecallsmegrumpy Member Find all posts View Profile Close wifecallsmegrumpy]

Re: Mudflap Problem Solved ?

Mine is going in for the updated mud flaps today, interesting to see them in the flesh. What I am impressed with is the service, they have agreed to repaint the rear bumper back to original which considering they offered to do it and I didn't have to be an arse about it is great news.