Towing a trailer, especially behind a robust truck like a Ram 3500, demands reliable protection against road debris. Rock Tamers mud flaps are often considered as a solution, but user experiences vary. This review dives into a year-long experience using Rock Tamers, highlighting setup nuances, performance observations, and a comparison to alternatives like Stone Stompers.
One crucial aspect often overlooked is the correct adjustment of Rock Tamers. An “Aussie fashion” approach, simply bolting them on, won’t maximize their effectiveness. Ideally, these mud flaps should be angled at approximately 45 degrees to the road surface at typical cruising speeds. While directly observing this angle requires a chase vehicle, a practical static adjustment involves setting them at a 20-degree backward angle. This setup is key to deflecting stones downwards towards the pavement, rather than allowing them to fly straight back and potentially damage your trailer’s front, bumper, or tailgate.
To further enhance protection, consider a simple modification. Adding a strip of rubber – repurposed from flap trimming scraps – to the top of each flap can significantly improve performance. When the flap is rotated to the 20-degree angle, this extra rubber strip presses against the bumper, sealing the gap at the top. This seal effectively blocks smaller debris that might otherwise bypass the flaps from above. This modification also adds stability to the entire Rock Tamers assembly, reducing unwanted wobble.
Despite these adjustments, some inherent limitations exist. Rock Tamers can exhibit excessive motion, requiring additional “slopper stoppers” to stabilize them and minimize floppiness. Furthermore, they can be problematic on undulating gravel roads. Their low ground clearance, necessary for effective protection, can cause them to drag in dips, resulting in a “rooster tail” of gravel being kicked up and back towards the trailer. In such low-speed, uneven terrain like forest roads, temporary removal or rotating them to a near-horizontal position might be advisable.
While Rock Tamers offer a degree of protection, it’s important to understand their performance relative to premium alternatives. Compared to Stone Stompers combined with trailer chassis guards, Rock Tamers fall short in effectiveness. If Stone Stompers are rated a 10 in protection, Rock Tamers might be considered a 3 or 4. However, they still represent a viable alternative solution for many users. Proper setup and awareness of their limitations are crucial to maximizing the benefits of Rock Tamers mud flaps. They can be a useful tool to have on hand for occasional trailer use or situations where more robust systems are not feasible.
In conclusion, Rock Tamers mud flaps can offer a level of protection against road debris when towing. Correct installation, particularly achieving the appropriate angle, is paramount. While modifications like adding rubber strips can enhance their performance, users should be mindful of their limitations, especially in challenging conditions like undulating gravel roads. For ultimate protection, systems like Stone Stompers remain superior, but Rock Tamers serve as a decent alternative for those seeking a less comprehensive, yet still beneficial, solution.
