Mudflaps on my Truck - New to pulling Containers

Discussion in 'Intermodal Trucking Forum' started by Lunchman, Aug 31, 2014.

  1. Pool6710

    Pool6710 Medium Load Member

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    Never got a citation for that. As long as there's mudflaps dot doesn't care that much.
     
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  3. mnmover

    mnmover Road Train Member

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    Betts has a special one that fits the same hanger, but the metal frame goes out and then down about a foot, then out to the side. The bolted rubber madflap bolts in about a foot down from the top so the rubber will give on the top if it hits the dolly braces on a container chassis. Only other ones I have seen using these are Ruan Corp. I bought a set from Betts in Phoenix. Don't haul containers yet, but I'm ready.:biggrin_25519:
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2014
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  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Hi Lunchman, welcome to the wonderful world of containers, it ain't reefer hauling. 1st, I don't know how you can get by with a fixed 5th wheel, I thought only tankers can get by with those, and 2nd, I got those angled ones and they worked fine, Also, I never bought a mud flap in my life, as there was a wide assortment to choose from at the rail yards behind the trailers.
     
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  5. Lunchman

    Lunchman Bobtail Member

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    Ok, new question.. So was out this morning looking closer at the truck.
    Am wondering and someone mentioned it above, I have lots of room, what if I just moved them forward, I could pull them in closer to the rear wheels by almost 6 inches. +/- a little on that for I have not done the exact measurements, but if I went forward 6 inches and then about an inch down, I think I would be just fine.

    It seems am only catching them by just a tiny bit, specially if am not on a level surface. So, my next question is:

    Can I drill new holes in the back of the frame?

    I swear I've seen stickers on the brand new trucks that say you can't do this because the frame is heat tempered or some such. What would happened if I just drilled new holes in the very back of the frame? Good idea or not so good idea?
     
  6. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Hi Lunchman, well, you can try, as I've always liked those flaps with the lights. I don't think there's a problem drilling holes, I've done it lot's of time, (use lot's of oil) that's how all the other holes got there, just not on the top or bottom of the frame rail.
     
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  7. Lunchman

    Lunchman Bobtail Member

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    [QUOTE="semi" retired;4217467]Hi Lunchman, well, you can try, as I've always liked those flaps with the lights. I don't think there's a problem drilling holes, I've done it lot's of time, (use lot's of oil) that's how all the other holes got there, just not on the top or bottom of the frame rail.[/QUOTE]

    Thanks for the good info and quick reply!
     
  8. Lunchman

    Lunchman Bobtail Member

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    [QUOTE="semi" retired;4217467]Hi Lunchman, well, you can try, as I've always liked those flaps with the lights. I don't think there's a problem drilling holes, I've done it lot's of time, (use lot's of oil) that's how all the other holes got there, just not on the top or bottom of the frame rail.[/QUOTE]

    When you say "you can try".. what am I going to run into here.. Is it almost impossible to drill through the frame? I have a good 1/2 inch drill (on a cord, not battery) and if I pick up a high quality bit or two, should work right? Should I buy several bits? Am I going to run them dull really quick?
     
  9. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Start with a small bit and step up. Use 3 different sizes and as mentioned use a lot of oil. Only drill in the web not the flange. The flange is what gives your frame its strength. The weight is transferred from your hitch to the axles. You should be ok back there. I have welded my brackets on back there. The frame drills pretty easy.
     
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  10. Lunchman

    Lunchman Bobtail Member

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    ok, perfect, that's what I was thinking..

    Just wasn't sure if I was drilling into some ultra hard metal composition.
     
  11. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    One more thing, look on the inside of the frame so you don't drill through an air line or wires. (I did that once):biggrin_25523: and yeah, that's some hard metal!
     
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