One Tool, Many Questions: The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire
When the unexpected crack appeared on my existing Travelaire fifth wheel’s fender skirt, a small panic set in. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until it fails, and a damaged fender skirt isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s a potential hazard for road debris and can lead to further damage. My immediate search led me to the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire, a direct replacement designed specifically for my trailer model. This particular unit promised a straightforward solution to my sudden problem.
The need arose during a routine pre-trip inspection, where a visible fracture, likely caused by years of road vibration and minor impacts, became apparent. It was a stress fracture, radiating outwards from a small point of impact. Replacing a fender skirt isn’t a glamorous task, but it’s a crucial maintenance item for any RV owner. I considered trying to patch the old one, but the damage was too extensive for a reliable, long-term fix.
Upon receiving the new fender skirt, my initial impression was one of solid utility. The material felt substantial, and the textured finish gave it a durable, ready-for-the-road appearance. It looked exactly like the original piece, which was a significant relief, suggesting a good fit and finish from the outset. My only other consideration was a generic, unbranded option I found online, but the specificity of the “FS766 For Travelaire” designation gave me more confidence in its compatibility.
My first reaction was a wave of pragmatic satisfaction – a clear, identifiable solution to a nagging problem. It was good to have a replacement part in hand, ready to restore the integrity of the trailer’s wheel well.
Real-World Testing: Putting Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire to the Test
First Use Experience
The primary test environment for this fender skirt was, of course, my own driveway and the subsequent road trip. The installation itself was a testament to its intended design. It fit precisely into the existing mounting points on the Travelaire fifth wheel, requiring no modification or extensive fussing.
Performance in varying conditions was evaluated during a 500-mile journey across varied terrain, including highway stretches and some unpaved access roads to campsites. The skirt effectively deflected road spray and small stones kicked up by the tires, performing its primary function without any noticeable issues. It remained securely in place throughout the journey, even under the stresses of road vibrations and occasional bumps.
The ease of use here is directly related to installation. Once the old, damaged skirt was removed, the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire attached with surprising ease. It felt intuitive, aligning perfectly with pre-drilled holes and mounting brackets, which is exactly what you want in a replacement part.
My only initial surprise was how stiff the plastic felt, which is a good thing in this context. It suggested a robustness that I hoped would translate into longevity, a welcome change from some flimsier aftermarket parts I’ve encountered.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and a few more trips, the fender skirt has held up remarkably well. It’s been exposed to light rain, dust, and a few encounters with low-hanging branches while maneuvering in tight spots. There are no signs of cracking, warping, or significant wear, which is exactly what you’d expect from a high-impact ABS plastic.
Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wash with soap and water is all it takes to keep it looking clean. The textured finish is forgiving of minor scuffs and dirt, making it easy to maintain its appearance. There’s really nothing to watch out for, other than perhaps a very direct, heavy impact.
Compared to a previous generic fender skirt I’d installed on another trailer, which began to show signs of UV degradation and brittleness after only a year, this Icon model feels significantly more resilient. It’s on par with, if not slightly better than, the original factory-fitted skirts on other RVs I’ve owned, particularly in terms of material feel.
Breaking Down the Features of Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire
Specifications
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire is constructed from durable high-impact ABS plastic. This material is chosen for its resilience against impacts and its ability to withstand the elements without becoming brittle. It features a textured finish, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also helps to hide minor scratches and scuffs that can occur during normal use.
The dimensions provided are 69-5/8″ x 16-1/8″. These precise measurements are critical for ensuring a proper fit on compatible Travelaire fifth wheel trailer models. The manufacturer’s website offers detailed measurement forms, suggesting a strong emphasis on accurate compatibility, which is crucial for this type of component.
This fender skirt is specifically designed to fit Travelaire fifth wheel trailer models. Its intended application as a tandem axle fender skirt means it’s built to cover the wheels on RVs with two axles, offering protection and a finished look to the underside of the trailer. The “FS766” designation is a specific product identifier, ensuring that owners can confidently order the correct part for their specific trailer.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this fender skirt is to prevent road debris from being thrown upwards and outwards by the wheels. In this regard, the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire performs its function exceptionally well. It effectively shields the underside of the trailer and adjacent vehicles from water, mud, and small stones.
Its main strength lies in its precise fit and robust construction. The ABS plastic material seems well-suited to the task, offering sufficient flexibility to absorb minor impacts while remaining rigid enough to maintain its shape. A potential weakness, though not one I’ve experienced yet, could be extreme cold temperatures potentially making the plastic more susceptible to cracking, though this is a common characteristic of many plastics.
Overall, this fender skirt meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It’s a functional component that directly addresses a need, providing peace of mind and protecting the trailer’s undercarriage. The Polar White color option also ensures it blends seamlessly with many trailer aesthetics.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this fender skirt is purely functional, with the aesthetic focused on utility and a clean look. The high-impact ABS plastic construction lends it a perceived sturdiness that inspires confidence. The textured finish is a practical choice, contributing to its overall durability and making it less prone to showing superficial damage.
Ergonomics are less of a factor for a fender skirt than for a tool you hold, but its form factor is designed for efficient installation. It’s shaped to curve perfectly over the tandem axles, integrating smoothly with the trailer’s chassis. The straightforward design means there’s no learning curve; it’s a bolt-on replacement part.
Practical design details include its exact dimensions, ensuring it fills the necessary space without being obtrusive. The color, Polar White, is a common RV color and will match many trailer designs, maintaining a cohesive appearance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire is designed for long-term use as a replacement part for an RV. Given the nature of ABS plastic and its intended exposure to road conditions, it’s likely to last for many years under normal use. There are no obvious points of failure in its construction, and the material choice suggests good UV and impact resistance.
Maintenance is incredibly simple; a wash with water and mild soap is sufficient to keep it clean. There are no complex parts to clean or maintain. Potential concerns might arise from driving too close to obstacles that could gouge or tear the plastic, but this is a risk inherent to any external body panel.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular product, the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire, is a standalone replacement part. It does not typically come with accessories, as its installation relies on the existing mounting hardware of the trailer. There are no direct customization options for the skirt itself; it’s manufactured to specific dimensions and finish.
However, its Polar White finish is a common color that generally coordinates well with most RV exteriors. While not a customization of the skirt itself, ensuring that the mounting hardware (screws, bolts, brackets) is in good condition before installation is a practical consideration.
Pros and Cons of Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire
Pros
- Direct Fit: Specifically designed for Travelaire fifth wheel trailers, ensuring a precise and hassle-free installation.
- Durable Material: Constructed from high-impact ABS plastic, offering excellent resistance to road debris and environmental factors.
- Textured Finish: The textured surface not only looks good but also helps to camouflage minor scuffs and scratches.
- Correct Dimensions: The specified measurements of 69-5/8″ x 16-1/8″ ensure proper coverage and a finished appearance.
- Readily Available: Offers a clear solution for a common replacement need for owners of compatible Travelaire models.
Cons
- Specific Fitment: Only compatible with certain Travelaire fifth wheel models, limiting its universal application.
- Potential for Extreme Temperature Issues: Like most plastics, extreme cold could potentially increase brittleness, though this is a general characteristic rather than a specific flaw.
- No Mounting Hardware Included: While standard, buyers will need to ensure their existing mounting hardware is in good condition or source new components.
Who Should Buy Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire?
This fender skirt is ideal for owners of Travelaire fifth wheel trailers who need to replace a damaged or missing tandem axle fender skirt. It’s perfect for DIYers who prefer straightforward installations and value a direct-fit replacement. Anyone who wants to maintain the aesthetic and functional integrity of their trailer’s wheel wells will find this product highly suitable.
Those who should probably skip this product are owners of RVs from manufacturers other than Travelaire, or those with single-axle trailers, as it is specifically designed for tandem axle Travelaire models. It’s not a universal part, so compatibility is key.
For installation, ensuring you have the appropriate mounting hardware—such as screws or bolts and possibly clips or brackets—is essential. Having a basic set of tools, including a screwdriver or socket wrench, will make the replacement process smooth and efficient.
Conclusion on Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs766 For Travelaire is a highly effective and practical replacement part. It delivers precisely what it promises: a durable, well-fitting fender skirt for compatible Travelaire fifth wheels. The high-impact ABS plastic construction and specific dimensions contribute to its strong performance in protecting the trailer’s undercarriage from road debris.
From a value perspective, at $219.99, it represents a reasonable investment for restoring the full functionality and appearance of your RV. While not the cheapest plastic part, its specific fitment and durable material justify the cost for owners of the targeted trailer models.
I would personally recommend this fender skirt to any owner of a compatible Travelaire fifth wheel trailer that requires a replacement. It’s a straightforward solution that instills confidence in its longevity and effectiveness. If you have a Travelaire fifth wheel and need this specific part, you can purchase it with assurance that it will perform its duty admirably.