Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post Review

Going All In on the Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post

When you’re dealing with the intricate dance of RV slide-outs, protecting the vital plumbing and wiring that makes them function is paramount. I’d been noticing a bit of sag and wear on the exposed conduits under my own rig’s slide room, and the thought of a costly repair due to a frayed hose or a severed wire kept me up at night. This is precisely why I started looking into solutions like the Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post. It promised to be a robust guard, designed to flex and adapt with the slide’s movement, preventing exactly the kind of damage I was worried about. While I briefly considered some generic cable wraps, the specific design of a dedicated Flexguard seemed more appropriate for the stresses involved. My initial impression upon receiving the kit was one of solid, utilitarian construction; it felt like it was built to last.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed this guard kit under the slide-out of my RV, a common application for this type of product. The environment was a typical garage workspace, with decent lighting and a concrete floor. I performed the installation during a moderate temperature day, and the material showed no immediate signs of brittleness or excessive pliability. The installation process itself was surprisingly straightforward, largely due to the clear design and the included mounting hardware.

The flex guard’s primary function is to bend with the slide, and this was tested repeatedly over several days of extending and retracting the slide-out. I ensured the system experienced full extension and retraction cycles, simulating normal usage patterns. It handled these movements without any discernible strain or unusual noises.

Ease of use was a definite strong point here. The design is so focused on its singular purpose that there’s no complex setup or calibration required. Once the mounting posts were in place and the flex guard was attached, it was essentially ready to perform.

My only initial surprise was how compact the package was for something that offers such substantial protection. It felt substantial but didn’t take up much space in my toolbox before installation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular RV use, including multiple trips with frequent slide-out operations, the Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post has held up remarkably well. It’s been exposed to a variety of road conditions, from smooth highways to occasional jarring bumps, and the integrity of the protected components underneath remains uncompromised. I haven’t noticed any cracks, excessive stiffness, or performance degradation in the guard itself.

Maintenance has been minimal, which is a huge plus. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any road grime or dust that accumulates. I haven’t had to perform any specific care routines, and there’s nothing about its design that suggests hidden areas where dirt or moisture could cause problems.

Compared to some previous makeshift solutions I’ve employed (like zip ties and generic conduit), this dedicated kit is in a different league for durability and intended functionality. Those temporary fixes often failed after a few uses or a season, whereas this flex guard seems built for the long haul.

Breaking Down the Features of Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post

Specifications

The Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post is designed to offer robust protection for the underbelly of RV slide-out rooms. It features a heavy-duty, flexible rail system specifically engineered to support and shield vital components like plumbing, wiring, and hoses. The key component is the flex guard itself, which has a patented design that automatically straightens during slide-out extension and bends into a controlled arc as the slide retracts. This controlled flexing action is crucial for preventing the sagging that can lead to undue stress and eventual breakage of protected lines.

The kit includes an 8″ mounting post for each side, complete with washers, ensuring a secure and stable attachment point. It also comes with five Flex Guard clips per kit, which are essential for holding the flex guard in the correct position and allowing it to articulate freely. This “double flex kit” designation implies it’s configured for a dual application, likely meaning it covers two distinct sections or requires two mounting points per side for optimal support.

This design is versatile enough to be installed on any slide-out system that utilizes a 1/4″ steel rod or swing arm for its slide mechanism. The ability to adapt to both single, double, and even triple slide-out applications further highlights its broad utility across various RV configurations. The price point of $51.99 for a comprehensive kit that addresses a critical failure point in RV slide-outs represents a significant value, especially when considering the potential cost of repairing damaged plumbing or wiring.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary role, the Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post performs exceptionally well. The flex guard material is both durable and flexible, allowing it to absorb the dynamic forces exerted during slide-out operation without becoming rigid or brittle. Its ability to maintain a controlled arc during retraction is its most impressive functional aspect, directly preventing the stress points that plague unprotected conduits.

The strength of this unit lies in its patented flexing mechanism and the heavy-duty construction of the flex guard material. It effectively shields the vulnerable underbelly components from road debris, snagging hazards, and the constant movement of the slide. A minor weakness, if one could call it that, is the reliance on the existing 1/4″ steel rod or swing arm for mounting. While this makes it adaptable, users without this specific setup would need to fabricate their own mounting solutions.

Overall, this double flex kit not only meets but exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It provides a professional-grade solution to a common RV maintenance concern, offering peace of mind that is invaluable for any owner.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post is purely functional, prioritizing robust protection over aesthetic flair. The flex guard material itself appears to be a high-grade, durable polymer, offering good resistance to abrasion and the elements. The mounting posts are sturdy metal, providing a solid anchor point for the system.

Ergonomically, once installed, the flex guard system is largely out of sight and out of mind, which is the ideal scenario for this type of product. The clips that hold the guard to the mounting posts are designed for easy attachment and detachment, facilitating installation and potential maintenance without requiring specialized tools. There’s no real “learning curve” for the flex guard itself, as its operation is entirely passive and dictated by the movement of the slide-out.

Practical design details include the inherent flexibility of the guard, which allows it to adapt to varying angles and movements. The inclusion of the 8″ mounting post with washer and the five Flex Guard clips ensures that users have the necessary components for a secure and effective installation right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and my extended use, the Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post is built for longevity in a demanding RV environment. I anticipate it will last for many years under normal operational stress. The materials used suggest excellent resistance to UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and road grime, all common culprits for premature material failure in outdoor applications.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent beyond occasional cleaning to remove accumulated dirt or debris, which can be done with a simple damp cloth. There are no moving parts that require lubrication, and the flex guard material is not prone to stiffness or cracking that would necessitate special care.

The primary potential failure point would likely be extreme, sustained physical impact that could damage the guard itself or the mounting posts. However, for everyday use and typical road hazards, it appears to be incredibly robust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post comes as a complete kit, including the essential components for installation and function. The main accessories included are the 8″ mounting posts with washers and the five Flex Guard clips. These are not optional add-ons but integral parts of the kit designed to work together seamlessly.

Customization options for this specific product are minimal, as it is designed for a very specific application. Its adaptability comes from its ability to be installed on various slide-out systems that utilize a 1/4″ steel rod or swing arm. While users might need to adjust the positioning of the mounting posts based on their RV’s specific slide-out geometry, the flex guard itself is a single, unified component. There are no interchangeable parts or different sizes offered for the flex guard itself within this particular kit.

Pros and Cons of Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post

Who Should Buy Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post?

This flex guard kit is ideal for RV owners who frequently use their slide-out rooms and want to proactively protect the underlying plumbing, wiring, and hoses from damage. It’s particularly well-suited for those who have experienced or are concerned about sagging or wear on these critical components during slide operation. Technicians and maintenance professionals working on RVs will also find this kit a reliable solution for repairs and upgrades.

However, individuals who have slide-out systems that do not utilize a 1/4″ steel rod or swing arm for their mechanism should look for alternative solutions or be prepared to adapt the mounting system. Those seeking purely aesthetic enhancements for their RV’s undercarriage would not find this product fulfilling, as its design is strictly utilitarian.

For users of this kit, ensuring proper alignment during installation is key. While no specific mandatory accessories are required, having basic tools like a drill, socket set, and possibly a level will make the installation process smoother and more accurate.

Conclusion on Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post

The Lippert 1346281 Double Flexguard Kit 8″ Post is a highly effective and well-engineered solution for protecting the vulnerable components beneath RV slide-out rooms. Its patented flexing mechanism directly addresses a common failure point, offering peace of mind and potentially saving owners from expensive repairs. The robust construction and ease of installation make it a practical choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional RV technicians.

Considering its price of $51.99, this kit offers exceptional value when weighed against the potential cost of damaged plumbing or wiring. It’s a proactive investment in the longevity and reliability of an RV’s slide-out system. I would absolutely recommend this flex guard kit to any RV owner with a compatible slide mechanism who prioritizes the protection of their rig’s essential systems. It’s a straightforward, functional product that delivers precisely what it promises.