Let’s Dive into Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne
RV fender skirts might not be the sexiest topic in the outdoor gear world, but let’s face it, a cracked or missing fender skirt isn’t just an eyesore, it’s an open invitation to water damage and more headaches down the road. That’s why I was particularly interested in the Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne, a replacement part designed to fit a range of popular RV brands. Icon, a known aftermarket parts manufacturer, offers this skirt promising durability and a perfect fit.
My own Shasta travel trailer suffered a fender skirt casualty after a run-in with an overly enthusiastic bush during a boondocking trip. The original skirt was brittle and cracked easily under the pressure. I needed a replacement that could withstand the rigors of the road and offer a cleaner, more professional look than duct tape and wishful thinking.
The Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne arrived well-packaged. Upon unboxing, my initial thought was that the color, Champagne, was a bit more subdued and elegant than I anticipated – a pleasant surprise. The high-impact ABS plastic felt sturdy and had a slightly textured finish, which seemed promising for resisting scratches and fading.
I considered a few other options, including universal fit skirts and direct replacements from the RV manufacturers. I ultimately chose the Icon skirt because of its specific compatibility with several popular brands, suggesting a higher likelihood of a proper fit, and the promise of durable ABS plastic. The price was also competitive, hovering around $170, which felt reasonable for a part that can protect the undercarriage of my trailer.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The skirt looked well-made and the color was a nice upgrade. The real test, of course, would be the installation and its performance on the road.
Real-World Testing: Putting Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use involved the installation process itself, which took place in my driveway. Thankfully, the Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne came with a recommendation to use their measuring forms, available on their website, to ensure a perfect fit. I diligently followed those instructions, double-checking all measurements before committing to drilling.
The initial installation was straightforward, though I did need to purchase some self-tapping screws separately. We hit a particularly nasty rainstorm the following weekend, and I was relieved to see the skirt held up perfectly, with no leaks or signs of weakness around the screw points.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months and over 3,000 miles of travel, including a particularly dusty trip through Nevada and several rainy days in Oregon, the Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne is holding up remarkably well. I can confidently report no new cracks or significant wear and tear. The textured finish hides road grime effectively, and a simple wash is all it takes to restore its original appearance.
Maintenance has been minimal; I simply hose it down when I wash the RV. This skirt drastically outperforms the original equipment in both aesthetics and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne
Specifications
The Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne is constructed from durable, high-impact ABS plastic. This material choice is key for resisting impacts from road debris and the elements. The textured finish helps to camouflage minor scratches and dirt.
This fender skirt is designed as a tandem axle replacement. It fits several brands, including Crossroads, Dutchmen, Forest River (Shasta), Keystone, Palomino, KZ, Heartland, and Skyline, making it a versatile choice. The Champagne color provides a subtle, modern aesthetic.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne is to protect the wheel well from water, road debris, and UV damage. It excels at this, preventing water from splashing up into the RV’s undercarriage and reducing the risk of rust and corrosion. The skirt’s secure fit minimizes vibration and noise while driving.
One minor weakness is that the mounting hardware (screws) are not included. While this is a minor inconvenience, it does require an extra trip to the hardware store. Overall, this Icon skirt exceeds my expectations for a replacement fender skirt.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is clean and functional. The Champagne color is a welcome departure from the often-stark white or black options typically available. The textured finish not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides a slight degree of impact resistance.
Installation is relatively simple. The manufacturer providing measuring forms on their website significantly reduces the chances of ordering the wrong size, showcasing a user-friendly approach.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-impact ABS plastic construction suggests a long lifespan. The material is resistant to cracking, fading, and impact damage. Cleaning is as simple as hosing it down with soap and water.
Given its robust construction, the Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne appears built to last for many years with minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is a replacement part, so there aren’t many direct accessories or customization options. You could potentially paint the skirt to match a specific RV color scheme. The most important accessory is the appropriate self-tapping screws for installation.
This skirt is designed as a direct replacement, so compatibility with other brands’ accessories isn’t really relevant. Focus is on ensuring you get the right size/fit for your specific RV make and model!
Pros and Cons of Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne
Pros
- Durable high-impact ABS plastic construction for long-lasting performance. This ensures the skirt can withstand road debris and weather elements without easily cracking or deteriorating.
- Direct replacement for multiple RV brands (Crossroads, Dutchmen, Forest River/Shasta, Keystone, Palomino, KZ, Heartland, Skyline) providing a wide range of applicability. This means less hassle trying to find a compatible part.
- Textured finish hides scratches and dirt effectively, maintaining a cleaner appearance. It saves time and effort in cleaning and keeps the RV looking its best.
- Champagne color offers a more modern and aesthetically pleasing look compared to standard white or black skirts. The color offers an upgrade to the RV’s overall look.
- Measuring forms available on the manufacturer’s website to ensure a proper fit, reducing the risk of ordering the wrong size. The measuring forms offer increased probability of a successful fit.
Cons
- Mounting screws are not included, requiring a separate purchase. This adds an extra step and cost to the installation process.
- The Champagne color, while aesthetically pleasing, might not match all RV color schemes perfectly. This could create a slight visual inconsistency for some RV owners.
Who Should Buy Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne?
The Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne is perfect for RV owners of Crossroads, Dutchmen, Forest River (Shasta), Keystone, Palomino, KZ, Heartland, and Skyline trailers who need to replace a damaged or missing tandem axle fender skirt. It’s also a great choice for those looking to upgrade the aesthetics of their RV with a more modern color. This skirt is ideal for RVers who prioritize durability and a hassle-free installation process.
If your RV is not one of the listed compatible brands, or if you require a skirt in a specific color to perfectly match your RV’s existing scheme, you might want to explore other options. Someone looking for the absolute cheapest possible replacement might find universal fit skirts more appealing, although they may sacrifice fit and durability.
Must-have accessories include self-tapping screws appropriate for your RV’s body material. Silicone sealant around the screw holes can also provide an extra layer of protection against water intrusion.
Conclusion on Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne
The Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne is a well-designed and durable replacement part that offers a significant upgrade over many factory-installed fender skirts. The high-impact ABS plastic construction, textured finish, and attractive Champagne color make it a worthwhile investment. While the lack of included mounting hardware is a minor drawback, the availability of measuring forms on the manufacturer’s website and the skirt’s broad compatibility make it an easy recommendation for many RV owners.
At $169.99, the price is justified considering the skirt’s quality, durability, and the protection it provides to your RV. I personally recommend it to anyone needing to replace a tandem axle fender skirt on a compatible RV model. Upgrade your RV’s look and protect it from the elements – get your Icon Dem Fender Skirt Fs1770 – Champagne today!