Let’s Dive into Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone might not sound like the most exciting piece of gear, but trust me, if you’ve ever dealt with cracked, faded, or missing fender skirts on your Keystone RV, you know how crucial they are. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your RV looking its best.
I’ve been working with outdoor and tactical gear for over a decade, and while that primarily involves things like tents, packs, and shooting equipment, I’ve also seen my fair share of RV repairs and modifications. A properly fitted fender skirt is essential for preventing water damage, road debris impacts, and ultimately, extending the life of your RV.
Last summer, a tree branch decided to introduce itself to the fender skirt of a friend’s Keystone Everest. He needed a quick and reliable replacement, and that’s how I first encountered the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone.
Initially, I was impressed by the material – a durable, high-impact ABS plastic with a textured finish. The promise of a direct fit for various Keystone brands, including Challenger and Everest, also caught my attention.
Compared to universal fender skirts, which often require significant modification and never quite look right, the Icon option seemed like a much better solution. My friend had considered a fiberglass repair shop, but that was costly and time-consuming. He also looked at some cheaper ABS plastic alternatives, but the reviews indicated they cracked easily.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The ABS plastic felt solid, and the textured finish gave it a professional look. I was excited to see if it would truly be a drop-in replacement, as promised.
Real-World Testing: Putting Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone to the Test
First Use Experience
My friend’s Keystone Everest was the testing ground. The installation itself was straightforward, thanks to the precise fit that Icon advertised. We were working in his driveway, with basic hand tools – a drill, screwdriver, and measuring tape.
The weather was cooperative – dry, with a slight breeze – which made the job much easier. The key was to ensure proper alignment before drilling any holes. We used the old fender skirt as a template, marking the screw locations onto the new Icon skirt.
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone slid into place perfectly. There were no gaps or misalignments. After only about an hour, the new skirt was securely attached. No need to deal with the headache of body work.
Extended Use & Reliability
Now, several months later, I can report that the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone is holding up remarkably well. It has endured a few road trips and plenty of exposure to the elements.
There are no signs of cracking or fading. The ABS plastic has proven to be resistant to the usual wear and tear from rocks and road grime. The textured finish has also helped to hide minor scratches.
Maintenance has been minimal. A simple wash with soap and water keeps it looking like new. Compared to the original skirt, which started showing signs of deterioration after just a couple of years, the Icon skirt feels significantly more durable. This is a far better experience than we had anticipated.
Breaking Down the Features of Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone
Specifications
Material: The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone is constructed from high-impact ABS plastic. This ensures durability and resistance to cracking and fading, especially important for parts exposed to the elements.
Finish: It features a textured finish in polar white. The texture helps to hide minor scratches and blemishes, keeping the skirt looking newer for longer, and the color matches many common RV schemes.
Compatibility: It is designed as a replacement for various Keystone brands, including Challenger and Everest. This targeted compatibility means a more precise fit than universal alternatives.
Measuring Forms: Icon provides measuring forms on their website. These forms are crucial for ensuring a proper fit with your specific Keystone model, further simplifying the install.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the longevity and appearance of your RV. A durable material means fewer replacements. The textured finish maintains a cleaner look. And precise compatibility ensures a hassle-free installation.
Performance & Functionality
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone performs its job exceptionally well. It protects the RV from road debris, reduces water splash, and enhances the overall appearance.
Its key strengths lie in its durability and ease of installation. There are virtually no modifications needed if you follow the measuring form. The only thing that could be improved on this model is color variety, since this model only comes in polar white.
The product meets and exceeds expectations, especially when compared to universal alternatives or the original factory-installed skirts, which often fail prematurely.
Design & Ergonomics
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone boasts a well-thought-out design. The ABS plastic feels substantial, and the textured finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The lightweight nature of the ABS plastic makes the skirt easy to handle during installation. The design is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools or expertise for installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone, made of ABS plastic, offers good resistance against impacts and weathering. It has a high probability of outlasting the original skirt.
Maintenance involves simple cleaning with soap and water, making it easy to keep the skirt looking its best.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone doesn’t come with additional accessories beyond the skirt itself.
However, it can be painted to match a specific RV color scheme if desired. Always be sure to use paints specifically formulated for ABS plastic to ensure proper adhesion and longevity.
Pros and Cons of Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone
Pros
- Direct replacement for specified Keystone models ensures a precise fit.
- High-impact ABS plastic construction for enhanced durability.
- Textured finish helps hide scratches and maintain appearance.
- Easy to install with basic tools.
- Measuring forms available to guarantee fit.
Cons
- Polar white color may not match all RV color schemes, and painting might be required.
- Limited customization options beyond painting.
Who Should Buy Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone?
The Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone is perfect for Keystone RV owners (specifically Challenger and Everest models) needing a durable and easy-to-install fender skirt replacement. It is ideal for those looking to avoid costly fiberglass repairs or the hassle of modifying universal skirts.
Those who should skip this product include owners of RV brands other than Keystone (Challenger or Everest) or those seeking a wider range of color options straight out of the box.
A must-have modification is a high-quality ABS plastic paint if you need to match a specific RV color scheme.
Conclusion on Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone
Overall, the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone is a solid investment for Keystone RV owners needing a reliable fender skirt replacement. The price of $222.49 is justified by the product’s durability, ease of installation, and precise fit.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone seeking a hassle-free solution to damaged or deteriorating fender skirts on their Keystone RV.
Don’t let a cracked or missing fender skirt detract from the appearance and value of your RV. Invest in the Icon Tandem Axle Fender Skirt Fs1705 For Keystone and enjoy peace of mind knowing your RV is protected and looking its best.