Barn of Parts Adjustable Snow Flap

[hibshman25]

Been gathering feedback from customers and TY threads over the past few seasons and I see a potential need for an adjustable snow flap plate.

The procross skids have very little set in with the spring and shock calibrations coming through on the sleds, so the snow flap remains quite high from ground. This allows snow dust to escape from tunnel which reduces cooling efficiency and makes for a dust storm for riders following.

I'm working on something that will relocate the snow flap. It will also have several inches of adjustment so it will work for any weight rider. For those that saddlebag it will also allow for adjustment as cargo weight fluctuates.

Dropping the stock snow flap poses an issue as it such a stiff flap with minimal flex. I noticed my holes are elongated in the flap due to the flap not being able to bend and flex easily. I'm looking at using the yamaha japan snow flaps as they are much more flexible and don't look "cheep" like some of the aftermarket flaps.

I will update the thread as I progress.

 

[ROCKERDAN]

Just a side note, The BRP flap design has good curve in it, which brings the snowdust up and around.

Good project for sure Travis, and dont forget about the coolant hose protection.

 

[Crossfire12]

Great idea, I need it

 

[4strokes]

I plan to get a longer flap and add a strap to cinch up for reverse. I did in mid season arch the flap in with a torch and it helped alot. but yes, machine is too high for the flap

 

[Boston RX1]

Travis, what i would like to see is something like the snoscoots snow flap/cover was designed. It was mounted to the track hardware and never moved. The suspension was on top of that. Although this was not used for cooling, it kept the snow contained around the track. The current design of snow flap are always in the way backing up or when stuck.

 

[STAIN]

Not to be a dink but fix your ride height/ suspension sag issue and the flap is not a problem. Mine hits the snow on some rollers.

 

[hibshman25]

Not to be a dink but fix your ride height/ suspension sag issue and the flap is not a problem. Mine hits the snow on some rollers.

I agree, but for many that's easier said than done. The adjustable flap will be easier to install for the average guy and easier on the wallet then spring purchases and shock rework.

Another issue is sleds that are ridden by multiple riders or touring riders that will have varying weights. When I size multi rate springs some riders can carry up to 150-200 lbs of extra gear. An adjustable flap will easily compensate for changes where as a suspension set up for specific rider will not.

 

[Anjill]

My 2013 Apex XTX kicks up a lot of snow and ice to those behind me as well. Haven't had an overheat issue yet, though.

 

[geez150]

My 2013 Apex XTX kicks up a lot of snow and ice to those behind me as well. Haven't had an overheat issue yet, though.

I personally liked when my 2011 xtx was like that, thought it looked kinda cool the way it through snow lol. But the apex doesn't overheat due to ample cooling that the new sleds don't have.

 

[RAMSOMAIR]

Apex also has the coolers under the running boards.

 

[Beerman]

I personally liked when my 2011 xtx was like that, thought it looked kinda cool the way it through snow lol. But the apex doesn't overheat due to ample cooling that the new sleds don't have.

My 2006 sure would in low snow conditions - those didn't have the rear cooler that came out later. The SW seems pretty good with cooling as long as there is snow. All sleds need some snow in the tunnel for the coolers.

 

[Sledroll]

I plan to get a longer flap and add a strap to cinch up for reverse. I did in mid season arch the flap in with a torch and it helped alot. but yes, machine is too high for the flap

do you have a pic ?

 

[Crossfire12]

Apex also has the coolers under the running boards.

I think the flap is for the 17 up sidewinder and up, they don't make the apex anymore, apex was heavy and the suspensions was low and I believe the flap dragged because of the coolers location, mod T era.

 

[hibshman25]

Got a test plate burned out and did a trial fit up. May add some side gussets for additional strength since the long plate has a lot of leverage to stress the attachment rivets. I did add an extra row of rivets. Going to order in a skidoo snow flap in and explore that option as well.

The slots allow for 6.5" of adjustment. As shown with no rider the flap is 4" from grade.

 

[hibshman25]

I've come up with another solution that utilizes the stock snow flap and allows for a much shorter snow flap plate. The stock snow flap needs to be trimmed along the crease as shown in the one photo below. After trimmed 4 new holes need to be drilled, and the plate works as a drill template.

On my winder the stock snow flap measures 10.5" of vertical clearance from grade. With my adjustable plate, the flap can be adjusted from 7" of clearance down to 3".

The plate attaches to stock snow flap plate. 4 additional holes get drilled into the stock plate so a total of 8 rivets secure. Final finish would be a black powdercoat.