Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Retractable Tow Curtain.

The Alcan Highway is the reason for development of the Retractable Tow Curtain.  We tried all of the available options - bib, rockguard and a full width mud flap.   The Retractable Tow Curtain solved all of our problems. We are snowbirds who live in Alaska. We have made numerous round trips on the Alcan over the past 5 years using the curtain.

The Retractable Tow Curtain is easily installed with limited tools.  Attached is an assembly drawing which shows the attachment at the Receiver Cross-Bar on the coach. The Retractable Tow Curtain is compatible with all tow bars, including extended hitches.

The Retractable Tow Curtain is attached at two eye bolts mounted on the towed vehicle. 

When making a sharp turn, fabric is pulled from the roller.  A short bungee, which is sewn in the edge of the curtain, gathers the material, preventing it from dragging on the road surface.

An FRP rod sewn internally across the fabric, supports the slack weight of the curtain.  As the towed vehicle comes back in line, tension on the roller retrieves the fabric.

The total weight is 26 to 28 pounds, depending on upper brackets.  Shipping weight is approximately 34 pounds. 

The curtain assembly is 8' wide and tapers to 6'6'.  Maximum extension is 7'.  A special order is required for extended length up to 10 feet.

Eye bolts are mounted 30" apart but can be adjusted by bending up to 45 degrees if the 30" separation is not possible. If more support is needed a one inch by 1/8" flat bar is suggested as re-enforcement.  Curtain tension is between 4 and 8 1/2 pounds in a tight turn.

A PVC plastic air dam is attached with self-tapping screws to the forward side of roller bracket.  This blocks any air or debris from going over the top of the curtain. 

The curtain is deployed by pulling the curtain attach bar from the motor home to the towed vehicle where it snaps into the eye bolts.  Four velcro straps are looped over the tow bar which stabilizes the curtain in cross winds. 

There is no maintenance required except occasionally cleaning the curtain.   A California Duster does a great job.  If the curtain is  muddy, remove it, lay it in the driveway, wash it off, hang up and let dry.  Easy instructions to remove the curtain are included in the kit.

It is recommended that the full rear mud flap be removed.  The mud flap disrupts the road draft air flow which creates an air boil forward between the flap and road surface, picking up road debris.  This is a major problem for rear engine motor homes as the debris is forced into the engine compartment, where the cooling fan draws it into the radiator eventually causing an overheat problem.  

When properly installed with the air dam (included in Kit), the air flow is directed under the curtain, eliminating the 'station wagon' effect and allowing smooth air flow from top and sides of the coach thus reducing wet or dirty camera lens.

Rain is not a problem but we recommend the curtain be retracted in snow conditions. 

If your coach has a side exhaust, it is compatible.  A rear exhaust (off center at the back of the coach) would need to be modified so as not to melt the nylon fabric .