I did a search and couldn't find what I was looking for. I'm looking to beef up the tunnel on my 05 M7 but I would also like to add open-style running boards. I noticed that VE makes open running boards that appear to also act as a tunnel support. Has anyone used these? I won't be hitting 200' booters, however, i'm 230lbs and I ride pretty aggressively so I don't want to bend or break anything. Also, cat makes a tunnel support kit, p/n #4639-900. Are they any good and will they work with open running boards?
M-series tunnel supports
- Thread starter justindacey
- Start date
anyone?
People say the alum cutout's like better boards stiffen up the running boards, but I dunno, they still look like you could pack out the boards if you're hard on them.
I made a set of supports for my wife's M7. At 250 mi, both rolled edges were sagging and one cracked a bit. After replacing them, I stayed off her sled for fear of bending them again!
I made some aluminum supports that run down the inside of the tunnel side, under the running board, and then 90deg down on the outside edge (1" turn down). So they're kinda Z shaped. Punched out the holes to match factory running boards. They weigh next to nothing and now the boards are at least as stiff as the newer M's.
I've taken some good sized drops and hits with them and no bending in 1500 mi.
They don't help the snow removal situation any though.
I made a set of supports for my wife's M7. At 250 mi, both rolled edges were sagging and one cracked a bit. After replacing them, I stayed off her sled for fear of bending them again!
I made some aluminum supports that run down the inside of the tunnel side, under the running board, and then 90deg down on the outside edge (1" turn down). So they're kinda Z shaped. Punched out the holes to match factory running boards. They weigh next to nothing and now the boards are at least as stiff as the newer M's.
I've taken some good sized drops and hits with them and no bending in 1500 mi.
They don't help the snow removal situation any though.
Cutler makes the strongest ones on the market.
I've run with others & there's no comparison. I wish I could put them on my 09 without a headache, the new boards are an improvement but a big step down from good boards.
If you need more strength, then you can pull your tunnel edges & put 08/09 tunnel edges on top of the cutlers, this makes an extremely strong assembly.
I've run with others & there's no comparison. I wish I could put them on my 09 without a headache, the new boards are an improvement but a big step down from good boards.
If you need more strength, then you can pull your tunnel edges & put 08/09 tunnel edges on top of the cutlers, this makes an extremely strong assembly.
S
superfast
Member
I second that
I thought about changing up the tunnel edges with the 09 style ones but I don't really want to do the rear bumper. After seeing all the posts about those BDX bumpers cracking the tunnel, I don't want to hack mine up. I don't ride in the mountains so I don't care about the trenching issues. If my sled goes too deep it will hit the ground and that will be enough traction lol. Will the 09 tunnel edges fit without cutting the back of the running boards off?
Cutler's website doesn't show what years the snow cleats will fit. Will they fit an '05?
Yes. I've got them on my 05 M7. Had them for several years. Super craftsmanship.
I just ordered a set. If they are not strong enough, I will add the new tunnel edges. Thanks guys!
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