Community Forums

Airlifter · 07-01-2016, 09:04 AM

We will pick up our new (used) dp in a couple of weeks and tow with an Acme dolly. We towed with a Demco dolly (with chip deflector) several years ago. The Acme dolly doesn't have a chip deflector option. Because of the dp exhaust position, the Protect-A-Tow is not viable.
We will appreciate any suggestions/recommendations to protect our toad from rock chips.

BFlinn181 · 07-01-2016, 02:25 PM

You could divert the exhaust more to the side as one option. Another is to hang a skirt from the rear bumper or behind the rear wheels, but don't let it hang low enough to sweep the road, that'll just flip up more road debris.

Not all that sure that a shield is needed, the auto's front should sit high enough on the dolly and close enough to the RV rear that few rocks will be flying high enough to strike the car's paint.

Brockx · 07-01-2016, 02:33 PM

I know this does not answer your question. However; BFLINN is on the money. I pulled a brand new KIA on an ACME for 12,000 miles never got a mark on it. If your new Acme has the new 12 inch tires versus the original 8 inch should be even better.

AnBfromDE · 07-01-2016, 05:38 PM

I bought a La bra to cover the front of my Prius when towing thinking that this would protect from rock chips. The good news is that I didn't get any damage from rock chips. The bad news is that we traveled through some very dusty areas and encountered some rain on our trip. When I took the bra off after we got back, the dirt that got under the bra did a number on the clear coat much worse than an occasional rock chip. The damage was likely caused by relative movement of the cover and the car. I do not recommend using a bra.

FleetMan · 07-01-2016, 06:51 PM

We have towed more than 75,000 miles with just the OE mud flaps behind the drive tires and the much maligned "hula skirt" across the rear of the MH without any noticeable damage from rocks or road debris. Road dust and dirt, yes, but a good car wash takes care of that.

BobMontgomer · 07-02-2016, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brockx

I know this does not answer your question. However; BFLINN is on the money. I pulled a brand new KIA on an ACME for 12,000 miles never got a mark on it. If your new Acme has the new 12 inch tires versus the original 8 inch should be even better.

Have you ever driven on a highway that was recently chip-sealed? Thanks.

BFlinn181 · 07-02-2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobMontgomer

Have you ever driven on a highway that was recently chip-sealed? Thanks.

I have, many times over many summers of living and driving in Wyoming. I slow down to under 30 mph and stay to the far right side of the road to reduce windshield damage.

Dutch Star Don · 07-02-2016, 11:09 AM

I tried a new product (new to me) on the front of my CRV last trip. We tow four down. The product is called "Road Wrap".https://www.amazon.com/Road-Wrap-18-...ords=Road+Wrap

It's basically a roll of clear plastic wrap that is sticky on one. It's not as thick as the 3M film on the front of a coach, but much thicker than something like "Saran" wrap. I take a minute to make sure the painted area I want to protect is clean and then stick one edge of the wrap on the side of the car and pull it across to the other side. Press it down and I'm down. It comes in a 100' roll. If you intend to drive your car at a one night stop, but want to leave the wrap on, just cut out a section in the grill so you get air flow. Once you get to your destination, remove it and throw it away.

So far it's working well and the plastic is thick enough to deter rock dings.

BobMontgomer · 07-02-2016, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

I have, many times over many summers of living and driving in Wyoming. I slow down to under 30 mph and stay to the far right side of the road to reduce windshield damage.

What kind of dolly do you have and what kind of VW and where in WY did you live? Thanks.

Brockx · 07-02-2016, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobMontgomer

Have you ever driven on a highway that was recently chip-sealed? Thanks.

Yeah, got a chipped windshield on the MH.

BFlinn181 · 07-02-2016, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobMontgomer

What kind of dolly do you have and what kind of VW and where in WY did you live? Thanks.

For many summers I lived on a ranch outside Dubois teaching environmental science at Miami University (OH) field geology station. I drove students in and round the Yellowstone/Tetons ecosystem. I tow 4 down, but I've used a dolly in the past.

CampDaven · 07-02-2016, 03:51 PM

I ditched the "Ad-Flap". Problem solved

Dave and Nola, RV Mutants

BobMontgomer · 07-02-2016, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

For many summers I lived on a ranch outside Dubois teaching environmental science at Miami University (OH) field geology station. I drove students in and round the Yellowstone/Tetons ecosystem. I tow 4 down, but I've used a dolly in the past.

Did you dolly a VW New Beetle? What kind of dolly? Thanks.