Community Forums

DCM · 05-06-2013, 08:35 PM

I'm a new RVer with a 40' DP. My rock guard drags, and catches on uneven ground when reversing. It has torn and I have been looking to replace it. Here is the issue.
I cannot find OEM replacement, 95" x 12" all that I've found are 16" or 20" deep

One person I spoke to says I don't need it, and suggested I just remove it and not to replace it.

What is the general thoughts of fellow RV owners?
Should I remove it, or does anyone know where I can get a replacement.

dapiglet · 05-06-2013, 09:19 PM

I went with the "grass skirt" style due to the issues you mentioned. . . not very expensive either & simple to install. So far my Eclipse Spyder is chip-free.

Yoda2405 · 05-06-2013, 09:25 PM

I have pulled my Liberty about 27,000 miles without any skirt other than the small mud flaps behind the rear wheels from the factory. I do avoid dirt roads but I have had no damage to the toad.
I would at least give the recommendation to just remove it a try and see what you experience.
Happy Travels

Mr_D · 05-06-2013, 09:27 PM

Ordered ours with the rig. So far I've bent it on the trailer hitch, drug some off the bottom and had to replace some bolts. A little beat up but the rig is 12 model years old too.
I see the new ones are shorter and attached with removable links. Ours is attached via chains welded to the MH frame. I should cut the chain and get some of the links as I have had a need to shorten or remove it.

AFChap · 05-06-2013, 09:46 PM

The lower the solid guards are, the more damage they will CAUSE rather than prevent. They should clear the ground by 6-8 inches minimum at normal ride height. Ours is a good height, and has not been damaged in our 66k miles of travel. I recently removed it as a precaution for an Alaska caravan this summer. If fuel mileage improves I will not put it back on. And if it were damaged, I would NOT pay to replace it.

Arch Hoagland · 05-06-2013, 11:25 PM

I've never used one and haven't had a problem for over 60,000 miles.

Pulled a toad, actually three different toads, and all is well.

wanderso · 05-06-2013, 11:34 PM

I use the tow defender (mesh) that keeps any serious debris from hitting my toad. Works great.

http://roadmasterinc.com/products/pr...ect_store.html

MSHappyCampers · 05-07-2013, 08:29 AM

We use the UltraGuard solid rubber flap under the rear of the MH, along with the Protect-A-Tow mesh shield between the MH and toad. I think this gives as much protection as it's possible to have.

My UltraGuard is about 4" off the ground. I always heard that was the ideal height. I think the folks that make the UltraGuard told me that.

We took a 7000 mile trip out west last spring and didn't get a single ding on the toad! Works for me!

t55watson · 05-07-2013, 08:39 AM

My rubber rock guard is mounted way forward from the rear bumper. Tucked up behind the rear wheel flaps that came from the factory. It is bolted to a square tube that is welded to the frame and goes all the way across the vehicle in one piece. It lets no rocks get to the back of the rig. No marks on the toad after a trip to Alaska and 4 more years of winter travels.

AKJohn · 05-07-2013, 09:03 AM

I'm using Protect-a-Tow as well. Nothing else except the factory mud flaps behind the rear duals.

Selah · 05-07-2013, 02:15 PM

Same a AKJohn.

STORMY 1 · 05-07-2013, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

We use the UltraGuard solid rubber flap under the rear of the MH, along with the Protect-A-Tow mesh shield between the MH and toad. I think this gives as much protection as it's possible to have.

My UltraGuard is about 4" off the ground. I always heard that was the ideal height. I think the folks that make the UltraGuard told me that.

We took a 7000 mile trip out west last spring and didn't get a single ding on the toad! Works for me!

Did you install the Protect a Tow with the four eyelets on the motorhome rear bumper? I too have one and installed it with four eyelets on the MH and two on my Jeep. Because my motorhome bumper is higher than the hitch, the Protect A Tow has to go down and under the tow bar. When I turn sharply , the mesh is a little droopy on both sides of the hitch. Do you think that will allow debris to come through, or should I install two more eyelets, one on each side of the tow bar hitch.

STORMY 1 · 05-07-2013, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKJohn

I'm using Protect-a-Tow as well. Nothing else except the factory mud flaps behind the rear duals.

Did you install yours with the four eyelets on the motorhome and two on the toad? My bumper is higher than the hitch, somI have the mesh go down and under the tow bar. Because of that, the mesh is not tight on either side of the hitch, tow bar area. I' m concerned that some road debris will get through that small area.

MSHappyCampers · 05-08-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STORMY 1

Did you install the Protect a Tow with the four eyelets on the motorhome rear bumper? I too have one and installed it with four eyelets on the MH and two on my Jeep. Because my motorhome bumper is higher than the hitch, the Protect A Tow has to go down and under the tow bar. When I turn sharply , the mesh is a little droopy on both sides of the hitch. Do you think that will allow debris to come through, or should I install two more eyelets, one on each side of the tow bar hitch.

I have four eyelets on the MH. I made my DIY version of the Protect-A-Tow and it has four openings for the bungee on the MH end. Is yours like that? If so, I would think they would be spaced right on each side of the hitch ?? I put my eyelets along the top of the UltraGuard flap, which puts them under the hitch.