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GringoPhil
10-13-2012, 06:30 PM
Hey guys, I have noticed a lot of rock chips on the front end of our toad. I am wondering what you others do about this problem? Has anyone tried the guardian by road master? Did it work for you? Is there anything else on the market I should know about? Thanks any feedback helps.

Newell Attack
10-14-2012, 12:27 AM
We use the Road Master Rock Guard. It works very well and have no front end dings from road debris. It takes only a few minutes to install and it stores when not in use on the coach mounted on the hitch behind the towbar. We have no complaints.

Rudra
10-14-2012, 01:59 AM
I believe the guard is the best way to go. There are people who install a bra on their car or there is a product I believe made by 3M you can stick over your front bumper, head lamps and the front portion of the hood. Goes on like a clear decal. That is all I know.

Randy J
10-14-2012, 03:58 AM
We have wondered about that chip guard protector as well. Is it really a worthwhile product. and what about the cost?

Chester B. Stone, Jr.
10-14-2012, 03:19 PM
I have been using the Roadmaster Rock Guard for several years, but I added a rubber extension to the bottom on each side to better protect the lower part of the grill. I left it home this summer thinking the Newell had such great mud flaps that I did not need the Rock Guard. Wrong!!!

Rudra
10-14-2012, 03:52 PM
Chester, would you at all by chance have a picture of your nice setup? Sounds really interesting.

Neweller
10-14-2012, 09:46 PM
Here is the system direct from Roadmaster. Their latest Guardian model below with a description:

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/img/guadianlogo.jpg

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/img/guardian.png
Protect Your Towed Vehicle and RV Against Dings and Rock Chips.
The Guardian is crafted from rotationally-molded, high-impact polyethylene to absorb the impact of rocks, gravel and road debris — instead of ricocheting it back at the motorhome. The Guardian can be attached and removed in seconds, and fits all ROADMASTER tow bars equipped with quick-disconnects. Can also be used with a tow dolly to help protect your towed vehicle by using Guardian bracket part no. 2000-8.

If you tow more than one vehicle, the Second Vehicle Kit has all the mounting hardware necessary to swap the Guardian from one vehicle to another.
For maximum protection, use a Tow Defender (http://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/protection_storage/protect_store.html#tow) and a Guardian. Motorhomes kick up rocks, gravel and road debris, but so does oncoming traffic. A Tow Defender/Guardian combination protects your towed vehicle's finish, headlights and windshield against damage from both lanes.

Visit the Tow Bars and Accessories Testimonials page (http://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/testimonials/tow_testimonials.html)


Now it would be nice to get a first hand photograph of the set-up behind a Newell Coach. Chester or any other volunteers?

NewellCrazy
10-15-2012, 03:34 AM
Here are a couple of photo's of a Protect-a-Tow. They offer something similar to the one Roadmaster makes. As you can see from the pictures of the Protect-a-Tow goes underneath the tow bar as the Roadmaster shows theirs over the top of the tow bar.


http://protectatow.tripod.com/DSC00043.JPGhttp://protectatow.tripod.com/pic10.jpghttp://protectatow.tripod.com/pic12.jpg

Gax
10-15-2012, 02:56 PM
I have seen both of those guards paired together.

Neweller
10-15-2012, 04:45 PM
Gax, a lot of motorhome rvers do often use the two guards in combination for the best possible protection against rocks and debris. The Roadmaster Guardian I posted above in most cases will be paired with the Roadmaster Tow-Defender here below.

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/img/towdefenderlogo.jpg

Tow Defender stops rocks and road debris
A bumper-to-bumper blanket of protection! The Tow Defender's all-weather, heavy-duty screen deflects rocks, gravel and road debris down and away, protecting your towed vehicle's finish, headlights and windshield against chips and dings. The vinyl-coated mesh lets air through, keeping it low and over the road.
Fully extended, both Tow Defenders offer 20 square feet of protection, and are held in place with shock-absorbing steel struts.
Once you've reached your destination, roll up the Tow Defender, snap the elastic straps around each end, and store it against the motorhome.

• Quick installation and release
• Lightweight and compact — weighs just 14.5 pounds, and rolls up to four inches in diameter
• Powder-coated steel supports and heavy-duty gas struts for maximum durability, support and cornering flexibility
• Reinforced seams and gussets for added longevity.
http://www.roadmasterinc.com/img/towdefender.jpg
Caution
Use an exhaust "turn down" (sold separately) to redirect the engine exhaust, if located directly below the Tow Defender. The Tow Defender fabric may be warped or otherwise damaged if a turn down is not installed, or if other exhausts which cannot be redirected are in close proximity to the fabric.


http://www.roadmasterinc.com/img/TD%20turning.jpg



Gas struts allow for cornering without causing damage to the Tow Defender, motorhome or towed vehicle.






4700

Fits all ROADMASTER tow bars with quick-disconnect release systems (does not fit MX brackets)




4750

Fits Blue Ox tow bars with Blue Ox brackets, Demco tow bars with Demco brackets and all motorhome-mounted ROADMASTER tow bars



For maximum protection, use a Tow Defender and a Guardian (http://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/protection_storage/protect_store.html#guardian). Motorhomes kick up rocks, gravel and road debris, but so does oncoming traffic. A Tow Defender/Guardian combination protects your towed vehicle’s finish, headlights and windshield against damage from both lanes.


Jerry, the gentleman who started Roadmaster products a long long time ago, is really great guy. I met him way back when he had his first RV Repair, RV Parts Store and RV Dealership. This guy has brought many great offerings to the RVing table and stands 100% behind his products. You will usually be able to meet this guy still today at any major RV event where they have a representation booth. Great product, great program, just a great company!

Neweller
10-15-2012, 06:17 PM
I might as well share this information on the Roadmaster Stowaway Product while I'm at it. Another accessory to help make management of your tow gravel guard easier.

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/img/stowaway-logo.gif

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/img/4000-10.png


The 4000-10 Stowaway slides over your tow bar's stinger or ball mount to convert the rear of your motorhome into a storage area for your Guardian rock shield. The 4000-40 Stowaway also stores the Guardian at the rear of your motorhome. The 4000-40 also has a center cut-out for quick and easy access to most motorhome electrical components. An additional feature id a drop-down collar with a pull-pin design that allows you to easily remove the Stowaway for access to the rear diesel compartment — without having to take the tow bar off!
With a set of optional quick-disconnects (part number 222) both Stowaways will also store either a StowMaster tow bar or a ROADMASTER quick-disconnect crossbar.


4000-10
Stowaway


4000-40
Stowaway with rear access


222
half-set of quick-disconnects to store a StowMaster or quick-disconnect crossbar