Rocks I've had enough of them.... show me your rock protector setup

[jetboater4life]

My bow and trailer fenders are getting peppered with rocks. I don't drive on any gravel roads but apparently there is a lot of sand and rocks on the roads I drive. I'd like some opinions of the stuff I've found online and if you know of something better please post it. Pictures of your setup are always welcome. I'm not sure what the best system would be but spending almost $1000 on the fancier systems would go a long ways towards the gelcoat repair. If you want to throw in some thoughts on how one goes about fixing lots of rock chips please do. Red sharpie marker perhaps?

http://www.trailertux.com/
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/rock-solid-guard-for-pickup-trucks-and-suvs/42253
http://www.rockgard.com/
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/towing/accessories/rock-guards/ibc-splash-guards.htm
http://kiknrox.com/
http://www.montanarockguards.com/
http://www.towtector.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Pickup-Towing-Protection-System/dp/B0094JJDNI
another option is to get a film applied
http://www.xpel.com/products/bulk.asp


The hitch mounted flap style of protector is the cheaper way to go. Costs between $80 to $300, but is the protection good enough?

The bow protectors are much more expensive and can limit access to the winch and bow of the boat.

rock stone guard shield mud flap protector gard chip hull bra film coat

 

[JC6275]

I use the ROCK SOLID set up from camping world, I bought it for use when pulling our camper, but it also does a really good job with the boat.

 

[MNdrifter]

Get a slip in Wabasha
The slot next to me is open

 

[jetboater4life]

I need to get out there and check that out.

 

[RiverRat]

Not the best pic, but I use this. Magnum Mudflaps. Picked it up at Fleet Farm in Stevens Point, WI. $160. Works great so far.

Magnummudflaps.com

 

[txav8r]

I am on the same page with you. But my truck is a hybrid. I already run good michelins vs low rolling resistance tires. I hate to give up yet more mileage putting an air brake on the truck. If it were easy on/off, I think it would be worth the $160 easy! Is it?

 

[RiverRat]

It's just a 2 inch u bolt that goes around the tow bar. When I'm done I pull the tow bar out with the flaps still attached and put a receiver step in the hitch so my kids can climb in and out of the back.

When I get around to it I'll make up a little mount on my garage wall so I can hang the whole setup out of the way.

 

[RiverRat]

I'll take a closer up picture and post it when I get a chance.

 

[txav8r]

That sounds great! And the model # if it has one would be great! I think that would be good investment when trailering any distance. The 45 mph to the lake and back routinely? It probably isn't necessary, but on the highway, damage is always looming.

 

[PEARCE]

I've got the Rock Tammers on my rig. They are a hitch mounted system and I feel that they make a difference. I've got all terrains and they tend to pickup rocks and fling them. The BFG all terrains were the worst. I have Bridgestones now and they are a lot better.

@txav8r, you can certainly check it out this weekend.

 

[txav8r]

Tires do matter! I had whatever low rolling resistance tires that came with it that I put 60K miles on and changed for michelins. They don't sling or pick up rocks like the others. But I will be checking out that rig @PEARCE !

 

[Julian]

Never had any issues with rock chips and I've driven mine 1000s of miles....must be the tire choice....

 

[jetboater4life]

I'm running general hts grabbers.

 

[txav8r]

I'm running general hts grabbers.

What are they?

 

[jetboater4life]

What are they?

My research at the time (about 3 years ago) led me to them. Here is a link for reference
http://www.generaltire.com/tires/light-truck-crossover-suv/grabber-hts
They are a good light duty long lasting tire. I had Firestone Destination LE's before them and they lasted about 45k miles with no troubles. Thought I would give these a try this time around. I have close to 30k on them and they have not given me any trouble. I think I'll be able to get another 20k.