Bubble Wrap

[chugchug]

We are heading to Alaska and heard horror stories about dings, so in addition to a set of Rock Tamers I also taped bubble wrap on the front of our AS. This type of bubble wrap has "aluminized" layer on both sides making it a bit stiffer and also matching the aluminum of the AS.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I bubble wrapped the whole front of my trailer and made mud flaps for my tow vehicle. This helped protect my trailer, but it still got some rock dings in it. It also got a spider crack in the front window rock guard. On top of that the bubble wrap left marks on the body. Even so, I would still use something to protect my trailer.

[teeter5]

Nice job!

[RandyNH]

When doing the bubble wrap, I would recommend a layer of heavy weight paper, think old construction paper, under it, no matter how hard you try that bubble wrap WILL vibrate and move from the buffeting it will endure, with the layer underneath you will minimize the vibration scratching (like a fine sandpaper) that would result otherwise.

[chugchug]

After 5 weeks on our Alaska trip there are a few rips and holes where the bubble wrap was hit by pebbles. At first I was taping over them to strengthen the bubble wrap, but by now I stopped worry about it. I figured it will be fine 3-4 more weeks and then I will remove it.

In retrospect, I think the Rock Tamers keep the problem to a minimum. So next time it will be one or the other. However, I see a 10-15% increase in gas milage using the Rock Tamers so I will probably keep them off.

[Cyclist]

I would be more concerned about protecting the exposed drain spigot for the fresh water tank. Ours was sheared off by a stone (thanks chip sealing) on the Cassiar Highway leading to the loss of all water in the tank. FWIW, Airstream uses the cheapest drain available - we found this out when having it replaced by Fraserway RV in Prince George.

[sjwk2094]

Hi SJW

What do some of you folks think of the solar window guards on a 2018 flying cloud fb bunk.
There are no windows on the front top corners and I have seen guards put on the corners to protect the skin.
Talked to a tech from Airstream and he thought if the guards did take hit it would still cause damage to the skin. He did not think it was a good idea to install them.

Any input would be helpful.

Thanks SJW

[chugchug]

The problem is cost. Last time I checked, a set of solar window guards cost around $1500 not including installation. You probably don't need them driving the (relatively) good highways of the lower 48, only for trips which includes long rough gravel roads. Bubble wrap is around $20 per roll.

[AIRHEDS]

OP, the bubble wrap was a great idea, but I wouldn’t have thought that it’s really going to do that much for you, as evidenced by other posters’ observations/feedback. We put Rock-Tamer mud flaps on our set-up ... the Rock-Tamers protect the rock guards, which protect the trailer. :-) IMHO, approx. $220-$240 (Cabelas.com) is worth it to protect our new trailer. We’re 2 years in and we don’t have a single ding as a result... But then again, we haven’t towed to Alaska... Good luck on whatever you decide, and no, we have no affiliation with Rock-Tamers other than being happy customers. (That said, I do wish the flaps were a bit more stiff than what we have). Take care, Rich