is a rock guard necessary?

flyingcloud · 05-01-2005, 10:36 AM

We're in the process of having our '63 flying cloud restored. We will doing a LOT of driving with it once it is complete. Is anyone out there towing without a rock guard? Is it just to protect from nicks, or has anyone had any real damage done to their front window?

How much do they generally run?

Thanks!
~L&B

mtbob · 05-01-2005, 11:20 AM

If you travel anywhere up here in the North country especially in the spring and early summer you'll be glad that you have one. Check out the windshields that you see on the local cars and trucks, they tell the story.

Silvertwinkie · 05-01-2005, 11:26 AM

I'll simply say that the rock guards Airstream had on last years model was upgraded to a slightly larger one...I myself feel they are very important since anything that comes flying of the tires is gonna hit directly on the front end of the coach.

Kistler · 05-01-2005, 02:40 PM

I have RockTamers from Enkay in Parker, CO on my tow bar (they are removable...actually in my case stay with the trailer) and they protect my trailer.

However, I get bounce back into the Expediton bumper and tailgate. The Rocktamers do protect the Airstream. The Expedition is more easily (read cheaper) to repair than the Airstream.

**Janet** · 05-01-2005, 03:21 PM

We have a set of enkay flaps as well www.mudflaps.com A rock guard is the glass protector for your windows and segment protectors attach to the lower front....

We took a trip without flaps on gravel roads - 1 trip. The painted finish on our argosy was noticeably pitted at the end of the trip. Never again! The flaps make a huge difference. We also added rock guards to the glass - more concerned about hits kicked up from other vehicles than our own....

Silvertwinkie · 05-01-2005, 03:33 PM

I too have the enkays, but they can still let things pass by if you don't have good mudflaps too.

Kistler · 05-01-2005, 03:39 PM

Where is "sudo chmod" ?

Kistler

flyingcloud · 05-01-2005, 03:40 PM

very helpful - thanks everyone!

overlander64 · 05-01-2005, 04:06 PM

Greetings flyingcloud!

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingcloud

We're in the process of having our '63 flying cloud restored. We will doing a LOT of driving with it once it is complete. Is anyone out there towing without a rock guard? Is it just to protect from nicks, or has anyone had any real damage done to their front window?

How much do they generally run?

Thanks!
~L&B

For the Vintage coaches that don't have the side or wing windows bedside the front window, I am not convinced that a rock guard is necessary or desirable. My '64 Overlander has never had a rock guard, and since the original window is flat glass replacement isn't a great problem. I really like the idea that with the front and rear drapes open and both accordian doors restrained in the open position -- there is a clear view from the front window through the rear of the coach -- it is nice to know if there is a small car tailgating the coach. My solution to the issue that last time the front window was cracked was to have the replacement made from scratch protected Lexan -- that was over seven years ago and that window still looks like new.

I do run mud flaps on my Suburban, and have had very few problems. It is rare, however, for my rig to be off of pavement. Campgrounds and the WBCCI International Rally campsites are about the only place where the rig is off of pavement.

With the deep-wrap wing windows on the Minuet, I wouldn't be without the rock guards -- I just wish that they would have been available with clear Lexan rather than the smoke tinted variety that is offered.

Good luck with your '63!

Kevin

GT1963 · 05-01-2005, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander64

Greetings flyingcloud!
I just wish that they would have been available with clear Lexan rather than the smoke tinted variety that is offered. Kevin

We have to agree with you - on being able to see through the trailer! When we traveled last year home with her - we can not tell you the number of cars that travel so close to the back of the trailer then pull out from no where?? especially at night.

We lost our wing window but we are still convinced it was not a stone but stress from a bad axle. WHEN we get our new stone guard this summer sometime - we will be ordering clear lexan. Instead of the smoked.

alvinator · 05-09-2005, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

I'll simply say that the rock guards Airstream had on last years model was upgraded to a slightly larger one...I myself feel they are very important since anything that comes flying of the tires is gonna hit directly on the front end of the coach.

And here is what happens with the low rockguards on a 2005 28 classic, dents! See attached thumbnails.

I wrote Airstream about the problem and asked them to consider replacing my low rockguards with their new higher rockguards and here is their reply:

Thanks for the pictures and the note. Unfortunately, swapping out rock guards are not covered under your warranty. In researching your records, your trailer was delivered in August of 2004. The higher rockguards were introduced as a running line change in mid-2005. Your current rock guards did not fail.

I will give you the part numbers of the higher rock guards. They are: 685275-101 CS & 685275-102.

This can be obtained at any Airstream dealer. Thanks for your inquiry.

"Your current rock guards did not fail." I disagree and I have the dents to prove it.

Any suggestions?

Peter&Denise · 05-10-2005, 07:32 AM

When I picked up our Excella II the rock guard had a good size hole in it, presumably from some kind of impact while underway. All the way home it was in the back of my mind that one fluke rock would kick up, find that hole and take the window. When I got home, I removed the rock guard and had the broken plexi replaced with smoked lexan. Gotta be cheaper than a window. The front panels of our trailer are peppered with many small rock dings (beauty marks). If you're going to go camping, those kind of dings are inevitable and nothing to worry about IMHO. If anything they can be regarded much like the collection of destination decals that some people plaster all over the back of thier RV's. Proof that you've "been there, done that" so to speak. P.

fireflyinva · 05-10-2005, 09:50 AM

I am a bit confused by this discussion. By "rock guard" do you mean the metal window coverings for the front windows or do you mean the wrap-around metal protective shields covering the base of the front (like in that photo)? I have only ever seen the window type guard on the early 60's trailers (although I have an old guide from '59 for trailering up the AlCan Highway that shows trailers with their entire front ends covered in cardboard).

I've been curious about the old window rock guards. What holds them on to the window frame? I just replaced our front window and puzzled over attachment as I worked on it. I was considering that we could possibly one day fabricate our own rock guard if we could figure out where it would attach.

Thanks!

Mary

Peter&Denise · 05-10-2005, 10:06 AM

Front window rock guards are usually mounted on a hinge just above the window. When parked they are held up with prop rods and function as an awning. Mine uses a continuous extruded aluminum type of hinge, kind of like two "C's" that slide into eachother. Very commonly used for the back doors on truck caps, you could probably get most of what you need to fabricate a rock guard from any place that sells, installs and repairs truck caps and accessories. P.