22' Sport Rock Guards?

[2InACan]

Can anyone provide some advice as to whether we should add them to our new purchase? The dealer stated they really aren't necessary on the narrower trailer. Anyone have a good or bad experience?

Thanks for your reply.

[overlander63]

No matter how narrow it is, it is made of the same aluminum. I remember there was a question about how they mounted on the Bambi Sport models, so make sure they will be mounted the way you want .

[Skooter]

You would not believe how soft the aluminum is! Please consider them now, while your skin is new and perfect. One unexpected construction zone, a few bits of gravel kicked up, and uh-oh!....

I started another thread trying to solve the mystery of how to install them. Sports and Euro models get a different type protector. Got them installed over the weekend, and it's actually pretty straightforward. Drilling that first hole took some courage, but not sure I'd trust most dealers with the install. Colonial seems to have a good rep, you might try them if they're close to you.

Will be updating with pics of the finished product, tonight if I get a chance:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f295...ts-120414.html

[Ahab]

Mud flaps do a good job and are cheaper.

[Skooter]

Originally Posted by Ahab

Mud flaps do a good job and are cheaper.

Do you know of some that work well on the Ridgeline? We've got the Honda ones and they haven't stopped a few minor dents already...after only 5 months towing the Bambi.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Skooter

Do you know of some that work well on the Ridgeline? We've got the Honda ones and they haven't stopped a few minor dents already...after only 5 months towing the Bambi.

Rocktamers work very well, though they don't help much if something gets thrown up off the road by a passing truck.

[idroba]

You have to decide what gets beat up, the original metal, or the segment protectors. I have had many AS's without them and several with them. The thing is that the segment protectors get beat up too, even though made of Stainless Steel. Here in the Pacific Northwest the highway departments are fond of a surface coating called "chip seal" which is small crushed rock chips laid into a coating of asphalt. It takes about 3 or 4 days to harden properly, until then chips fly everywhere. Of course, within 2 weeks of picking up my new FC 20, with segment protectors, I got into a 20 mile chip seal project.

I now have very well dinged up segment protectors and 3 star breaks in my Pano window protectors.

But hey, the Airstream is there to be used, not just to be looked at. Just ticked me off that I only had 2 weeks of un dinged metal.

[2InACan]

It sounds like it wouldn't be a bad idea to have them installed. Thanks for the input. At this point what is another $800?

[Skooter]

Here's pics of mine, plus a link to an outdated ad showing them on the '22 Sport. 2012 Airstream Sport 22 for sale in Tipton, Michigan

[2InACan]

Very nice, Skooter. They look great. Thanks for the taking the time to post the pics. I am a newbie and am loving this forum. What a great resource.

[Subie]

Does the rock guard add weight to the tongue weight?
Thanks!

[GMFL]

Not enough to matter... maybe 40lbs

[Subie]

Thanks, GMFL!
I’m trying to stay below the 500 lbs tongue weight limit on the Subaru Ascent. I’m worried that with an additional battery, the rock guard, and a motorized jack, I’ll exceed the limit.

[GreenEyedTadpole]

But most importantly, they look cute on the front of Airstreams!

[chicagoair]

Originally Posted by Subie

I’m trying to stay below the 500 lbs tongue weight limit on the Subaru Ascent. I’m worried that with an additional battery, the rock guard, and a motorized jack, I’ll exceed the limit.

If you’re worried about tongue weight I’d look at going with a single Battleborn battery over two traditional batteries. The single Battleborn would be 31lbs and 100 useable Ah vs ~90 pounds and ~80 useable Ah in the two wet cells. You could even put the Battleborn under the front bed and get it off the tongue completely.

This change would free up weight for the segment protector addition.