Rock Guard Shield over glasses does not fit snuggly on Airstream

[Halford1]

While washing my7 Bambi I noticed that the Dark Rock Guard Shield does not fit perfectly on my Bambi. I could see the rubber seal but it does not touch the Airstream. Is it wrong shield on the Bambi? I had to open both to clean out the leaves or pine needles.

I didn't take pictures because I was trying to finish washing and waxing.

[Steamy1]

I have the same condition on both the 19' Bambi and the 23FB. The cover acts like sunglasses protecting the wrap-around windows mounted on the body. Not meant to be sealed.

[rmkrum]

Apparently not unusual. Mine has huge gaps when parked as well. Stuff falls through, usually.

[Halford1]

ok good to know then what is the purpose of the rubber seal?

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by Halford1

ok good to know then what is the purpose of the rubber seal?

My theory is it’s there to avoid scuffing the aluminum. Wind may mash it back onto the skin when the Airstream is being towed at highway speeds.

[sallye]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

My theory is it’s there to avoid scuffing the aluminum. Wind may mash it back onto the skin when the Airstream is being towed at highway speeds.

Interesting theory, but I don't think the lock mountings would allow that unless they gave way altogether. And in that case you would be dealing with wildly flopping shields.


My theory is - poor design.

[rucos]

Originally Posted by Halford1

ok good to know then what is the purpose of the rubber seal?

Good question .... Ive often wondered as mine sits out too?? Rubber seal seems kind of useless .

[drbrick]

I have yet to see one that fits tight. IMHO the "seal" is not really a seal per se but rather a buff strip to keep the rock sheild from touching the alum exterior.

[thewarden]

I have concluded that the rubber seals are there to catch and collect as many leaves, pine needles and dirt as possible. That way you have something to do at the campsite when you are bored and having nothing better to do.

[Silver Goose]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Apparently not unusual. Mine has huge gaps when parked as well. Stuff falls through, usually.

I’ve wondered if they were designed for an earlier model with a different radius. While they remain functional in protecting the glass from flying stones, etc., it does seem that for such a pricy trailer the gasket would fit closely enough to keep out the leaves and twigs that fall in the gap.

[Foiled Again]

Pool noodles to the rescue... again.
Get a bright colored pool noodle and slice it open. Cut to length of curved glass and install over.the cirved segment protector.

It will keep out.all the leaves, etc. Use only while parked, remove when underway or it may scratch the trailer.

Of course this same thing works on awning arms to protect against head bonks.

[abqdor]

Same issue as everyone has mentioned about debris getting behind the curved rock guards. No need to go the pool noodle route. Get yourself some 1/2-inch foam pipe insulation which is already pre-cut. You'll have to experiment with whether or not you want to remove the yellow sticky tape covering at the seam. I've tried it both ways.

[featherbedder]

The plastic rock guard can be bent {tweaked} to fit against body but use caution when doing so to not kink frame. IMO leave it alone.

[kittmaster]

I was told specifically that it isn't meant to hug/seal the window. Mine is similar.

[Halford1]

Originally Posted by abqdor

Same issue as everyone has mentioned about debris getting behind the curved rock guards. No need to go the pool noodle route. Get yourself some 1/2-inch foam pipe insulation which is already pre-cut. You'll have to experiment with whether or not you want to remove the yellow sticky tape covering at the seam. I've tried it both ways.

Good idea! I will go to Lowe's and get like 4 foam pipe insulations. I am in an area where pine straws, leaves and dust would get in there. Just want to prevent leaves from going in between the glasses. thanks foiled again and abdogor for the great idea!

[Steamy1]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Pool noodles to the rescue... again.
Get a bright colored pool noodle and slice it open. Cut to length of curved glass and install over.the cirved segment protector.

It will keep out.all the leaves, etc. Use only while parked, remove when underway or it may scratch the trailer.

Of course this same thing works on awning arms to protect against head bonks.

picking up on this idea; how about using foam pipe insulation and placing on the inside just under the rubber, then closing to compress the foam between the inner and outer glass? I am going to try this and see how it works.

[Halford1]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

picking up on this idea; how about using foam pipe insulation and placing on the inside just under the rubber, then closing to compress the foam between the inner and outer glass? I am going to try this and see how it works.

yea lets try that and see if it does not fall out or inside...

[bartzstream2]

Originally Posted by thewarden

I have concluded that the rubber seals are there to catch and collect as many leaves, pine needles and dirt as possible. That way you have something to do at the campsite when you are bored and having nothing better to do.

If it is not a design goal (the leaf storage), it does turn out to be a feature, for sure. I say, if the sunglasses cannot be sealed completely, they at least need to be vented (by the gaps and imperfect fit against the trailer body) in order to slow the growth of mildew, which seems to happen plenty quickly anyway despite the imperfect fit.

[Halford1]

Originally Posted by bartzstream2

If it is not a design goal (the leaf storage), it does turn out to be a feature, for sure. I say, if the sunglasses cannot be sealed completely, they at least need to be vented (by the gaps and imperfect fit against the trailer body) in order to slow the growth of mildew, which seems to happen plenty quickly anyway despite the imperfect fit.

That's true for areas with high humidity. We do get occasionally (not enough) rain in California but its so darn dry. We do have mildew in California where there's constant wetness in the dark like shower, in walls where pipes leak and etc. I have lived in the South where mildew are everywhere but in California, its harder to find mildew where there's a lot of light.

[overlander63]

The rubber gaskets are there to prevent the extrusions on the rock guards from scratching or otherwise damaging the window frames and sashes of the trailer, and to keep the metal from rattling/making noise from rubbing on or striking the window areas.