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KYAirstream · 02-05-2011, 01:05 PM

I have a 1979 Sovereign and am wondering if a rockguard is really necessary? It seems like most rocks would hit the lower portion of the front end, not the upper window. Given the rockguard is about $400 plus shipping, and that the likelihood of debris hitting the main window seems extremely low, I'm curious if it is really that important?

noreen&sal · 02-05-2011, 01:07 PM

Itsd cheaper than replacing a window.

dznf0g · 02-05-2011, 01:16 PM

Yes. I have a nice star crack in the guard from a truck in the opposing lane. Would've gone right through the corner curved window.

Rawfoodgirl3 · 02-05-2011, 01:22 PM

Our corner curved window was broken when we bought our '73 Safari. The previous owner had given us a new window to be installed. We paid $400 just for labor. Yes you need the rockguard.

Elvie · 02-05-2011, 01:31 PM

We have a star shaped rock strike mark on the center window rock guard a full 6.5ft above the ground. I did not see or hear the rock, and guessed it came over the truck which has a topper.

My 2 cents worth.

Melody Ranch · 02-05-2011, 02:05 PM

yes

tkowalyk · 02-05-2011, 02:18 PM

Yes - the rock guard is necessary. The one on the window saved my front window.

rock60 · 02-05-2011, 02:41 PM

yes,if you travel a must.

been to ashland many times, i have alot of kin in ashland.

gamana · 02-05-2011, 02:43 PM

yes, especially if you plan to take your AS on National Forest gravel roads. Trust me on that!

Pat Conway · 02-05-2011, 06:15 PM

Yes, I didn't realize the need for rock guards on our 1988 25ft A/S. The previous own er had it 17 years without a problem and we had towed it 5 years without incident ourselves. Was driving on I-10 just West of Layfayette, La this past July when I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed that there was nothing left of the center flat window except shrouds around the inside of the frame. We were headed for New Mexico and I didn't want to deal with any delays. Luckily when we turned off I-10 and headed inland I was beside the road tending to the problem when a farmer offered to cut me a piece of 1/8 plywood to cover the frame. That and duct tape saw us through without incident until we returned from our vacation 6 weeks later.

The window had to be purchased from A/S with the whole window assembly (glass and sash) $573.00 In addition to this are shipping and labor costs. My insurance was $250 deductible. A/S shipped the wrong window the first time despite measurements being sent. It seems there are several sizes of windows through the years.

Well, I thought it would never happen again and after all I enjoyed being able to look through my rear view mirror through the trailer to see traffic directly behind me. Looked back at the trailer in N.Texas on our way to California in November and window looked cloudy, pulled over to discover it had already cracked into a million pieces from a rock strike, but somehow the glass hadn't fallen this time. The film tinting helped in that regard. We taped it up with duct tape inside and out and continued our vacation for another 5 weeks that way before getting home with it. Several weeks went by before another window could be located. This time I'm going to have the rock guards put on. $860 plus $160 shipping plus labor in addition to window replacement costs.

I was told that I was lucky it wasn't one of the curved windows. People have had to wait as much as 8-9 months before receiving the proper curved window replacement window I was told.

I have seen older trailers going down the road without rock guards and wondered if possibly I am just one of the most unlucky people on the road or what? If you do go without the rock guards, cut a thin piece of wood that would fit the exterior frame measurements of your flat window and take it along with you as duct tape and visqueen won't be enough to withstand the wind.

Hope this helps, Pat

barts · 02-05-2011, 08:42 PM

Yes - we bought our Tradewind w/o a rock guard, and lost the streetside window on the way home.

- Bart

RichHog · 02-05-2011, 09:31 PM

Same thing on my Tradewind on a gravel road. You don't thunk it's important til it's too late.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 02-05-2011, 09:41 PM

Hi, I never seen this happen, but I noticed that when you have snow or ice on top of your SUV, such as mine, it will melt and slide off of the roof of the SUV and hit the trailer, right at window height. At freeway speeds, a piece of ice sliding off of the roof, could possibly break a trailer window.

KYAirstream · 02-05-2011, 10:39 PM

I appreciate all the replies from everyone. Your experiences definitely answer my question. The rockguard beats the alternative.

I don't suppose a lighter tint version is made?

memgrove2000 · 02-06-2011, 06:56 AM

Ky, A few years back we needed a few things from Airstream at Jackson ctr. and a rock guard was one of them. I posted a request on the forums for someone to pick it up on the way by Airstream and drop it here in Elkhart. I payed for it over the phone and Dan B. was kind enough to bring it to me while on a caravan to the International rally in Wisconson. They dont weigh anything, they are just in a huge box (but it will fit in the door). I would think you could find someone headded south pretty easily. the whole thing cost us a few bottles of home made strawberry jam and we got some great friends out of the deal! Airsrteamers are great!

Added on edit: They are not so dark while looking from the inside out.

LisaP · 02-06-2011, 07:57 AM

KYAirstream you will be sooo glad you have them once you see how beat up they get! They really save the trailer.

rock60 · 02-06-2011, 08:59 AM

older brands of trailers years ago had clear ones.

KYAirstream · 02-06-2011, 11:28 AM

Thanks again for all the replies. I didn't think about getting one straight from Airstream at Jackson Center. This would be a great excuse to take a trip there.