That will buff out - rock guard damage

[Acheron2010]

I hit some highway debris today that flipped up and tagged the trailer. At first glance, it seems to have only impacted the rock guard.
Looking for recommendations - how would you handle this repair? Can it be hammered/coaxed out with a hammer, or is this a body shop thing, or go Airstream specific dealer repair, or wait for a MotherShip visit?

[SeaLevel]

Wow. Good thing the rock guard was there to absorb the hit. I think I would take it off and see if I or a dent repair place could straighten it out, and then if I couldn't live with the results I would look into getting it replaced while the trailer was in for other warranty work.

[MAJORJDB]

If it was me and it was only the rock guard, which is what it looks like, I would just replace it. Our rock guard is on a hinge and swings out, an easy fix. If there was damage behind that, I would check if any seams are comprised and reseal if possible and make sure nothing rubs on the new shield. Beyond that, it depends on the age of your trailer (ours is a 1989), if it's an insurance claim (rates would increase most likely), if you plan to resell or trade anytime soon and if any other damage is hidden by the new shield. Body repairs on AS units are big money, so only you can answer how you want to proceed with repairs. Good luck and safe travels... Jim

[heitkergm]

I've had great luck straightening rock guards with a rubber mallet.

[GMFL]

That’s going to be bigger than you think. The banana wrap looks to be broken. There is no way that segment protector could be that damaged without more damage behind it.

[kscherzi]

Your profile indicates this is a nearly brand new trailer. I'd take it to the dealership and see about repairs, at a minimum replace the rock guard. Even if the lower plastic banna wrap is cracked it can't mean that big a repair.

I'd fix everything, keep that pretty trailer pretty like the day you bought it. Dealer or mothership, it's up to you. Just time and distance. Not all dealerships are bad at repairs.

[FloydCoVa]

Do you have Rock Tamers on the truck? Just wondering if they would work for larger debris.

[Acheron2010]

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

Do you have Rock Tamers on the truck? Just wondering if they would work for larger debris.

Well, as irony would have it, I've been reading the threads on rock guards, looked over some manufacturer web sites, and have a set on my "List" over on Amazon. Was waiting for a window where I could accept delivery at a campground...Karma.

[Bill M.]

I use Rock Tamers. Sometimes big stuff still goes through to the trailer.

[GMFL]

I have a set on RockTamers and they are great but I’m not sure large debris like what hit your trailer would be stopped or deflected by them.

[Acheron2010]

Here is what it looks like behind the rock guard. I think I got lucky.

[wdcgator]

What are rock tamers please?

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by wdcgator

What are rock tamers please?

Here you go

[PatLee]

This looks like something that happened to me in 2018 and based on that experience, I think you should file with your insurance company because it's probably more extensive than you think. The lower wrap with the yellow reflector is 1 piece, the rock guard is second piece and I bet the panel skin behind the rock guard is also dented in. I had my repair done at the factory along with warranty work and they did a great job.

[WhereStream]

Originally Posted by Acheron2010

I think I got lucky.

You did!

Nice that it worked out that way.

The rock guard is easy to fix or replace.

[Acheron2010]

FYI, Colonial Airstream quotes $506 plus shipping for this piece. And, it is backordered, and no ETA on when they might get one.

I will try to hammer it out (surprised no YouTube videos on this) and talk to Airstream when I visit the mother ship next fall.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Here you go

Hi

You can also get the same Rock Tamers from JC with "Airstream" on the flaps instead of "Rock Tamer".

Bob