Do I Really Need A Rock Guard?

[Dr. Dolittle]

We purchased a 2022 FR Sunseeker 3010DS several months ago. Going through the steps and purchases to flat tow our Chevy Colorado behind it.

I've been reading about and researching all the available rock protection systems out there but my bottom line question is - do I really need one?

The rear tires have mud flaps that appear to extend the entire width of the dually tires and hang down a good ways. The tires are also a good distance forward of the rear bumper as well so it seems like any rocks that evaded the mud flaps would simply hit the bottom of the MH and not make it all the way back to the dinghy.

Has anyone done a lot of flat towing behind our model Sunseeker, or something very similar, without any rock protection? Have you noticed any chips or dings in the vehicle being towed?

[rang-a-stang]

I have about 4k miles flat towing our Jeep and about 2k more towing other vehicles. I do not have a rock guard and have not noticed any chips or dings. I installed some longer mud flaps, though. (2022 Cross Trail XG)

[ChrisParise]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dolittle

We purchased a 2022 FR Sunseeker 3010DS several months ago.


Has anyone done a lot of flat towing behind our model Sunseeker, or something very similar, without any rock protection? Have you noticed any chips or dings in the vehicle being towed?

2006 30.5' Sunseeker 2860DS.
Ultra Rock Guard hung by angle iron sold as an accessory

Towing 2013 GMC Acadia Denali

Stock photo of the guard, inside of my rock guard showing pits and hits from stones, my rock guard install below.

How many of those stopped hits would have damaged the Acadia is impossible to forecast. But, I feel it's insurance against damage.

Since taking these pictures I have upgraded my 5000 lb hitch to tow the Acadia and had the rock guard moved about 12" forward to accommodate longer hitch arm and bolts into the frame

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[BehindBars]

I have a Sunseeker with the stock mud flaps behind the duals. I added a full width set of Rock Solid guards at the rear bumper. The toad still has acquired a few small rock chips and occasionally I’ll find a rock or two had landed up on the car by the wipers.

The thing to consider is the rock guards and flaps look like they offer good coverage while the motorhome is stationary, but running down the highway the guards are often seen sailing rearward. The worst guards, in my opinion, are the type that look lightweight brush bristles. I see them running down the highway sailing nearly horizontal, doing very little if any good.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by BehindBars

I have a Sunseeker with the stock mud flaps behind the duals. I added a full width set of Rock Solid guards at the rear bumper. The toad still has acquired a few small rock chips and occasionally I’ll find a rock or two had landed up on the car by the wipers.

The thing to consider is the rock guards and flaps look like they offer good coverage while the motorhome is stationary, but running down the highway the guards are often seen sailing rearward. The worst guards, in my opinion, is those type that look lightweight brush bristles. I see them running down the highway sailing nearly horizontal, doing very little if any good.

That’s why ALMOST EVERY transport trailer has heavy mud flaps as opposed to bristles that SOME try.

[BehindBars]

As a side note, be glad the Sunseeker comes with mud flaps. When I was shopping for a motorhome a few years ago, it seemed that very few brands, even under Forest River, included mud flaps as standard equipment on class Cs.

[Bill and Gail]

Been towing our Ford Fiesta behind or 2016 3010DS for 16,000 miles. No dings or chips from the motorhome.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Bill and Gail

Been towing our Ford Fiesta behind or 2016 3010DS for 16,000 miles. No dings or chips from the motorhome.

…..yeah but you should see the damage to the front of Bill’s Fiesta just from his day to day driving. He has no depth perception.

[BehindBars]

An obvious point is that in order to throw rocks at your toad, you need to drive the motorhome on rocks. So, the question of whether you might need a rock guard is going to depend a lot on what type roads you drive on.

Are you always on clean interstate highways, or are you on construction sections of the Alaska Highway?

[5er_tom]

I don’t drive the RV off road. I stay on the hard surface highway 100% of the time. I have 2-3 chips on my toad windshield, which surprises me.

[Dr. Dolittle]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Here's a few more points:

1. I have no plans to go off road but we've all seen first hand what can be found routinely on our "clean" interstates and other paved roads.

2. Colorado owner's manual says not to use a vertical shield in front of the truck because it cuts airflow too much.

3. Because of point number 2 above, I'm only looking at the horizontal, mesh guards that stretch between the toad and the MH or a full width, hard rubber flap mounted below the MH rear bumper.

[ChrisParise]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dolittle

Thanks for all the replies so far. Here's a few more points:



1. I have no plans to go off road but we've all seen first hand what can be found routinely on our "clean" interstates and other paved roads.



2. Colorado owner's manual says not to use a vertical shield in front of the truck because it cuts airflow too much.



3. Because of point number 2 above, I'm only looking at the horizontal, mesh guards that stretch between the toad and the MH or a full width, hard rubber flap mounted below the MH rear bumper.

What I like about the Ultra Guard in my above post is how thick and rigid the rubber is its constructed from. It doesn't sail appreciably and its mounted by bolts to the angle iron that comes with it as an optional accessory and the way its attached to the angle iron does allow it to adjust to steep driveways. Mounted about 4" off the pavement.

My Sunseeker has mud flaps too, from the factory, behind the duallys. Those mudflaps are extremely effective at trapping mud, and freshly oiled asphalt with gravel (as experienced last summer just west of Chamberlain SD on one of the exits)

I don't think the rock guard is a necessity for every toad. My toad has a premium factory paint color and I wanted to protect it. And I didn't want a cracked windshield from road debris while on a trip - how likely that is I don't know but if something bad happens it usually happens to me and no one else! Tiny

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[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dolittle

Thanks for all the replies so far. Here's a few more points:

1. I have no plans to go off road but we've all seen first hand what can be found routinely on our "clean" interstates and other paved roads.

2. Colorado owner's manual says not to use a vertical shield in front of the truck because it cuts airflow too much.

3. Because of point number 2 above, I'm only looking at the horizontal, mesh guards that stretch between the toad and the MH or a full width, hard rubber flap mounted below the MH rear bumper.

Here is what I use. I towed for a long time with no problems but the Wrangler's flat surfaces and windshield is prone to bouncing rocks and debris. This is a "Protect a Tow" and has worked very well.

[Dr. Dolittle]

Originally Posted by ChrisParise

What I like about the Ultra Guard in my above post is how thick and rigid the rubber is its constructed from. It doesn't sail appreciably and its mounted by bolts to the angle iron that comes with it as an optional accessory and the way its attached to the angle iron does allow it to adjust to steep driveways. Mounted about 4" off the pavement.

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Am I seeing in your first post that you bought it from Camping World? I have one of these dealers 10 minutes from my house.

Originally Posted by mlmay12

Attachment 283750

Here is what I use. I towed for a long time with no problems but the Wrangler's flat surfaces and windshield is prone to bouncing rocks and debris. This is a "Protect a Tow" and has worked very well.

Thanks. This and the full width guard that Chris posted above are my two main options right now.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dolittle

Am I seeing in your first post that you bought it from Camping World? I have one of these dealers 10 minutes from my house.




Thanks. This and the full width guard that Chris posted above are my two main options right now.

ANY vehicle that is put in a position of tail-gating will be prone to more chances of stones etc. damage to the leading edge. It is what it is. Your toad’s exposure will be based on how many times and miles you tow. No matter what, it’ll always see more nicks or chips than any vehicle that isn’t towed. However…..my toad still looks fantastic because a lot of today’s vehicles have plastic leading edges, so that minimizes rust from happening.

[RangeMaggotBob]

No.

[ChrisParise]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dolittle

Am I seeing in your first post that you bought it from Camping World? I have one of these dealers 10 minutes from my house.









Thanks.

My rv dealer procured the rock guard and angle iron from their supply chain (which I do not know) however you can buy this rock guard on Amazon or through Camping World or eTrailer but don't be surprised if it's not on the shelf at CW and must be ordered. I only posted the first stock photo I found on a Google search of my particular rock guard so you can see the part and description to follow up on your own.

If you are Prime on Amazon you can probably get it in 3.days or less - if you're going to install it yourself (likely going to have to weld the angle iron to your frame or hitch body) so take that into account

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[jacques1543]

I have a 2018 Sunseeker 3010 and just did 2500 miles with no chips on my Ford Fusion at all.
At the last 3 RV rallies I have attended I did not see anyone using one and that is over 500 RVs.
I see the logic in using one but experience has not showed a need.

Good luck!

[2005gts]

i had this made to protect the front of my Smart car toad.... may seem like overkill but no danger of damage. sorry it's rotated...

[Sharon455]

Originally Posted by BehindBars

An obvious point is that in order to throw rocks at your toad, you need to drive the motorhome on rocks. So, the question of whether you might need a rock guard is going to depend a lot on what type roads you drive on.

Are you always on clean interstate highways, or are you on construction sections of the Alaska Highway?

Most of Arizona’s highways are chip seal so there is a high probability of rocks kicking up. Especially from those impatient people that pass at the first opportunity.