Protecting your trailer

Michigan_Mike · March 2015

I know that if you are like me, you take a lot of pride in your teardrop trailer. I go to great lengths in protecting the interior and outer skin of the trailer and this is a daunting task given the miles and roads driven. Even mother nature makes this difficult via hail storms, wind, ice, etc.

About three years ago I was traveling up near Helena, Montana and a rock flew up and shattered my stargazer window. I found this out when I arrived in West Yellowstone, at the nearby KOA campground. I was devastated at the time and felt a bit helpless as I knew I had to do something to seal up the window opening. I ended up using a piece of heavy plastic, along with some duct tape and was able to make it back to Michigan without any further problems.

This morning I sent a note on to Little Guy with a suggestion that they look at making a bra that could be used on all of their trailers. It would extend from the bottom face of the trailer, up and over the top and would be tied off via stainless D rings and tie off points on the trailer. I'm wondering if any of you feel there is any merit to this and whether or not you would purchase such a product in the future? I would appreciate any feedback you have whether it be pro or con as this is what the forum is all about, kicking around ideas, making suggestions and looking at potential solutions to these types of problems.

sabel · March 2015

We currently use a RockSolid gravel guard. Seems to work ok but the flaps melt at the exhaust pipe and it's difficult to work around...plugging in lights and installing receiver. I'm not sure we'll use it with our new Outback. But seeing your photo I'm reconsidering. The Outback will have a front window too.

A bra might be easier to install and take off, as long as it doesn't chaff the paint.

jkjenn · March 2015

Mike, I would be interested in something that is a front window cover. But here's a thought: why not partner with a solar company and let it double in its purpose? A flexible panel that also protects the window?

Nomad · March 2015

Something would be nice - I've got some road rash on the front from my travels. The diamond plate could go up higher and then maybe just a snap on cover for the window.

Michigan_Mike · March 2015

Some very good points indeed! I like the solar idea but that would require running some wiring or adapting it to the battery. The diamond plate cover on the front has possibilities for attaching some Sea Dog Pad Eyes to it and at various points on the trailer for places to tie-off to.

I'll need something in July when I head up to Alaska and durability and the ability to take rock hits is what I am looking for. If I have a pocket or sleeve sewn into the side that is against the trailer I can always fabricate a piece of material like Masonite or even a Plexiglas panel to slip inside the sleeve and protect the stargazer window. I know that some trailer manufacturers have stopped installing windows in the front and some have the retrofitted covers that lock in place, thus eliminating the broken window scenario.

Over all I am looking for front trailer protection as some of the roads traveled on the way up to Alaska are gravel and with oncoming traffic that spells trouble from flying pebbles and rocks.