chequer plate front

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 16:57
ThreadID: 80190 Views:2630 Replies:6 FollowUps:5
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am buying new van i wanted to get chequer plate on the front of van dealer say's waste of money padded vinyl is better stones dont rebound on to car,and easy to clean,also better for van what do you think thank's .allen
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Reply By: TrevorMR (WA) - Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 17:14

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 17:14
I have just towed my Supreme Getaway across 1400Kms of gravel from Laverton to Alice Springs. Not much paint left on the chequer plate (or the A frame) but no other damage done to the front of the van or the rear of the tow vehicle.
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Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 17:48

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 17:48
The only problem we found with Checker Plate, is when driving into the sun in the afternoon, the Glare when looking into the rear vision mirror distracts you even when you turn the mirror up, I don't bother polishing it any more, our next van will have Black Anodised Checker Plate front and sides.

Cheers
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Reply By: Member - Michael P (QLD) - Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 18:10

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 18:10
Hi,
Padded vinyl does NOT stop stones rebounding. I have replaced the vinyl with checker plate on my van and very happy with the results, then I travel on a lot of gravel roads & can justify the expense. Would suggest the van dealer dosent tow vans on a lot of gravel roads.
Mike.
AnswerID: 424630

Reply By: Blue Galaxy - Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 18:59

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 18:59
I would recommend checker plate and concur that the dealer has never driven on a dirt road. The issue of reflection can be an issue. We have a reverse camera that can operate while in drive and so I can still see out the back when I have the beer cartons taped to the rear window. Vinyl may also tear if you get a rock with a sharp edge.
Just my two bobs worth.
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Follow Up By: vicex - Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 19:59

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 19:59
yes pretty much what i think [good excuse to drink beer faster to save back window]
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Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 20:48

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 at 20:48
Gday,
The speed you travel at, the roads you travel on and the angle of the front of your van would has a lot to do with the cover on the front of your van?

Its easy to say one is better than the other but it all depends on what you want it for?

Cheers
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Follow Up By: vicex - Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 11:05

Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 11:05
looks like i'll have to buy a slide rule
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 17:16

Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 17:16
?????
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Follow Up By: vicex - Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 19:22

Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 19:22
we are buying a crusader insperation we are getting simplicity suspension and 6"chassis so we can go most places? so was asking as a general rule of thumb what do people think would be better chequer plate or vinyl on front to protect the van and last loger better. thanks, allen
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Thursday, Jul 22, 2010 at 17:15

Thursday, Jul 22, 2010 at 17:15
The reason I ask is plate will last longer but will be harder to clean....especially if you drive on our "red" roads, it can also rebound rocks back into your car (unless the front of your van has a fairly steep angle on it).
Something softer will slow the rocks down, still stop the damage to your van and be easier to clean and/or replace but wont last long on gravel roads.

Cheers
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FollowupID: 695358

Reply By: carlsp - Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 13:27

Wednesday, Jul 21, 2010 at 13:27
You did not say what type of van it was.

If your van has a flat front. That is, not curved or moulded as in Jayco Stirling for example. I would get a PVC sheet made that slides into a 6mm rope track on top of the front of the van.

This then rolls down the front of the van and anchors via 6mm shot cord to rope cleats to the van. It goes on for gravel roads and comes off for sealed roads. Keep it 18 monts and then get another one.

I did this and the front of the van was brand new when I sold it. Not a mark.

Now I have a off road van with checkerplate and it is stone chipped after just one year.

If you got for checkerplate there are 2 types. Shinny and not so shinny. Go for shinny as it is easy to clean and does not fade as quickly.
AnswerID: 424741

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