Gravel damage
Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 20:52
ThreadID:
90386
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6060
Replies:
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Browny
Hi all
I am new to ExplorOz so are still finding my way around the wealth of info.
Can any one suggest successful methods/products that protect your camper/caravan from gravel damage when towing on unsealed roads.
Or where I can find that sort of info within this
forum.
Cheers
Browny
Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:07
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:07
There has been a lot of posts and replies on the subject over the years here and on the Caravanners
forum too - searching for 'stone' protection' etc. should do the trick. If not, raise it again by all means :-o).
AnswerID:
471390
Follow Up By: Member - Tony H (touring oz) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:36
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:36
Browny welcome to the
forum,
I havent tried this particular topic but if you do a search on stone protection (as previously suggested) you will surely come up with many answers to your questions DO NOT forget to protect your rear window of 'the tug'.
Enjoy your adventures
FollowupID:
746029
Follow Up By: Browny - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:37
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 21:37
Thanks Darian
Its amazing what a difference searching for stone damage as opposed to gravel damage can do with a search engine.
Plenty of posts there but mainly old so any new ideas or successful ones would be appreciated
FollowupID:
746030
Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 00:11
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 00:11
Go to this page then scroll down to "stone guards."
AnswerID:
471400
Reply By: ross - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 00:46
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 00:46
Wish I could work out how to get oncoming traffic to slow down on gravel roads to avoid damage to both vehicles.
On my way to
Steep Point a few weeks back you would think there was a raging bushfire or tsunami behind them the way some of them were driving.
AnswerID:
471401
Follow Up By: Zebra400 - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 04:21
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 04:21
Easiest way to slow down oncoming traffic on a dirt road, is for you to drive towards them right in the middle of the road. Only move over when you get closer to them. It works a treat for me.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: olcoolone - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 08:03
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 08:03
Thats really smart..... until you meet someone who doesn't move over for some reason.... you hit each other and someone gets hurt or killed.
Or they panic run of the road and roll.
Your the ones who give 4x4ers a bad name.
Ross yeah I get annoyed too.... we always reduce speed when passing oncomming or someone parked...... nine times out of ten the other vehicle doesn't.
FollowupID:
746048
Follow Up By: Zebra400 - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 13:34
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 13:34
We have never experienced that issue of cars not slowing down. Its not a question of not moving over, just moving over as they get closer. We find by this time, that they have cut their speed quite a bit - I dont suggest that they crawl past, but alt least we have them pass at a slower rate than they were initially travelling.
FollowupID:
746079
Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 05:18
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 05:18
I have tried all sorts of stone protection, from full length vehicle mudflaps, camper stone guards, padded van cushioning and the ONLY one I have found to work properly is the Stone Stomper. Can thoroughly recommend it.
Even in muddy conditions it stil works great.
Stone Stomper
Cheers
Captain
PS. I have no affiliation with Stone Stomper
AnswerID:
471405
Follow Up By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 11:02
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 11:02
Yep, the Captains style is the go. I made a horizontal type one that works in a similar
fashion for next to nothing..from 40mm pvc pipe, shade cloth & fishing line. The
main difference being that it doesnt attach to the vehicle, only the trailer. No pics,
sorry, but can describe in detail if required......oldbaz.
FollowupID:
746067
Follow Up By: timothy - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 11:12
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 11:12
I used this idea to make one too, used a 7x5 cargo net and attached a section of shade cloth to it with cable ties. It hooks under the bumper of the 4x4 and under the front of the caravan, it stretches so cornering isn't a problem, protects the front of the van and the back of the car from rock deflections. Not nearly as fancy as the real stone stomper but only cost about $25 to make with material available at the hardware.
Note: the mud on the back of the car was on it before the deflector was attached.
FollowupID:
746068
Reply By: Member - Vern - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 06:57
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 06:57
Hi Browny and welcome to the
forum.
I use a set of Rock Tamers on my 4by to stop the damage created from gravel.
Try this web sit
http://www.rocktamers.com/
AnswerID:
471408
Reply By: Member -Pinko (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 09:37
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 09:37
Hi Browny
I have used a full width length of conveyer belt and it has been on three vehicles on its lifetime and has done the job
well.
However I was at a recent gathering and one guy had product called 'Towtector' attached full width across his vehicle. Total weight is about 10kgs. and will require an addition to the tailpipe to deflect heat to the side as with most stoneguard arrangements. Being light weight it has an easy fit mechanism to fasten to the tow tongue.
Look at www.towtector.com and american site but is available in Australia.
I will be changing to one.
Cheers
AnswerID:
471418
Follow Up By: Harry - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 20:34
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 20:34
G'day Pinko,
Very interesting especially the video clip showing it in action.
I couldn't find any dealers for OZ, can you point me in the right direction ?
Cheers
FollowupID:
746124
Reply By: Member -Pinko (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 20:46
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 20:46
Hi Harry
I believe northcoach.com.au are the suppliers in australia.
AnswerID:
471479
Reply By: Harry - Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 21:58
Thursday, Dec 01, 2011 at 21:58
Thanks cobber, I'll give them a try. Let you know how I get on.
AnswerID:
471486
Reply By: Allens - Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 11:21
Friday, Dec 02, 2011 at 11:21
Harry. I have a Towtector for sale that may be of interest to you. I have no further use for it. It is in very good condition. If interested, contact me.
AnswerID:
471546