Additional Protection for Toad? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

UniquelyRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

Additional Protection for Toad?

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

In regards to a vehicle "bra", I have always been leary of them. Unless one removes them regularly and washes underneath them, they are prone to accumulating dirt and debris. If the bra is not removed and the vehicle cleaned under the bra, any debris will be ground against the paint by the bra.

If it were me, I would look for some other means of protecting the vehicle. Perhaps something that can be fastened on top of the tow bar.

Terry

jagco · RV-Dreams Family Member

They also make rock/mud guards that mount under the motor home that runs the whole width. I'm sure those help quite a bit.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just for curiosity, I did a liitle checking on protective devices for a toad. I found at least three different systems in about 10 minutes of looking.

First is a product called Protect-a-Tow. Here is a link to a website regarding that product:

http://protectatow.tripod.com/

Second, is a shield attached at the front of the toad that extends across the front of the vehicle.

http://www.roadmaster-tow-bars.com/products/Guardian_Rock_Shield,RM4000

The third item is product from 3M that is a film that is just "attached" to the toad itself. Not sure how effective it would be or how long it would last.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Scotchgard_Paint_Protection/Film

There are likely other ideas and products out there, so I would say to just start searching on the internet. Also, see if places like Camping World carries anything like them.

At any rate, good luck.

Terry

UniquelyRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

Interestingly enough, the MH already has the 3M film on the front and around the key holes, etc. It's easy to see the difference it has made when looking at the other MHs on the lot. A 2007 model with fewer miles right next to it is chipped and pitted, while the 2003 Monaco looks new.

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

The full width flap mounted at the rear of a motorhome does a good job in protecting the front of our Element. Yes, there are things that will get past it. They likely would get through hula skirts or even bypass a deflector on the car.

We have a tube of OEM touchup paint. We have only had to use it once in three years. Hard to find the nick now. You can over plan, over engineer and over worry. I am not sure the nick we got on the nose of the toad was done while towing.

All the protection costs big bucks. The tube of touchup paint a few dollars.

legal-eagle · RV-Dreams Community Member

After extensive damage to my toad paint and windshield from towing I tried many different products until I came across Protect-a-Tow. Been using the Protect-a-Tow for quite a few years now and it works very well, no more damage! The full length mudflaps can help but they can also cause more damage on uneven roads if they hang down too low. I left my mudflap from the factory on the coach but still use my Protect-a-Tow while towing. I find it also protects the back of the coach, the tow bar and keeps my radiator compartment and back up camera much cleaner especially while driving in wet conditions. It was simple to install, very compact to store and takes about a minute or two to connect before towing.

Jbbar · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have towed our Jeep Cherokee behind a couple of different motorhomes and always used a custom tow car shield from Coastline Cover Company. Although we have had mud flaps on the MH's I credit this with protecting the Jeep. And unlike a bra it comes off quick and easy everytime. We have just acquired a new tow vehicle and also a new custom cover for it.

http://www.coastlinecover.com/tow.htm

2009 Discovery 40X
2009 Silverado 4X4

Travelin Duo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We also have the Coastline Custom Cover for our Enclave, and love it.
Great company.
We put it on the clean car, and it really has kept the car in great shape.
As Jbbar has stated.... It goes on and off quickly, and easily.