rock protection - storage box vs mud flaps vs ...

[the5reeds]

I am picking up my new 19 in November, and am starting to wonder if I should have ordered a cargo box just to help protect the front edge of the trailer. I wouldn't really need it for the storage per se.

So my question is is it worth the $700 for this? I am going to buy mud flaps for my 2019 Ridgeline, which I hope will minimize flying rocks. I have also read about protective film for the trailer's front surfaces. Also this product looks effective Stone Stomper Stone Guard | Stone stomper

Thoughts?

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by the5reeds

I wouldn't really need it for the storage per se.

Thoughts?

I don't think that very many people who have a front box are going to say, yeah, it's a waste, never use it.

Personally, mine's a very important part of the trailer storage.

Ron

[cpaharley2008]

That front box will become indispensable after using it. On the 19 your batteries will be inside, protected from the elements. Water and sewer attachments are easily stowed away. The protection is priceless, even with splash guards.

[Steven M]

I posted this picture in another thread.
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...tml#post266002
Simple story, returning home from the Boler Rally I was attacked by a "road gator". You can search the term on the internet. Short answer, I am very happy to have had a storage box.

[steve dunham]

If you’re counting on mud-flaps to protect the front of your trailer , I think you will be badly disappointed. There are many good reasons to purchase the front cargo box and preventing chips is only one of them . The cargo box from ETI is worth every penny IMHO

[padlin]

If you have no need for the storage then I'd look at the film.

[John in Santa Cruz]

my casita had no storage, so things like lego blocks, wheel chocks, leveling ramps, stakes and hammer and puller, jack and tire iron, extension cords, water hoses, etc were all in the way in the back of the truck.

[Hilola]

This may be a stupid question but is the 5.0 trailer susceptible to rock damage? If so, how can you prevent it since you can't put a storage box on front?

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Hilola

This may be a stupid question but is the 5.0 trailer susceptible to rock damage? If so, how can you prevent it since you can't put a storage box on front?

3m Film or some such or better rock guards on the truck would help. Or wait till it gets bad enough then get bed white liner sprayed on or get the gel coat repaired. So far that's all that's been chipped.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Hilola

This may be a stupid question but is the 5.0 trailer susceptible to rock damage? If so, how can you prevent it since you can't put a storage box on front?

https://www.campingworld.com/smart-s...trucks-18-x-34

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by padlin

Or wait till it gets bad enough then get bed white liner sprayed on ....

That's what I'm going to do. Some of the 'fixes' I've seen to prevent rock chips look worse than the rock chips! Fortunately, Ten Forward is chip-free right now.

[yardsale]

Another solid vote for the utility of the front storage box, especially in the 17B.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Hilola

This may be a stupid question but is the 5.0 trailer susceptible to rock damage? If so, how can you prevent it since you can't put a storage box on front?

q

The 5.0 and the 5.0TA can be protected with those huge rock guard type mudflaps, but those things are cumbersome to some degree, pricey, and look fugly IMHO.

What I did after getting my 5.0TA home was to drive it straight to a shop that applies 3M Paint Protection Film. I put in from the propane hatch to just around the side, and about 24" up from the bottom. It was not very expensive, and has done a great job protecting the gelcoat, and I do a fair bit of gravel road. It is also easy to remove and redo when you need.
https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/pos...otection-film/

This is something you can do yourself with a bit of care. I had just had my truck done by the shop and they offered me a great deal on doing my trailer too, so I had them do it.

[Eggscape]

I have been half across Canada and back last year with no rock chips. I did not do any gravel roads however.
It may not be obvious but your 19 without a storage box does come with padded vinyl snap on protection. It will at least get you home.

[Greg A]

No storage box, removed the vinyl flaps and spayed the panels with Plasti dip about 2 years ago. No chips, and the Plasti dip matches gel coat color.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by Greg A

No storage box, removed the vinyl flaps and spayed the panels with Plasti dip about 2 years ago. No chips, and the Plasti dip matches gel coat color.

I was wondering if that product would work...and if you don’t like it you can just peal it off.
Thanks

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I was wondering if that product would work...and if you don’t like it you can just peal it off.
Thanks

Yes, it has worked great. It does peel off very easily if you want to remove it. The color is so close you really can't see it unless you're right on top of it.

[skiman]

Originally Posted by Greg A

No storage box, removed the vinyl flaps and spayed the panels with Plasti dip about 2 years ago. No chips, and the Plasti dip matches gel coat color.

What color Plastidip did you use?

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by skiman

What color Plastidip did you use?

Must be a trick question...he states the color is so close you can’t really tell it has been painted. So almost the same as the trailer...I would think.

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by skiman

What color Plastidip did you use?

Only white they had at the Depot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasti-D...07-6/203286992

I used two cans for initial test which has been close to 2 years. Now I'm going to remove, fill/gel-coat the snaps and redo with probably 3-4 cans for a bit more depth.