Do stone guards reduce your turning circle? Any negatives please like vibration or awkwardness to work around when hitching and unhitching. Anybody had one then removed it for what reason please?
Cheers
bomurra said
03:33 PM Aug 26, 2021
Hi Consumer Man,
I currently have a stone guard fitted to my van, but had the "A" frame extended to accommodate this during manufacture. Once you have had one for a while, you become used to the fact it is there and cater accordingly. They do stop the stone chips on the front of your van to a great extent, and I would not have a van without one now. I currently have a Y62 Patrol and have no issues while reversing, however some utes with longer overhangs may experience problems. My brother fitted a stone guard to the front of his van and broke the tail lights in his V6 Navara D40, expensive exercise that one. You need to measure your distances/clearances carefully and purchase the guard best suited to your application. There are guards with removed centre sections, to allow better clearance on a centre mounted jockey wheel. Don't forget Stone Stomper, they are an ideal solution for stopping stones atc. from the tug, albeit a little extra price and take a little extra time to hook up and unhook.
Hope this helps,
Bob.
-- Edited by bomurra on Thursday 26th of August 2021 04:23:17 PM
I have the stone stomper. Brilliant piece of kit. I,ve had the alloy and mesh guards on other trailers but still suffered chips to cars tail gate and , luckily, no broken window. I was extremely sceptical about the stomper and its price.....not now. You,d be silly to think that it is not worth the money.
KAYOS said
10:17 PM Aug 31, 2021
Stone Stomper is my choice, purchased one for the last van and another one for the current van. It is a simple non restrictive design and keeps the front of the van quite clean especially if the dirt is wet and stones do not collect in the steel mesh on the A frame.
If you decide on a Stone Stomper also consider redirecting diesel exhaust to the side of the vehicle. I found this stopped diesel soot collecting on the underside of the stomper and transferring to legs or clothing when leaning against it to reach into the back of the tow vehicle. If a spreader rod is needed, white 50mm pressure pipe works well for me.
Possum3 said
08:45 AM Sep 1, 2021
Simple rule is if you are travelling on gravel roads you will undoubtably cause some damage to vehicles. Be it windows, paintwork, suspension or mechanical componentry - Attaching stone-guards, ply/corflute panels over windows or magic wands can at best minimise damage. Major key to damage minimisation is travel speed, both yours and any oncoming vehicles.
Any guards attached to vehicles will always cause some undesirable effect/s - what are you willing to accept?
Drive to conditions is often quoted as is vehicle condition and replacement cost of any items prone to damage - Good insurance coverage and belonging to a Motorist Association are most critical assurance.
Wanda said
08:52 AM Sep 1, 2021
You need to do some more research, check out Stone Stomper.
Also do a search here and other caravan forums and you will find just how popular the SS are.
They also give great service, and no I have no association with them, just have/had one, actually two, for years.
Ian
oldbloke said
06:43 PM Sep 1, 2021
Why not just bigger mud flaps? Perhaps not ideal, buy cheap and cheerful.
yobarr said
08:43 PM Sep 1, 2021
oldbloke wrote:
Why not just bigger mud flaps? Perhaps not ideal, buy cheap and cheerful.
Yeah,I tried that Neil,but it didn't work! Keeping my van pretty is the least of my worries,but I was more concerned about preventing damage to plumbing under the van.Mudflaps were about 2 feet behind the car's rear wheels,and about 4 inches off road surface,which was fine and dandy on flattish dirt loads.However,when I started to traverse dips in the road,or straddled the metal between wheel tracks,the mudflaps were hitting the road surface and throwing up huge numbers of stones which filled up all the open boxes I have on the front of the van to collect firewood or carry extra jerry cans. The pipework under the van also was damaged by stones flicked up by the full width mudflap I have across the front of the van,so I simply cut a few inches off all mudflaps,and problem was solved.As I said,keeping the van pretty is of little concern to me,as I am not at all interested in impressing onlookers,but protecting the 6 water tanks and all the plumbing under the van was my major concern. Isolating every tank,and turning off water pumps is something I now do before setting off for the day,so that if any piping,or any tank,is broken,I lose very little water.Cheers
Farmhat said
09:50 PM Sep 1, 2021
Hi ConsumerMan.
I have used the Stone Stomper for about 30,00 ks now.
Happy to recommend it.
As mentioned above you can get dirty from brushing up against it when accessing rear of vehicle,
but it is easy and quick enough to unhook the side you are on, to remove that problem.
Cheers, Joe.
Dicko1 said
09:33 AM Sep 2, 2021
Possum3 wrote:
Simple rule is if you are travelling on gravel roads you will undoubtably cause some damage to vehicles. Be it windows, paintwork, suspension or mechanical componentry - Attaching stone-guards, ply/corflute panels over windows or magic wands can at best minimise damage. Major key to damage minimisation is travel speed, both yours and any oncoming vehicles. Any guards attached to vehicles will always cause some undesirable effect/s - what are you willing to accept? Drive to conditions is often quoted as is vehicle condition and replacement cost of any items prone to damage - Good insurance coverage and belonging to a Motorist Association are most critical assurance.
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Possum3 said
12:53 PM Sep 2, 2021
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
Wanda said
03:10 PM Sep 2, 2021
Possum3 wrote:
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
Whenarewethere said
03:21 PM Sep 2, 2021
Possum3 wrote:
Attaching stone-guards, ply/corflute panels over windows
This car had a stone stomper & window armour.
yobarr said
03:28 PM Sep 2, 2021
Wanda wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
And what's that mean? Possum was simply relating his experience with a stone stomper,and explaining what are the negatives of using one. Rarely,if ever, does Possum post anything that is of no value,which is a lot more than can be said about contributions by some other members,who seem to have too much time on their hands.Cheers
Possum3 said
03:47 PM Sep 2, 2021
Wanda wrote:
I am uncertain as to the meaning of the children's emoji.
My original post was to advise OP (Consumer Man) that the most effective damage mitigation on gravel road/s is speed by self or oncoming/overtaking vehicles - It has been my experience that even when I have fitted expensive guards I have still had my vehicles damaged by oncoming/overtaking vehicles ie broken windscreens and side damage to caravan. The said guards are always in the way both when travelling and camped. Now I travel without any guards, carefully watch my speed on gravel roads, pull off the road/stop when oncoming trucks approach (when possible), as driving into thrown stones is major cause of vehicle damage.
Wanda said
04:53 PM Sep 2, 2021
yobarr wrote:
Wanda wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
And what's that mean? Possum was simply relating his experience with a stone stomper,and explaining what are the negatives of using one. Rarely,if ever, does Possum post anything that is of no value,which is a lot more than can be said about contributions by some other members,who seem to have too much time on their hands.Cheers
Harden up princess, it does'nt matter what I say if I dissagree with you or any of your friends.
I am sure Possum is capable, which I see he has, of defending himself if he sees a need too.
Again I haven'nt spell checked or grammar checked this post, so if I said it wrong don't bother responding because its in the "care factor" basket.
As far as me having tooo much time on my hands, REALLY, you spend most of the day here and on most of the other sites on GNF
Ian
Wanda said
05:04 PM Sep 2, 2021
Possum3 wrote:
Wanda wrote:
I am uncertain as to the meaning of the children's emoji.
My original post was to advise OP (Consumer Man) that the most effective damage mitigation on gravel road/s is speed by self or oncoming/overtaking vehicles - It has been my experience that even when I have fitted expensive guards I have still had my vehicles damaged by oncoming/overtaking vehicles ie broken windscreens and side damage to caravan. The said guards are always in the way both when travelling and camped. Now I travel without any guards, carefully watch my speed on gravel roads, pull off the road/stop when oncoming trucks approach (when possible), as driving into thrown stones is major cause of vehicle damage.
Mate, I was NOT commenting on your original post, excuse me, look at what I have replied too.
And I dissagree, the emoji, childrens hey, not sure where you got that from, anyway is just a little man(little) shaking his head in dissagreement.
If you have taken any offence for this I suggest you take A BEX AND LIE DOWN.
Because it is my experience, 2 x 60 series Cruisers, 1 x 80 series Cruiser, 1 x GU Nissan Patrol, 1 X Mazda BT 50, and embarrassed to say 1 x Landrover Discovery 4(currant), Travelled most of the major 4x4 tracks over the years plus hundreds if not thousnds of other dust/bull dust type roads around this great country, finally got here, that your statement in my opinion is rot.
Have a good day, cause I am
Ian
yobarr said
05:35 PM Sep 2, 2021
Wanda wrote:
yobarr wrote:
Wanda wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
And what's that mean? Possum was simply relating his experience with a stone stomper,and explaining what are the negatives of using one. Rarely,if ever, does Possum post anything that is of no value,which is a lot more than can be said about contributions by some other members,who seem to have too much time on their hands.Cheers
Harden up princess, it does'nt matter what I say if I dissagree with you or any of your friends.
I am sure Possum is capable, which I see he has, of defending himself if he sees a need too.
Again I haven'nt spell checked or grammar checked this post, so if I said it wrong don't bother responding because its in the "care factor" basket.
As far as me having tooo much time on my hands, REALLY, you spend most of the day here and on most of the other sites on GNF.
Ian
Pathetic.And just exactly how do you conclude that I spend most of the day here and on most of the other sites on GNF? Cheers
Dicko1 said
08:57 PM Sep 2, 2021
Possum3 wrote:
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
You should have posted your reply in the joke section. You cant be serious.
Wanda said
08:54 AM Sep 3, 2021
Dicko1 wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
You should have posted your reply in the joke section. You cant be serious.
Careful, you'll get into trouble if you dissagree, as I did!!
Ian
-- Edited by Wanda on Friday 3rd of September 2021 08:55:39 AM
Rob Driver said
02:13 PM Sep 3, 2021
Wanda wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Dicko1 wrote:
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
And another valuable contribution by Wanda Woman / Man
It is good to see that you always contribute valuable input in any topic in which you participate. NOT!
Wanda said
02:54 PM Sep 3, 2021
Rob, that really hurt.............NOT
Is that the best you can do, really!
How did this post manage to upset you, I think you need to get out more, that is, if they let you out?
Ian, half man half whatever
Rob Driver said
03:20 PM Sep 3, 2021
I had large mudflaps on the ute when we used to tow the camper and I tend to agree with Yobarr.
Although I didnt experience it, it is reported that really large mudflaps may cause the rear diff temp to rise.
Protecting the underside of my camper was my main concern.
With the last two vans we havent done a lot of dirt road stuff but my observations with dust from vehicles on dirt roads over many years is that visibility by raised dust from other vehicles will depend more on the speed of the vehicle and the direction of the prevailing wind.
I was talking to a bloke with stone stompers and he said he could smell exhaust fumes in his vehicle in certain wind conditions. This was probably more a bad seal on his door or windows than the actual fault of the stompers but still food for thought.
In old road train days when we travelled on dirt roads we would do many a mile on the wrong side of the road, if, for example, we were travelling north with a prevailing westerly wind. This would provide a clear view to vehicles following and any dust cloud ahead would indicate an approaching vehicle.
Slowing down when you have limited vision was a pretty good idea as well.
In more recent times I relied on the standard vehicle mudflaps, fitted core flute to the rear window of the tow vehicle and drove slowly.
oldbloke said
08:54 PM Sep 3, 2021
yobarr wrote:
oldbloke wrote:
Why not just bigger mud flaps? Perhaps not ideal, buy cheap and cheerful.
Yeah,I tried that Neil,but it didn't work! Keeping my van pretty is the least of my worries,but I was more concerned about preventing damage to plumbing under the van.Mudflaps were about 2 feet behind the car's rear wheels,and about 4 inches off road surface,which was fine and dandy on flattish dirt loads.However,when I started to traverse dips in the road,or straddled the metal between wheel tracks,the mudflaps were hitting the road surface and throwing up huge numbers of stones which filled up all the open boxes I have on the front of the van to collect firewood or carry extra jerry cans. The pipework under the van also was damaged by stones flicked up by the full width mudflap I have across the front of the van,so I simply cut a few inches off all mudflaps,and problem was solved.As I said,keeping the van pretty is of little concern to me,as I am not at all interested in impressing onlookers,but protecting the 6 water tanks and all the plumbing under the van was my major concern. Isolating every tank,and turning off water pumps is something I now do before setting off for the day,so that if any piping,or any tank,is broken,I lose very little water.Cheers
Yobarr
I think you miss understood or perhaps I was not clear.
Nit flaps that would fit a truck, or are right across the rear of the ute. Just a bit bigger than standard. Most of the stone come from the rear tyres after all.
Just some feed back re : The StoneStomper stone protector.
I have just had my SS repaired by Christian at SS,( damaged by yours truly) the service he provided was exceptional and repair costs unbelievably cheap.
Once again, anyone looking at a stone guard seriously checkout the SS, and factor in for once you will get GREAT service both before and after your purchase.
Well done Christian and your crew
cheers
Ian
PS: I have no involvement in this business, just a very happy customer and fan of the SS
Do stone guards reduce your turning circle? Any negatives please like vibration or awkwardness to work around when hitching and unhitching. Anybody had one then removed it for what reason please?
Cheers
Hi Consumer Man,
I currently have a stone guard fitted to my van, but had the "A" frame extended to accommodate this during manufacture.
Once you have had one for a while, you become used to the fact it is there and cater accordingly.
They do stop the stone chips on the front of your van to a great extent, and I would not have a van without one now.
I currently have a Y62 Patrol and have no issues while reversing, however some utes with longer overhangs may experience problems. My brother fitted a stone guard to the front of his van and broke the tail lights in his V6 Navara D40, expensive exercise that one.
You need to measure your distances/clearances carefully and purchase the guard best suited to your application. There are guards with removed centre sections, to allow better clearance on a centre mounted jockey wheel.
Don't forget Stone Stomper, they are an ideal solution for stopping stones atc. from the tug, albeit a little extra price and take a little extra time to hook up and unhook.
Hope this helps,
Bob.
-- Edited by bomurra on Thursday 26th of August 2021 04:23:17 PM
Stone Stomper is my choice, purchased one for the last van and another one for the current van. It is a simple non restrictive design and keeps the front of the van quite clean especially if the dirt is wet and stones do not collect in the steel mesh on the A frame.
If you decide on a Stone Stomper also consider redirecting diesel exhaust to the side of the vehicle. I found this stopped diesel soot collecting on the underside of the stomper and transferring to legs or clothing when leaning against it to reach into the back of the tow vehicle. If a spreader rod is needed, white 50mm pressure pipe works well for me.
Any guards attached to vehicles will always cause some undesirable effect/s - what are you willing to accept?
Drive to conditions is often quoted as is vehicle condition and replacement cost of any items prone to damage - Good insurance coverage and belonging to a Motorist Association are most critical assurance.
Also do a search here and other caravan forums and you will find just how popular the SS are.
They also give great service, and no I have no association with them, just have/had one, actually two, for years.
Ian
Yeah,I tried that Neil,but it didn't work! Keeping my van pretty is the least of my worries,but I was more concerned about preventing damage to plumbing under the van.Mudflaps were about 2 feet behind the car's rear wheels,and about 4 inches off road surface,which was fine and dandy on flattish dirt loads.However,when I started to traverse dips in the road,or straddled the metal between wheel tracks,the mudflaps were hitting the road surface and throwing up huge numbers of stones which filled up all the open boxes I have on the front of the van to collect firewood or carry extra jerry cans. The pipework under the van also was damaged by stones flicked up by the full width mudflap I have across the front of the van,so I simply cut a few inches off all mudflaps,and problem was solved.As I said,keeping the van pretty is of little concern to me,as I am not at all interested in impressing onlookers,but protecting the 6 water tanks and all the plumbing under the van was my major concern. Isolating every tank,and turning off water pumps is something I now do before setting off for the day,so that if any piping,or any tank,is broken,I lose very little water.Cheers
Hi ConsumerMan.
I have used the Stone Stomper for about 30,00 ks now.
Happy to recommend it.
As mentioned above you can get dirty from brushing up against it when accessing rear of vehicle,
but it is easy and quick enough to unhook the side you are on, to remove that problem.
Cheers, Joe.
What is the undesirable effect my stone stomper has on my vehicle? Assuming you have experience with a stone stomper...what was the negative effect to your vehicle?
Dust created on dirt/bull dust roads was pushed out both sides effectively blocking rear vision with caravan it created a venturi/vaccuum effect and covered van in dust - not a major problem but undesirable.
This car had a stone stomper & window armour.
And what's that mean? Possum was simply relating his experience with a stone stomper,and explaining what are the negatives of using one. Rarely,if ever, does Possum post anything that is of no value,which is a lot more than can be said about contributions by some other members,who seem to have too much time on their hands.Cheers
I am uncertain as to the meaning of the children's emoji.
My original post was to advise OP (Consumer Man) that the most effective damage mitigation on gravel road/s is speed by self or oncoming/overtaking vehicles - It has been my experience that even when I have fitted expensive guards I have still had my vehicles damaged by oncoming/overtaking vehicles ie broken windscreens and side damage to caravan. The said guards are always in the way both when travelling and camped. Now I travel without any guards, carefully watch my speed on gravel roads, pull off the road/stop when oncoming trucks approach (when possible), as driving into thrown stones is major cause of vehicle damage.
Harden up princess, it does'nt matter what I say if I dissagree with you or any of your friends.
I am sure Possum is capable, which I see he has, of defending himself if he sees a need too.
Again I haven'nt spell checked or grammar checked this post, so if I said it wrong don't bother responding because its in the "care factor" basket.
As far as me having tooo much time on my hands, REALLY, you spend most of the day here and on most of the other sites on GNF
Ian
Mate, I was NOT commenting on your original post, excuse me, look at what I have replied too.
And I dissagree, the emoji, childrens hey, not sure where you got that from, anyway is just a little man(little) shaking his head in dissagreement.
If you have taken any offence for this I suggest you take A BEX AND LIE DOWN.
Because it is my experience, 2 x 60 series Cruisers, 1 x 80 series Cruiser, 1 x GU Nissan Patrol, 1 X Mazda BT 50, and embarrassed to say 1 x Landrover Discovery 4(currant), Travelled most of the major 4x4 tracks over the years plus hundreds if not thousnds of other dust/bull dust type roads around this great country, finally got here, that your statement in my opinion is rot.
Have a good day, cause I am
Ian
Pathetic.And just exactly how do you conclude that I spend most of the day here and on most of the other sites on GNF? Cheers
You should have posted your reply in the joke section. You cant be serious.
Careful, you'll get into trouble if you dissagree, as I did!!
Ian
-- Edited by Wanda on Friday 3rd of September 2021 08:55:39 AM
And another valuable contribution by Wanda Woman / Man
It is good to see that you always contribute valuable input in any topic in which you participate. NOT!
Rob, that really hurt.............NOT
Is that the best you can do, really!
How did this post manage to upset you, I think you need to get out more, that is, if they let you out?
Ian, half man half whatever
Although I didnt experience it, it is reported that really large mudflaps may cause the rear diff temp to rise.
Protecting the underside of my camper was my main concern.
With the last two vans we havent done a lot of dirt road stuff but my observations with dust from vehicles on dirt roads over many years is that visibility by raised dust from other vehicles will depend more on the speed of the vehicle and the direction of the prevailing wind.
I was talking to a bloke with stone stompers and he said he could smell exhaust fumes in his vehicle in certain wind conditions. This was probably more a bad seal on his door or windows than the actual fault of the stompers but still food for thought.
In old road train days when we travelled on dirt roads we would do many a mile on the wrong side of the road, if, for example, we were travelling north with a prevailing westerly wind. This would provide a clear view to vehicles following and any dust cloud ahead would indicate an approaching vehicle.
Slowing down when you have limited vision was a pretty good idea as well.
In more recent times I relied on the standard vehicle mudflaps, fitted core flute to the rear window of the tow vehicle and drove slowly.
Yobarr
I think you miss understood or perhaps I was not clear.
Nit flaps that would fit a truck, or are right across the rear of the ute. Just a bit bigger than standard. Most of the stone come from the rear tyres after all.
Nothing is 100%
I have just had my SS repaired by Christian at SS,( damaged by yours truly) the service he provided was exceptional and repair costs unbelievably cheap.
Once again, anyone looking at a stone guard seriously checkout the SS, and factor in for once you will get GREAT service both before and after your purchase.
Well done Christian and your crew
cheers
Ian
PS: I have no involvement in this business, just a very happy customer and fan of the SS