4sweeper
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1963 Leisurehome
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Post by 4sweeper on Jul 17, 2014 8:51:16 GMT -8
I've been putting the windows back in (only one left!) and am undecided about putting the front window rock-guard back on. I really like the look, inside and outside, without it. The inside of the trailer is soooo much brighter. The way the rock-guard was set up it was screwed to the eyebrow and had no support arms so the only way to lift it was to open the window (tilt-out type) which would then lift the rock-guard. Very little light got through it to the inside at any time. To keep it closed while traveling there was a bent hook-and-eye setup which I have already removed and filled in the hole from where the eye screwed in. The eyebrow is pretty damaged from where the hinges screwed into it. I'm going to get a new one, but put this old one back on until I do. I really don't want to have to screw into the eyebrow again! The front window is a plexiglass type. In fact all the windows except the glass louvers in the door and dinette jalousies are plexiglass. Anyway, I see lots of photos of trailers without any front window rock-guard at all and I wonder how often there are problems with damage/breakage? What are your thoughts?   |
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Post by bigbill on Jul 17, 2014 10:47:57 GMT -8
That appears to be a homemade unit Most likely the trailer never came with one. That was probably added as a sun shade by a PO
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swirlygirls
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Post by swirlygirls on Jul 17, 2014 11:30:31 GMT -8
I've had this same question about my Oasis. it never came with a rock guard but has a huge front window. I've considered adding a guard for safety but wonder if I'm just being neurotic and it doesn't really need one. I'd appreciate feedback also
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Post by universalexports on Jul 17, 2014 15:45:20 GMT -8
I like them for a couple of reasons, the glass is not tempered so the smallest pebble off the tires of a car you are meeting or a bird will cause a lot of grief and work replacing the window, I also like them because if you have curtains in the camper tied back so you can see out there is no need to untie them at night, just lower the rock guard so folks cant see in.
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poncho62
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99 Springdale 5th Wheel
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Post by poncho62 on Jul 17, 2014 15:50:04 GMT -8
Probably could find or make something much nicer than that one.....Maybe even from a piece of plexiglass
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jul 17, 2014 16:13:38 GMT -8
That's a "home made" rock guard. I would not use the weak window regulators to hold up a steel rock guard.
It's not much of a problem if the glass gets hit by a stone and breaks, it's less than $20 to replace. It's "better" that's it's not tempered because you can still drive it home with a cracked window. Just carry a roll of clear box tape in your travel gear for an emergency. Knock on wood, I have not broken one in the past five years of monthly trips.
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txoil
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1960 Shasta Deluxe 19
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Post by txoil on Jul 17, 2014 16:57:25 GMT -8
They are only needed if a rock or object hits the front of the trailer while underway. I certainly cannot predict when this may occur. Its like insurance. Anyway after seeing another VTT member build their own rock guard I put this together for Tallulah Belle. Parts cost about $100, time needed was about three hours. Weighs 4 lbs.  |
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4sweeper
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1963 Leisurehome
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Post by 4sweeper on Jul 17, 2014 20:06:23 GMT -8
I like the idea of the insurance of a rock-guard, but I don't like the way my guard/shade attaches and lifts. And yes, John, it's probably a fair bit heavier than I would like as well. Txoil, yours looks great. How are you going to attach it to the trailer? I'd love to see some more photos if you've got that done already.
I know it's impossible to predict, but if damage from rocks etc. isn't a common occurrence then I'll probably gamble and leave it off and do without one for now. I just have no way of knowing how often it actually happens since we've really done very little camper-trailer towing...I thought I'd throw it out there for those of you who have many, many miles of towing under your belts to comment on so I'd have a better idea of my odds.
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Post by vikx on Jul 17, 2014 22:08:28 GMT -8
I've often thought a good alternative would be marine fabric with padding (or styrofoam) snapped on the window. Also have seen an awning rail used as an attachment at the top.
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Post by bigbill on Jul 18, 2014 0:37:16 GMT -8
The risk of rock/stone damage depends on where you tow it. If you tow only on clean paved hiways the risk is low if you tow on country roads that have some gravel the risk climbs, and if you go to more remote places with unpaved roads the risk is high. Hope this helps.
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HeavyD
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Post by HeavyD on Jul 18, 2014 2:01:40 GMT -8
What about a different type of glass for the front window? Something like a windshield? I understand the need for egress in an emergency, but, at least in my trailer, there is another window immediately on the adjacent side wall and the door is close to the front. I don't think egress would be compromised and the window would take the road hazards better.
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chametzoo
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1960 Mobile Scout
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Post by chametzoo on Jul 18, 2014 6:47:43 GMT -8
I've often thought a good alternative would be marine fabric with padding (or styrofoam) snapped on the window. Also have seen an awning rail used as an attachment at the top. I like this solution: lightweight, cheap, easy to apply/remove and store. |
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4sweeper
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1963 Leisurehome
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Post by 4sweeper on Jul 18, 2014 6:48:31 GMT -8
Vikx, I like both those alternate ideas, especially the snapped on marine fabric. I'll mull them over for a while and see what I come up with. Thanks!
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Post by vikx on Jul 18, 2014 10:05:37 GMT -8
The only downside of the snap on cover is the lack of shade factor a *real* shield provides... A lot less holes in the trailer tho. I haven't put the front eyebrow on the Cardinal yet, mulling it over myself.
Pictures of different solutions are always welcome.
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smccusk
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63 SC Restoration in progress
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1963 Shasta SC
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Post by smccusk on Jul 23, 2014 13:06:37 GMT -8
When I built my rock guard its purpose was really more for a water guard. My Shasta has Jalousie window in the front and if you are traveling into rainstorm water is likely going to seep though the cracks and into the camper. The rock guard protects the glass but also channels the water away from the Jalousies.
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