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Topic: Protecting Front From Stone Chips (Read 1074 times) previous topic - next topic

Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Hate the stone chips on the front end.  Have seen the 3M coverings and snap-on bras and clear plexi shields, but wonder if it wouldn't make more sense to have a color matched coating of something like Line-X.  This stuff looks interesting too:

How to Protect the Front of Your RV

Thoughts....
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #1 –
I had color matched LineX put on the lower front of our previous coach (a Bluebird).  Worked really well to prevent stone chips, and the bugs came off easier as well.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #2 –
I can see the advantage of a Bedliner type material on the front end.  But don't see much advantage if you then paint over it.  It's the paint that gets chipped.  I'd like to see the Vortex product in a couple years to see if the paint is still un-chipped.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #3 –
Might as well do the seats too.
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #4 –
Talking of bugs coming off easier from front cap this now is a simple thing after getting this tip from friends in Colorado on our last trip.
Hose down the front then use 2or3bounce dryer sheets and wipe them across the mess keeping them wet while doing it. I was amazed at how much easier they came off and from our trip there had thousands of them covering the front.
After that just use soapy water to get the film off. Works like a dream.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #6 –
From what little appears to exist online, both the Line-x and Vortex product are mixed to include the color as part of the product.  It would seem that, depending on the thickness of the application, Stone chips would be reduced and less noticeable than typical paint/clear coat. See comments from writer below article in the post I included in the original post above.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #7 –
After our Spring fling on I-10 West, crossing into Texas from Louisiana I definitely would like to find a solution to front end cap paint damage... We caught stones all the way up the windshields.

Saw many really nice Line-x or Vortex paint jobs on Jeeps and pickups out here in the West. Got me thinking about these products too...  It's big $$$$ 

Maybe a nice fitting bra/mask? TAMPA SHOW maybe?

Becoming a pro at removing bugs from paint and glass!

Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #8 –
Quote from: jor –
Might as well do the seats too.
jor


My behind started sweating just seeing that picture.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #9 –
Our 3m plastic coat that was put on in 2009 is still as clear as day one. It has saved the paint for sure and I see no reason to consider removing it.
Must be the clean Canadian and Mexican air!!
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #10 –
Deflectors

Manipulatable energy forcefield or shield that can be generated around space vessels and other facilities for protection from natural hazards and enemy weaponry.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #11 –
You can get something close to that with a flux capacitor and led lights.. just be careful backing up..

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Deflectors

Manipulatable energy forcefield or shield that can be generated around space vessels and other facilities for protection from natural hazards and enemy weaponry.

Geez Roger, your coach looks a lot different than when I last saw it. Was it hard to change from Diesel & Battery power to a Dilithium Crystal warp core? :))

I'm sure that of all people. You would likely be the most capable of actually doing that.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #13 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Must be the clean Canadian and Mexican air!!
JohnH

Yes, hot air is a well known preservative for many polymers.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #14 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Our 3m plastic coat that was put on in 2009 is still as clear as day one. It has saved the paint for sure and I see no reason to consider removing it.
Must be the clean Canadian and Mexican air!!
JohnH

Our 3M plastic coat looks like new also, and the coach has never been out of the good old USA.

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #15 –
Don't they make a deer whistle for bugs 😜
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Protecting Front From Stone Chips

Reply #16 –
Best way to keep the bugs off the front cap is to drive in reverse all the time. 

It will keep the bugs off but  probably will not do your rear cap much good for long........................ >:D
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing