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Old 03-22-2018, 04:18 AM   #1
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Flat tow rock guard

We are having the Blue Ox flat tow system installed to tow our Chevy Sonic. Looking for recommendations for rock guard protection devices. Thanks in advance!

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Old 03-22-2018, 04:50 AM   #2
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Bras work

I don't use a rock guard attached to the tow bar or tow vehicle for my toad just a full fitted front bra, and large mud flaps behind the dual tires, and the bra can stay on your Sonic when disconnected. Try google for a bra to fit your Sonic or a rock guard you will probably end up on Amazon.
Good luck
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Old 03-22-2018, 05:08 AM   #3
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I don't use a rock guard attached to the tow bar or tow vehicle for my toad just a full fitted front bra, and large mud flaps behind the dual tires, and the bra can stay on your Sonic when disconnected. Try google for a bra to fit your Sonic or a rock guard you will probably end up on Amazon.

Good luck


Thanks, good info!
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Old 03-22-2018, 12:18 PM   #4
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The first time I towed our Sonic on an extended trip I got a rock strike in the upper left corner of the windshield that may or may not have been TOAD related as we do have some pretty good mudflaps behind the rear tires on our ACE. Regardless, I decided to investigate guards after that trip. I ended up making one similar to a Protect-A-Tow except mine rides on top of the tow bar. Made from PVC and shade cloth from Lowes. Works great and rolls up and bungees to the MH bumper when not deployed.
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Old 03-22-2018, 01:43 PM   #5
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The first time I towed our Sonic on an extended trip I got a rock strike in the upper left corner of the windshield that may or may not have been TOAD related as we do have some pretty good mudflaps behind the rear tires on our ACE. Regardless, I decided to investigate guards after that trip. I ended up making one similar to a Protect-A-Tow except mine rides on top of the tow bar. Made from PVC and shade cloth from Lowes. Works great and rolls up and bungees to the MH bumper when not deployed.


What a great DIY! I’m sure it saved you a good chunk of money too! Do you by chance have any pictures you might be willing to share?
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Old 03-23-2018, 01:29 AM   #6
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We bought a Protect A Tow years ago, and it is now on it's second motor home and it's second towed car. Showing some wear after around 60,000 miles, but I have to wonder how many rocks it sent on under our little car. That car is low to the ground, so would be a chip magnet without protection. I would buy it again.
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Old 03-23-2018, 01:33 AM   #7
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We bought a Protect A Tow years ago, and it is now on it's second motor home and it's second towed car. Showing some wear after around 60,000 miles, but I have to wonder how many rocks it sent on under our little car. That car is low to the ground, so would be a chip magnet without protection. I would buy it again.


Thanks for the information. That is one of the products we are looking at.
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Old 03-23-2018, 01:55 AM   #8
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What a great DIY! I’m sure it saved you a good chunk of money too! Do you by chance have any pictures you might be willing to share?
I'll unroll it tomorrow and snap a pic.
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Old 03-23-2018, 02:28 AM   #9
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I'll unroll it tomorrow and snap a pic.


Thanks! Very much appreciated!
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Old 03-24-2018, 01:27 PM   #10
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I don't have the toad connected but this is what it looks like behind the MH:



This is my prototype so it's a little rough.
I used 1/2" PVC pipe on both ends with end caps.

The arrows at the front show the attachment points to stainless eyes on the MH bumper with small carabiners. You can't attach at the outside ends of the bumper because the ends of the PVC need to flex on turns.

The rear is attached directly to pre-existing holes on the arms of the towbar by stainless eyebolts through the PVC pipe and square lock pins:



The shade cloth is kept spread by self-tapping screws and washers into the PVC pipe at the ends of the sleeves.

There is a step change at the edges now because I had originally made it too long so I had to fold it back onto itself to shorten it. No it fits perfect and works well.
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Old 03-24-2018, 02:52 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Tfryman View Post
I don't have the toad connected but this is what it looks like behind the MH:







This is my prototype so it's a little rough.

I used 1/2" PVC pipe on both ends with end caps.



The arrows at the front show the attachment points to stainless eyes on the MH bumper with small carabiners. You can't attach at the outside ends of the bumper because the ends of the PVC need to flex on turns.



The rear is attached directly to pre-existing holes on the arms of the towbar by stainless eyebolts through the PVC pipe and square lock pins:







The shade cloth is kept spread by self-tapping screws and washers into the PVC pipe at the ends of the sleeves.



There is a step change at the edges now because I had originally made it too long so I had to fold it back onto itself to shorten it. No it fits perfect and works well.


Thanks very much for taking the time to set it up and provide the details. Excellent job! We’re still doing research, but your DIY project is a front runner.
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Old 03-26-2018, 01:19 AM   #12
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Nice DIY project. Thanks for sharing.

I so some DIY, too, but I don't have the equipment to sew that fabric, so when I have to replace my Protect A Tow, I'll be forking over the $242.90. Different strokes for different folks...
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Old 03-26-2018, 07:17 PM   #13
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Ted, that's great, thanks. I love it. The pvc has enough give for the turns? Any idea how much it has to move? Do you anticipate any problem in the cold.
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Old 03-26-2018, 07:21 PM   #14
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Between the front and rear PVC overhangs to the side of the attachment points it has plenty of flex. I've traveled in weather in the 30s here in Florida, hard to get much colder than that unless I go way north.
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Old 04-06-2018, 06:00 PM   #15
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Flat tow rock guard

Protect-A-Tow is the easiest to install and works better than anything I have ever used.tks Mrs Sunshine.
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Old 04-06-2018, 10:50 PM   #16
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Protect-A-Tow is the easiest to install and works better than anything I have ever used.tks Mrs Sunshine.


Um, that's MR Sunshine, thank you. Glad you are happy!
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Old 04-07-2018, 02:07 PM   #17
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Oops spell ck got me.sorry
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