17' Series stone/rock deflectors/guards
- Thread starter Draino
- Start date
Yep for sure not needed on tar.
Nothing scientific but when I went from the Expanda with the big stone shield to the starcraft with the stone stomper fuel consumption improved even though the starcraft is 4-500 kgs heavier. Duals probably help that but the stone shield would of for sure as well
+5
Damn still have to order new one for The Beast, got some other stuff to sort first.
+5 1/2
Recently bought one but haven't used it yet as still in fitting stage along with other changes and trip starts soon(ish).
Early last year I made up an angled one but the trip was aborted. Since then I've relocated the gas bottles forward out of the tool box on the front to make way for the genie. In doing so there isn't enough room for the old stone shield so ordered the Stone Stomper earlier that I intended to anyway.
As far as statements go that you don't need one for bitumen touring I'd disagree. Not with a van in tow, but so many times over decades on the NT's narrow previous Stuart Hwy I've found it necessary to put wheels in the dirt to get out of the way of oncoming traffic (particularly road-trains and wide loads) and often to overtake traffic (unlikely with a van behind). There's also the occasional roadworks to contend with and short side trips. I'd rather protect my vehicles from these all the time than to not have one when I do really need it.
Edit: Old one available as a gift to anyone who wishes to drive up here and collect it.
I take my stone shield off when not doing long kms on dirt and notice a large improvement in fuel economy.
Interesting. I was flipping btw the Stone Stomper and the traditional guard. I think the Stone Stomper is better, but I can make myself a traditional guard for a fraction of the cost. But the fuel savings you found has tip the scale, cheers
interesting that it (traditional style stone shield) would effect the fuel consumption
not sure I can fathom how................................ considering its in front of a dirty great sail (caravan)
but then its Friday night, and I'm tired....................
My stone guard hasn't effected my consumption at all, in fact something I did has improved it........must be something about the design and the airflow at the back of your vehicle I know mine is running about 2l/100k better than before but couldn't think of what I've done, maybe my design has improved the aerodynamics ??????.........that would be a fluke for sure.
Big heavy mud flaps hanging down to ground level, reducing flow under car and van, then a solid object between car and van, facing slightly downwards, forcing the swirling air straight back on itself and under the car.
I have a set of Rock Tamers. They do a good job of stopping chips from larger stones. However, the draw bar, gas bottles and, to a lesser extent, the front checker plating, get a lot of fine stone marks - almost like a sand blasting. I think the Stone Stompers probably do a better job and am considering getting one after I pick up new the new 17.56-2 OB.
Worth noting about the Rock Tamers is that they are not tailored to a specific van and therefore can be kept when you change your van.
Worth noting about the Rock Tamers is that they are not tailored to a specific van and therefore can be kept when you change your van.
Thats what mine has, full mud flap of conveyor belt across front of van but it is in 3 sections to allow flow, maybe mine being on van not the tug has improved the dynamics ??????
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