Post Trip

Toad Protection

I towed our CRV for 60K miles without a scratch until I reached the Alaskan Highway! This is what I then learned about toad protection from rocks. 

The worst device is the vertical shield mounted on the car. These hard shields can and do reflect rocks back to the motorhome and can and will cause paint and even rear radiator damage. Adding some type of damping material to the front of the shield will help reduce rock reflection.  A full custom fitted bra on the car will protect it. However it must be washed every day to remove the dirt and grit that will get underneath and scrub the paint. The best device for protection is the horizontal shield type of device that extends from the motorhome to the toad. This will not however protect the toad from rocks when meeting or passing vehicles. 

The toad radiator also needs protection. The horizontal shield that installs above our CRV tow bar would not protect the radiator that is below the tow bar. 

The worst device on the motorhome is the large rear mud flaps installed at the rear bumper and are less than 5” from the ground. These mud flaps will kick up rocks to the toad. Actually these aren’t mud flaps at all. They are a marketing and advertising device and not intended as a mud flap. If yours is less that 5” from the road then remove it before the trip. The broom type of mud flap will also do little to stop rocks. 

Driving slower in Northern Canada than you normally consider for the lower 48 can certainly help. Slow down and move as far right as possible when meeting traffic will also help. Note: We encountered a large number of loose rocks on the paved portion of the Canadian Alaskan Highway.

On my next trip to Alaska I will have a horizontal shield and I will use my yoga mat to protect the toad windshield. I will no longer need the second yoga mat that protected the radiator. Both of these yoga mats were devised on the Alaskan Highway

In the picture below the mat worked well and we also added a section to cover the radiator. Gorilla tape holds the 2 yoga mats together. The visible outside bungee cords and rope are connected to the door hinges and there are 2 bungee cords inside so that the cover is easy to fit with the doors open. 

 

It does get dirty and this is after hosing it off

 

Mat clips