Protecting the toad... April 29, 2015, 02:17:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 152485As a neophyte to towing, I'm now concerned with protecting our towed Honda Fit from damage due to debris launched by our LD. Since I'm both cheap and my main concern is the windshield, I'm contemplating using the otherwise worthless LD factory windshield cover on the Fit windshield. I was able to rig it up to be both secure and protect the majority of the large glass area. Eventually, I will likely want to spring for a better method, and to protect the entire front end. I've looked briefly at the protect-a-tow and similar products from Blue Ox and Roadmaster, as well as hula skirts and such. I would be interested in what others have used, what worked and what did not, and how much of a problem is it anyway?Steve
Re: Protecting the toad... Reply #1 – April 29, 2015, 02:33:36 pm Yahoo Message Number: 152486SteveWindshield covers can cause a lot of damage when dirt and rocks get under the cover and grind into the glass, just like the front end bras, that were so popular twenty years ago. There is a good reason why you don't see them much anymore. Of all the different protective toad devices, the Protect-a-Tow seems to be the most effective and it's simple to use, while not causing any damage to the toad on its own.Protect-a-TowProtect-a-Tow Frequently asked Questions Protect-a-Tow for Travel Trailers Authorized Protect-A-Tow Dealers What size should I order? Testimonials Refund Policy... View on protectatow.tripod.comrightWith sewing machine, you can make you own for less the $75 or spring for the professional model ($220). It's nothing more than shade cloth and bungee cord, with a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe over the top.Larry
Re: Protecting the toad... Reply #2 – April 29, 2015, 11:06:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 152493I have used this for 12 years and it seems to work insofar as there has been no major windshield damage. That said, I still have very small pitting on my windshield. I don't know if this is from the LD or from the sandy mixture that is used here in CO in the winter. The car is used more when not being towed. the P-A-T is very easy to take on and off and stow when not in use. For the 1st couple of years when my 2010 CR-V was new, I also used a Blue Ox shield (along with the P-A-T) and still realized pitting. I gave up on the shield as too cumbersome to deal with.Chris
Re: Protecting the toad... Reply #3 – April 29, 2015, 11:14:08 pm Yahoo Message Number: 152494May I add a PS to my comment: There is a lot of turbulence between a towed vehicle and the LD. I'm convinced whatever protective device is used does prevent major rock/debris damage but doesn't stop the minor windshield pitting. On my previous tow car, a '96 Honda Accord, the P-A-T did not extend to either side completely and I could certainly see how the road grit ate away at the exposed sides on the bumper whereas the protected areas were mostly unscathed.Chris
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