We have used one (homemade ) for about five years. Certainly works for us on the Avan. We do a lot of off road driving. Of course when on the bitumen it is stored away. Sometimes coming off the bitumen and deciding to drive that last 3 kms on an unsealed road to a campsite without fitting it, you take a chance. Having a permanent stone guard negates this of course.
I find the trampoline type we use, tends to keep most of the dust going under the van. Stones as well of course.
A combination of trampoline and good mud/ stone flaps works very well.
We have used one (homemade ) for about five years. Certainly works for us on the Avan. We do a lot of off road driving. Of course when on the bitumen it is stored away. Sometimes coming off the bitumen and deciding to drive that last 3 kms on an unsealed road to a campsite without fitting it, you take a chance. Having a permanent stone guard negates this of course. I find the trampoline type we use, tends to keep most of the dust going under the van. Stones as well of course. A combination of trampoline and good mud/ stone flaps works very well.
Mike, a couple of pics of your home made stone stomper would be good mate. I'm thinking of making one myself.
I made a set of bigger mudflaps that are mounted on the tow bar and they seem to work pretty well for most of the gravel.
We use one. We had one on our previous camper trailer and didn't hesitate to order one for the van. Easy to order on line and quick delivery, easy to install and only take seconds to remove when unhitching. No damage done to underside of the van. We tend to leave ours on even on the blacktop. No affiliation, just happy customers. Feel free to ask any further questions.
The Stone Stomper trampoline mat does a great job of protecting the front of the van and off course stops any bounce back of stones to the back window of the tow vehicle. Easy to put on and off but it is slightly more difficult to reach into back door of vehicle because of the attachment bar mounted on towing hitch.
Big plus here for the origonal Stone Stomper out of Adelaide. Just completed 2 yrs travelling and the S/S is without a doubt very very effective both on the black top and off road. Just sold old van and placed order on a new one and yes will be either buying another S/S or ordering a new one.
Having lived in the NT for 25 years I like what many truckies do,,, guards right across. Provided you have the correct ground clearance (we are about 50mm) works great. If you have too little ground clearance you can touch the stone on most dirt roads and create a problem (I've seen some "showers" over the years).
Just replaced our rubber for $100, due to a problem created for me.
We use the Stone Stomper to protect our Suzuki. When we had a camper trailer we found the bottom of the A frame sand and stone blasted after traveling on unsealed roads. Not a mark now with the Stone Stomper
Hey there Jim,
We spent a lot of time researching this and Stone Stompers came out on top. We found the owner so obliging and friendly High recommendation from us. The setup is cut to fit your vehicle and van and works really well. There is also no problem with stones flicking onto you vehicle back window something not covered with other types.
Cheers Molluscan
