Windshield Cover for Toad ?

Jerry W Campbell · September 22, 2006, 06:54:45 PM

Once upon a time I towed a car behind a MH and in 3000 miles the windshield was sandblasted. It was not pleasent to look out of at night. I will be towing my little truck south this winter and I'd rather not do that again. Is their any one here who covers their windshield and if so what do you use? And, How is it that I don't see anyone covering their windshield? Doesn't anyone else have this problem?
Jerry
75 Crown

DrivingMissLazy · September 22, 2006, 08:17:59 PM

I towed my toad well over 100,000 miles and never experienced that problem. I usually had a light coating of oil, LOL, but never got sand blasted to damage the windshield.
Richard

Quote from: Jerry W Campbell on September 22, 2006, 06:54:45 PM
Once upon a time I towed a car behind a MH and in 3000 miles the windshield was sandblasted. It was not pleasent to look out of at night. I will be towing my little truck south this winter and I'd rather not do that again. Is their any one here who covers their windshield and if so what do you use? And, How is it that I don't see anyone covering their windshield? Doesn't anyone else have this problem?
Jerry
75 Crown

JackConrad · September 23, 2006, 04:43:49 AM

I have never heard anyone mention that problem. We have not towed until now. We are leaving on Monday for a 7-8 week, 1800-2000 mile trip towing our Grand Cherokee. I made a rock guard to protect the front of the car out of a MC-9 cap. I will let everyone know how well it works. Jack

Gary LaBombard · September 23, 2006, 04:56:11 AM

Jack,
I have to admit this is one of the simplest looking but most succesfull looking inventions for our toads I have seen. Think of a business manufacturing these guards!! Looks really great. We all wish you and Paula well on your trip ahead, you are the envy of us all that dream of doing this and for traveling for such a long time and the people you will meet on your journey. Getting anxiious to see you in Timmonsville in a matter of days now.
Gary

JackConrad · September 23, 2006, 05:00:36 AM

Thanks, Gary. I had to cut 2' out of the center of the cap and about 14" off the bottom. Looks like we may be able to stop by your place later in October, but no promises. See ya' at Timmonsville!. Jack

rip · September 23, 2006, 06:26:09 AM

I bought a new toad last year and bought a car tow shield for it and I like it.It covers the entire front end and windshield and is very easy to put on and folds easy for storage. Don Ripley

DrivingMissLazy · September 23, 2006, 08:00:01 AM

Based on your comment, I assume you can still drive the toad without removing the shield. Really a nice design. Congratulations.
Richard

Quote from: JackConrad on September 23, 2006, 05:00:36 AM
Thanks, Gary. I had to cut 2' out of the center of the cap and about 14" off the bottom. Looks like we may be able to stop by your place later in October, but no promises. See ya' at Timmonsville!. Jack

JackConrad · September 23, 2006, 10:58:02 AM

Only for a few minutes after unhooking. It does not allow enough air to the radiator. It is just a matter of pulling 2 pins and lifting the rock guard off the car. Takes about 2 minutes. Jack

jjrbus · September 24, 2006, 04:51:16 PM

Does Jerry know you took his cap?

JackConrad · September 25, 2006, 03:25:45 AM

Actually, this is the cap Larry bought from Jerry and then didn't use. Jack

gumpy · September 25, 2006, 05:21:00 AM

Interesting design, Jack, and good recycling of old parts.

I'll be interested in hearing how it works out when you return from your trip. I suspect you'll find the paint on the cover is as fresh as when you left, with the exception of maybe some oil spots, depending on how much your engine leaks. I doubt this will keep oil off the toad windshield, either, as the air coming over the rear cap of the bus seems to create a suction which gets it airborn. And of course, if you get a leak in a main hose like I did when we came down there a few years ago, nothing in the world will keep your toad clean. I'm sure you remember that one. I had 3 gallons of oil on the toad. Thanks again for your help fixing that one.

The rear overhang behind the tag axle pretty much eliminates any kickup of stones.

Everyone told us to make a cover out of PVC pipe and plastic sheeting and mount it to the front of the toad before going up the Alaska Highway to prevent road gravel from being kicked up onto the toad windshield. We didn't do that, and I think on the whole trip, I found one tiny stone on the windshield, which was probably kicked up by a passing vehicle. We met the owner of a class A S&S pulling a small toad on the way up, and his toad windshield was covered with pea gravel. He was amazed that we had nothing on ours but dust.

craig

JackConrad · September 25, 2006, 09:42:08 AM

Craig,
I don't expect this rock guard to protect the windshield, just the front of the toad. I will let everyone know after our trip.
As far as the windshield, maybe some NASCAR windshield tear-offs? Jack

Len Silva · September 25, 2006, 03:20:42 PM

Here's a good looking cover - a bit pricey though.

http://www.coastlinecover.com/tow.htm

Len

eagle10 · September 26, 2006, 06:04:34 AM

My friend bought one those types of vinyl covers for his new car for about $250-300. The problem he had was that it moved a small amount and scufffed the clear coat in some places. He has dull spots on his car now. Be careful.