Sweep for truck

[Charli]

When we bought our previous 5er the dealer recommended we get a sweep for the truck. Not sure if that's the proper term but basically it's a big handlebar mustachio that attaches to the receiver at the back of the truck. It's meant to prevent rocks being flipped up from the tires and hitting the front of the 5er and dinging the trailer or the tailgate.
I don't see it on any of the pics posted by MOCers or any comments or questions about them. I do have mud flaps so I think they would catch most of the rocks.
I have use it on occasion but it's a bit of a PITA and don't want to haul it all the way to Az this winter if there is not a real benefit.
Thoughts.

[Carl n Susan]

Rock protection has proved to be important for the painted Montanaas (Big Skys). There has been lots of discussion about the various options. Rock Tamers are a popular choice and are most effective for SRW trucks. You can do a Search on "Rock Tamers" and learn much more. Here are a couple of topics I found that may interest you.

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ms=rock,tamers
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50245&SearchTerms=rock,tamers

[bncinwv]

We use the Towtector as shown (stock photo, not our truck). After reading about multiple paint chips from other members, I chose this design over the "hard" flap type after much on-line research. I did choose the type with the double row of bristles for extra protection. We have the full paint Big Sky and to date have not seen evidence of any chipping on the front of the rig after just a few trips. I am happy with the Towtector and simply remove and slide it under the rig when we are camping.



Bingo

[DQDick]

What Bingo says is probably the reason you don't see them on our pictures. We have Rocktamers and frequently take them off so we can transfer the bike rack to the truck when we want to go somewhere and ride our bikes.

[richfaa]

We have the rock tamers. They help a great deal on the Big Sky but do not eliminate chips. We just had the front overhang protective coated. Evey Painted Montana we have looked at has had chips on the front overhang as well as other brands.

[JandC]

We also have Rocktamers. They are extremely well built and are easy on...easy off. We have not had any chips on our 2008 or our new Montana. Money well spent IMHO.

[TLightning]

I use big mud flaps/splash guards that help both towing and not towing...no chips on the front of the Montana. Got them at www.autoanything.com

http://www.autoanything.com/mud-flaps/61A1832A0A0.aspx

[richfaa]

The chips are in the paint of a full body paint Big Sky. The paint chips and the white gel coat under the paint shows through. My 2006 3400 was white and a stone ding did not show.

[Rondo]

We have the Rock Tamer on our TV and wouldn't be without it. The problem with the brush type mudflaps(and this came from someone that has the "mustache") is that it holds the mud if you go through any at all where the Rock Tamer will not hold it-- at least mine doesn't. With a diesel exhaust, the mustache has to be trimmed or with the Rock Tamer that side has to be move to the left a little so it doesn't block the exhaust. Either on there is a problem in that respect. It's a personal opinion on which one to buy and I chose the Rock Tamer!

[bncinwv]

Never had mud or anything stick to our "mustache" and our truck has a side exhaust. I did fashion a deflector just in case but did not trim any bristles. As with anything, selection will be a personal choice as to the type. I am extremely pleased with our selection since it is doing the job it was intended to. I would also venture that it is likely several pounds lighter than full flaps which may make handling them easier.
Bingo

[Tom S.]

Another Rock Tamer user. And like the others, they go on when we're towing and off when we aren't. However, since we live in the 'salt belt', I also put a bolt in the empty mounting holes to keep the threads clean in the winter time.

[richfaa]

perhaps a clarification on "chips" On the full body paint it is the paint that chips off and in my case the white gel coat shows through. we have not had a gouge or chip in the gel coat itself.

I am now convinced by the number of post on this forum from folks with the full body paint that they have few or in many cases no chipping of the paint that we have a defective paint job and we will peruse that at the fall rally. The front overhang of our Big sky was peppered with paint chips rock tamers and all.