It seems to me Michael and Kat had the best idea and that was put diamond plate sheet metal on that area. Theirs was done because a road alligator did some damage to the fiberglass front area and they put it on and then had it painted to match the unit. Heck, if you get the right diamond plate, that alone would be good for me without the paint! Stops the rock chips and not problem with having to match the paint then either!