8 Essential Dinghy Towing Protection Gear Picks for Full-Time RVers

Imagine cruising down a scenic highway in a Class A motorhome, only to arrive at the campsite and find the towed Jeep covered in rock chips and sporting a cracked windshield. Dragging a second vehicle—commonly called a “dinghy” or “toad”—behind an RV exposes it to a relentless barrage of road debris, grime, and mechanical stress. Equipping a towing setup with the right protection gear ensures the toad arrives in the same pristine condition it was in when hooked up.

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Why Dinghy Towing Protection Is Essential for RVers

Full-time RVing demands self-sufficiency, and a damaged towed vehicle directly compromises mobility once camp is set up. Unlike standard driving, where a driver can dodge road hazards, a towed vehicle is locked into a fixed position directly behind the motorhome’s massive rear tires. These tires act as giant slingshots, throwing gravel, asphalt chunks, and road grime directly at the toad’s front fascia, windshield, and undercarriage.

Without adequate protection, a single cross-country trip can cause thousands of dollars in cosmetic and mechanical damage. A cracked radiator from a rogue stone or a shattered windshield can ruin a travel schedule and rack up expensive repair bills far from home. Investing in high-quality defense gear is not about aesthetic perfection; it is about protecting a critical mobile asset and avoiding preventable downtime on the road.

Key Road Hazards Facing Your Towed Vehicle

The open highway presents several distinct threats to a towed vehicle, beginning with high-velocity road debris. Stones, loose gravel, and tire retread fragments (“alligators”) are kicked up by both the motorhome and passing traffic. Because the dinghy follows closely behind, it absorbs these impacts at highway speeds, which easily punctures plastic grilles and chips away at paint.

Beyond solid debris, chemical contaminants and road grime pose a silent threat to the dinghy’s exterior and mechanical components. Hot diesel exhaust, road salt, liquid calcium chloride, and fresh asphalt spray can bake onto the vehicle’s hood and windshield. Over time, this buildup corrodes electrical connections, ruins paint finishes, and clogs the radiator core, leading to overheating issues when the dinghy is driven independently.

Tow Bar Cover – Blue Ox BX8875 Tow Bar Cover

When the towed vehicle is unhooked at a campsite, the tow bar remains attached to the RV’s receiver, completely exposed to the elements. Without a cover, rain, road grime, UV rays, and dust penetrate the precision joints, locking mechanisms, and grease seals. This exposure leads to premature wear, binding, and rust, turning a smooth hook-up process into a physical struggle.

The Blue Ox BX8875 Tow Bar Cover is engineered specifically for Blue Ox Avail and Alpha tow bars, offering a glove-like fit that prevents wind-flapping. Constructed from heavy-duty, water-resistant vinyl, it features a robust hook-and-loop closure that seals out moisture and grit even during driving rainstorms. The material is highly UV-resistant, preventing the vinyl from cracking or fading after months of exposure to intense sunlight.

• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant vinyl
• Closure: Hook-and-loop fastening system
• Compatibility: Blue Ox Avail and Alpha tow bars
• Primary Function: Dust, rain, and UV protection for folded tow bars

This cover is sized tightly for specific Blue Ox models, so verifying tow bar compatibility before purchase is critical. Users must ensure the tow bar is clean and dry before slipping the cover on to avoid trapping moisture, which can accelerate corrosion on metal surfaces. It requires minimal maintenance, needing only an occasional rinse with soapy water to remove accumulated road grime.

This cover is a must-have for RVers using Blue Ox tow bars who frequently leave their rigs set up in campgrounds for extended periods. It is not suitable for non-standard or oversized tow bars from other manufacturers, which will require a generic, loose-fitting alternative.

Tow Vehicle Mesh Shield – Protect-A-Tow Model 3000

Traditional mud flaps and shields guard the front of the towed vehicle, but they often allow smaller stones to bounce upward from underneath. A horizontal mesh shield creates a continuous physical barrier under the tow bar, catching debris before it can rise. This design stops stones from ricocheting off the pavement and hitting the toad’s vulnerable underside, steering components, and lower bumper.

The Protect-A-Tow Model 3000 utilizes a heavy-duty, PVC-coated polyester mesh that stretches between the RV’s bumper and the towed vehicle’s baseplate. It features elastic shock cords that automatically adjust tension during tight turns, preventing the mesh from sagging or dragging on the ground. Its open-mesh design allows air to flow freely, reducing aerodynamic drag and preventing heat buildup around the exhaust system.

• Coverage: Full-width under-vehicle protection
• Material: PVC-coated, tear-resistant polyester mesh
• Hardware: Stainless steel quick-release clips
• Sizing: Adjustable to fit most motorhome-to-toad distances

Installation requires setting up eye bolts or quick-release clips on both the RV and the towed vehicle. The mesh must be kept clean, as embedded sand and dirt can make the fabric stiff over time. Users should also ensure the exhaust tip of the RV does not blow directly onto the mesh, as extreme heat can melt the synthetic fibers.

This shield is perfect for RVers traveling gravel highways or rough secondary roads where undercarriage damage is a constant threat. It is less suited for those with low-slung, side-exit diesel exhausts that vent directly into the area where the mesh mounts, as this requires custom heat shielding to prevent damage.

Bumper Mud Flap – Ultra Guard 00095 Mud Flap

A bumper-mounted mud flap serves as the primary line of defense at the rear of the motorhome. It intercepts the massive wall of water, rocks, and road debris kicked up by the RV’s dual rear wheels before it can reach the tow bar or the dinghy. By knocking down this debris immediately, it significantly reduces the workload on secondary towing shields.

The Ultra Guard 00095 Mud Flap is a heavy-duty, one-piece guard made from 3/8-inch thick reinforced rubber. Its substantial weight prevents “sailing”—the flap lifting at highway speeds—ensuring consistent coverage even at 65 mph. The textured surface is designed to deflect rocks downward back to the pavement rather than letting them bounce upward toward the towed vehicle.

• Dimensions: 16 inches high by 95 inches wide
• Material: 3/8-inch thick nylon-reinforced rubber
• Mounting: Steel angled mounting bar (sold separately)
• Application: Class A and large Class C motorhomes

This mud flap is 95 inches wide and must be mounted to the RV’s bumper or hitch frame, which often requires drilling and custom mounting brackets. It must be trimmed so that it hangs at least four inches above the pavement when the RV is fully loaded. If mounted too low, it will scrape the ground on dips, throwing up more gravel than it stops.

This is an essential investment for large Class A or Class C motorhome owners who travel extensively on paved and unpaved roads alike. It is not recommended for smaller camper vans or Class B motorhomes, where the sheer size and weight of the guard would be excessive and difficult to mount safely.

Towing Deflector – Roadmaster 4000 Tow Defender

A towing deflector sits horizontally over the tow bar assembly, acting as a physical canopy that catches debris flying over the RV’s bumper. Unlike vertical shields, a horizontal deflector works aerodynamically to redirect airflow, pushing debris downward and away from the towed vehicle’s hood and windshield. This prevents the “sandblasting” effect that ruins paint finishes over long-distance hauls.

The Roadmaster 4000 Tow Defender offers over 20 square feet of protective coverage using a heavy-duty, gas-permeable mesh. It mounts directly to the tow bar’s stinger, meaning it turns with the RV and maintains full coverage during tight maneuvers without binding. The vinyl-coated mesh is tough enough to withstand direct impacts from large road debris without tearing or puncturing.

• Area of Coverage: Over 20 square feet of horizontal protection
• Frame: Powder-coated steel tubing
• Storage: Rolls up compactly against the RV’s bumper
• Compatibility: Fits most Roadmaster tow bars

The system adds some weight to the hitch area and requires a small amount of extra time during the hook-up and unhook-up process. It rolls up neatly against the RV’s bumper when not in use, which is a massive space-saver for full-time RVers with limited storage. Users must periodically check the tension of the support bars to ensure the mesh remains taut.

This deflector is ideal for RVers seeking a highly effective, space-saving barrier that does not require storage space inside the towed vehicle. It is not ideal for those who frequently change tow bars or vehicles, as the mounting brackets are semi-permanently attached to the specific tow bar assembly.

Towing Shield – Roadmaster 4700 Guardian Rock Shield

A vertical towing shield provides a rugged, physical wall directly in front of the towed vehicle’s grille, headlights, and bumper. It is the most robust way to stop larger rocks, kicked-up tire treads, and flying debris from cracking expensive headlights or puncturing the radiator. Positioned inches from the vehicle’s bumper, it acts as a personal body armor plate for the dinghy.

The Roadmaster 4700 Guardian Rock Shield is constructed from high-impact, blow-molded plastic that absorbs heavy impacts without cracking. It attaches to the towed vehicle’s quick-disconnect brackets, allowing it to be mounted or removed in under a minute without tools. Its vertical design is aerodynamically shaped to deflect wind and debris around the sides of the car rather than letting it hit the windshield.

• Material: High-impact, blow-molded polyethylene
• Mounting Type: Quick-disconnect mounting pins
• Compatible Vehicles: Passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks
• Deflection Angle: Curved design to redirect debris away from the vehicle

While highly effective, this shield is bulky and must be removed and stored when the towed vehicle is driven independently. It can be stored on the RV’s ladder or in a large basement compartment, but space-conscious RVers should plan for this storage footprint. Additionally, users must ensure the mounting brackets are properly aligned to prevent the shield from vibrating against the car’s paint.

This shield is the gold standard for owners of luxury towed vehicles or cars with low-hanging, painted front bumpers and expensive LED headlight assemblies. It is not the best choice for travelers with extremely limited storage space who cannot accommodate a large, rigid plastic panel when parked.

Supplemental Braking System – Blue Ox Patriot 3

A supplemental braking system is not just a safety tool; it is a critical wear-and-tear protection device for both the RV and the towed vehicle. When the RV brakes, the momentum of the towed vehicle pushes against the motorhome, straining the tow bar and extending stopping distances. A braking system activates the towed vehicle’s own brakes, keeping the entire towing combination inline and reducing stress on the hitch components.

The Blue Ox Patriot 3 is a portable, proportional braking system that sits on the driver’s floorboard of the towed vehicle. It uses an internal accelerometer to sense the RV’s deceleration, applying the brake pedal with matching force for smooth, seamless stopping power. It features a built-in supercapacitor that ensures the system can perform emergency stops even if the towed vehicle’s battery completely drains.

• Braking Type: Proportional electric actuator
• Power Source: 12V DC vehicle outlet with supercapacitor backup
• In-Coach Monitor: Wireless remote control with manual override
• Setup: Self-calibrating push-button startup

While portable, the unit must be positioned correctly against the driver’s seat and plugged into a constant 12V power source during every trip. The initial setup requires adjusting the seat position and calibrating the unit, which takes a few minutes before hitting the road. A wireless in-coach controller allows the driver to monitor braking activity and manually apply the brakes if the towed vehicle begins to sway.

This system is perfect for RVers who tow different vehicles or want a non-invasive system that doesn’t require splicing into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake lines. It is not suitable for those who want a completely invisible, set-it-and-forget-it installation, which would require a permanent system.

Battery Charge Kit – Roadmaster 156-25 Charge Line

Many modern towed vehicles require the ignition switch to be in the “accessory” position while towing to keep the steering column unlocked, or they draw power for active electronic braking systems. Over a long day of driving, this constant electrical draw can completely drain the towed vehicle’s battery. A battery charge kit prevents this by routing power from the RV’s alternator to keep the dinghy’s battery continuously topped off.

The Roadmaster 156-25 Charge Line is a simple, highly reliable system designed to deliver up to 15 amps of clean, regulated power to the towed vehicle’s battery. It features an inline thermal circuit breaker that protects both vehicles’ electrical systems from short circuits and overloads. The heavy-duty wiring is designed to withstand the heat of the engine bay and the vibration of long-distance highway travel.

• Amperage Limit: 15-amp thermal circuit breaker
• Wire Gauge: 12-gauge heavy-duty red charge wire
• Protection: Automatic resetting circuit breaker
• Compatibility: Works with 12V DC electrical systems

Installation requires running a wire from the RV’s 7-way plug through the umbilical cord to the towed vehicle’s battery. The RV must have an active 12V charge line pinned on its trailer plug for this system to function. It is crucial to use high-quality, weather-resistant connectors to prevent voltage drops and corrosion at the hitch connection.

This kit is essential for anyone towing a vehicle that requires active power during transit, such as those using portable braking systems or electronic steering locks. It is unnecessary for older, manual-transmission vehicles that can be towed with the key completely removed and no active electrical draw.

Tire Pressure Monitor – EEZTIRE T515 TPMS System

A tire blowout on a towed vehicle can easily go unnoticed by the motorhome driver until catastrophic damage has occurred to the car’s rim, suspension, and body. Because the towed vehicle is out of sight and hearing range, a real-time monitoring system is the only way to detect a slow leak or rising tire temperatures. Early warning allows the driver to pull over safely before a blowout shreds the tire and damages the vehicle’s wheel well.

The EEZTIRE T515 TPMS System is a commercial-grade monitoring system that handles up to 26 tires, making it perfect for monitoring both the RV and the towed vehicle simultaneously. The anti-theft sensors screw directly onto the tire valve stems and transmit real-time pressure and temperature data to a clear, dashboard-mounted monitor. It features customizable high/low pressure and high-temperature alerts that sound an audible alarm instantly when a threshold is crossed.

• Sensor Count: Configurations from 4 to 26 sensors available
• Pressure Range: Accurate reading up to 210 PSI
• Display: 3.5-inch LCD backlit monitor
• Alarm Types: Audible and visual warnings for pressure and temperature

The sensors run on small, replaceable button-cell batteries that typically last one to two years depending on usage. While the system has a long range, larger motorhomes may require a signal booster (repeater) mounted near the rear of the RV to ensure a stable connection with the dinghy’s rear tires. Proper programming of the sensor locations during initial setup is critical to ensure accurate alerts.

This system is an absolute necessity for safety-conscious, long-haul RVers who want peace of mind while towing. It is less suited for casual, short-distance travelers who do not mind manual pre-trip pressure checks, though it remains a highly recommended safety upgrade for any setup.

How to Install and Secure Your Towing Protection Gear

Achieving reliable protection starts with a methodical, step-by-step installation process that eliminates any potential for gear failure at highway speeds. Begin by installing heavy mud flaps and chassis-mounted receivers while the RV is parked on a flat, level concrete surface. Ensure all structural mounting bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s exact specifications, and use thread-locking compound on non-locknut fasteners to combat the constant vibrations of the road.

When connecting mesh shields, deflectors, or vertical rock shields, pay close attention to clearance measurements during tight turns. Before hitting the road, perform a “clash test” by slowly turning the RV to its maximum steering lock in both directions while an observer checks for binding, rubbing, or stretching of the safety gear. Ensure there is at least several inches of clearance between the protection devices and any hot exhaust pipes to prevent melted plastics or fires.

Securing electronic components, like supplemental braking systems and charge lines, requires careful routing of wires away from moving parts and heat sources. Use heavy-duty, UV-stabilized zip ties to secure wiring looms along the tow bar assembly, leaving enough slack at the pivot points to accommodate sharp turns. Double-check that all quick-disconnect plugs are fully seated and locked into place, applying a small dab of dielectric grease to electrical contacts to prevent water intrusion and corrosion.

Routine Maintenance Tips for Your Dinghy Towing Rig

A dinghy towing rig operates in an incredibly harsh environment, making regular inspections and maintenance vital to preventing component failure. Before every trip, perform a visual walk-around inspection, checking for loose bolts, hair-pin clips, cracked welds, or signs of wear on the tow bar arms. Wipe down the inner tow bar legs with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust and grit, which can score the precision-machined shafts if left unaddressed.

Cleanliness is key to longevity when it comes to protective fabrics, meshes, and shields. Wash vinyl covers and mesh deflectors with mild soap and water after traveling through muddy or salted roads, avoiding harsh chemical solvents that can degrade UV-resistant coatings. Allow all fabrics to dry completely before rolling or folding them for storage to prevent mold, mildew, and rot from weakening the fibers.

For mechanical and electrical components, test the supplemental braking system’s battery voltage and operation before every departure. Clean the electrical contacts on both the RV and towed vehicle plugs with an electrical contact cleaner spray, and inspect the umbilical cord for chafing or exposed copper wires. Periodically lubricate the tow bar’s pivot joints with a high-quality, non-binding silicone spray as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure smooth operation season after season.

Protecting a towed vehicle from the harsh realities of the open road is an investment in both peace of mind and financial security. By selecting the right combination of mud flaps, shields, supplemental brakes, and monitoring systems, full-time RVers can eliminate the anxiety of road damage. With a properly protected rig, every destination can be reached with the towed vehicle ready to roll, completely free of rock chips, cracked windshields, or mechanical failures.