UNIQUE REAR Rock Guard install!

This article is about retro-fitting an original Avion rock guard to use on our REAR window of our 1087 32S model. This production year the rear bedroom had the same window system as the trailer front window.

We were lucky enough (in 2019) to find a circa ’80s original front Rock guard that we could salvage off a wrecked Avion. The Avion was a 1980’s model and was abandoned in a campground “back 40”  junk yard in VT.

We were not dressed for the occasion but nevertheless we climbed over weeds, brambles, dealt with wasp nests under the rock guard, also rubble and junk. Using a few borrowed tools from the campground owner managed to score taking it off and home that day! We were ecstatic!! These things are so hard to find, and we got SUCH a deal!

We stored the forlorned rock guard for 4 years in our garage. We liked having a spare just in case since originals are so hard to come by and reproduction ones are $$$! (but worth it to protect these impossible to replace window units!)

Fast forward we sold our 1973 Avion in early 2020. We purchased our 1987, 32S for our full timing Avion. We finally decided to refurbish the VT rock guard and use it on the rear of our new to us ’87. This required removing the rear ZipDee single rollout awning on the rear of the 1987. Those single awnings are OK but do nothing to protect the rear window, especially to protect those curved side fixed windows that are no longer made. Also we noticed our bedroom was a lot warmer when the sun allowed in even ambient heat when the curtains in the bedroom were closed.

By installing the extra rock guard over this large window, we accomplished the following:

>protected the rear window against breakage while traveling and from errant flying rocks from lawnmowers, etc. (Yes, it has happened to Avion owners!)

>created an excellent sun block and privacy when guard is closed

>created a fully shaded back window area when open

>allows us to have it open, or partially open even during light rain

If you have a rear window like this, we totally recommend installing the rock guard there!

* we have done videos and blog posts about how we reinforced, fixed cracks, and refurbished both of our rock guards in previous posts. See the end of this article for those links and a list of where you can purchase reproduction Avion rock guards today.

Our steps to create a useable rear rock guard, support arms and latches for travel days: (each video is under 5 min)

Part 1- creating 30″ one piece support arms for “full open view” Video Link

Part 2- fabricating the 10″ “privacy arm” set. This allows the rock guard to be opened just enough so we can still pen our window for ventilation – but maintains full bedroom privacy Video Link

Part 3- creating travel latches to secure the rock guard down when not in use and on travel days. Rick guards MUST be secured for travel and in windy conditions!  Video Link

Part 4- final views from inside our bedroom looking out! See our view and how great the rear rock guard does at providing shade! Video Link

We are super pleased with how this project turned out. Total time to create the 2 sets of arms, figure out the best installation was about 8 hours (including runs to the local Ace and using the vise at the workshop at our Escapee RV Park in AZ! Sure is nice to have a full workshop that any RVers staying in the park can use!

As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this project or anything “Avion” or about full time RVing!

Links to our previous blog articles about the actual rock guard refurbishments:

Part 1- Rock guard Rescue

Part 2- restoring a rock guard

Part 3- the final product!

Sources for new rock guards for Avion:

Tim Heintz, Florida  http://www.heintzdesigns.com

Sven Erickson  Michigan. Sven can be found on fb search and is also a members of Avion fb groups online.

Hope you have found this post interesting and hopefully helpful, if so please give it a 👍. 

Thank you!

Happy & Safe Travels….