Trailer Tux vs Bow Buddy vs RockGARD

Kokaneeranger · #1 07-13-2020, 03:18 PM

Ive had my boat for 7 years now and the Trailer Tux on its trailer has just about had it. I will be replacing it but I'm not sure what with. Can you boys chime in on what has or hasn't been a good product? I am happy with the Trailer Tux bud I'm wondering if there is a more comparable and less expensive way to go.....thanks guys

Walleyedude · #2 07-13-2020, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokaneeranger

Ive had my boat for 7 years now and the Trailer Tux on its trailer has just about had it. I will be replacing it but I'm not sure what with. Can you boys chime in on what has or hasn't been a good product? I am happy with the Trailer Tux bud I'm wondering if there is a more comparable and less expensive way to go.....thanks guys

There's a few other options and some shameless Trailer Tux rip offs out there, but the Tux is still the best one on the market in my opinion. Bob has been constantly improving and refining the design, and the service alone is worth it.

The first thing I'd do is contact Bob at Trailer Tux. His customer service is absolutely second to none, and I'm guessing he'll be more than happy to work with you to get your current Tux back to 100%, likely at a fraction of the cost of a new replacement or one of the other other options.

Cageyc · #3 07-13-2020, 06:36 PM

I have a rock guard and had to make modifications to make it do a better job

dutchman · #4 07-14-2020, 07:18 AM

My previous boat, I ran the Bow Buddy and not one single rock chip after 8 years. The screen itself was still in great shape.
When I purchased a new boat, I tried the Rockguard. The product itself looked like good quality and offered good protection. But I could not get the guard to fit properly on the trailer. Spare tire and jack (welded) caused problems. Had dealer help out but eventually returned.
Went back to BowBuddy and it works great. It definitely covers anything my truck may spit out the back. After 2 years of usage, no marks/chips on the bow of the boat. I used the brace bar kit instead of the bungee cord, which makes it more stable. It was around $700ish.

Esox · #5 07-14-2020, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchman

My previous boat, I ran the Bow Buddy and not one single rock chip after 8 years. The screen itself was still in great shape.
When I purchased a new boat, I tried the Rockguard. The product itself looked like good quality and offered good protection. But I could not get the guard to fit properly on the trailer. Spare tire and jack (welded) caused problems. Had dealer help out but eventually returned.
Went back to BowBuddy and it works great. It definitely covers anything my truck may spit out the back. After 2 years of usage, no marks/chips on the bow of the boat. I used the brace bar kit instead of the bungee cord, which makes it more stable. It was around $700ish.

Where did you pick up a bowbuddy?

dutchman · #6 07-14-2020, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esox

Where did you pick up a bowbuddy?

Made in the Shuswap area and have dealers all over. I just called around locally to find the best pricing.
Their website has a dealer locator

https://www.trailer-rockguard.com/

Esox · #7 07-14-2020, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchman

Made in the Shuswap area and have dealers all over. I just called around locally to find the best pricing.
Their website has a dealer locator

https://www.trailer-rockguard.com/

Who was the best pricing in red deer area

Nova · #8 07-14-2020, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cageyc

I have a rock guard and had to make modifications to make it do a better job

I had to do the same to my RockGARD to get it to fit nice without a ton of room to flap around. And lots of repairs along the way, the tension rope that runs along the top had been a non-stop issue until I went to a coated steel cable and turnbuckles.

Much like the OP's Tux, it is pretty much shot after 7 years. I think if I spend some time with the sewing machine over winter I can get a few more seasons out of it.

Not a bad product, it just hasn't suited my needs entirely. Decent protection if one is mainly highway with occasional gravel, but I am close to 50/50.

My next rock protection will be a Tux.

EZM · #9 07-14-2020, 08:29 PM

I opted to go a different direction .... went with Rock Tamers (integrated and adjustable mud flaps) that are installed in a few minutes and don't get in the way of the boat, the crank, the spare tire and stuff like that.

Unfortunately I put these on after I figured out I should have done it sooner, but been on a few long gravel road trips since and it's definitely working as there aren't any "new" marks (at least that I notice).

Bad news is, I have rear exhaust on the F150 and they would block the exhaust - worked great on my GMC, so consider that too.

On my garage wall they hang - so if you want to try them out, come by and grab them and see if you like them if you are in the Edmonton area.

bubba 96 · #10 07-14-2020, 09:39 PM

I’ve been looking into this one few guys at the seasonal site have them.

https://www.alconplasticscorp.ca/pdf/boat-guard.pdf

EZM · #11 07-15-2020, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubba 96

I’ve been looking into this one few guys at the seasonal site have them.

https://www.alconplasticscorp.ca/pdf/boat-guard.pdf

I've seen those hard plastic ones before and I think the idea is good except, or unless, your spare tire, angle of the trailer or whatever makes it a pain to install and doesn't fit right and interferes - but would be pretty sturdy I bet.

dodgeboy1979 · #12 07-17-2020, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubba 96

I’ve been looking into this one few guys at the seasonal site have them.

https://www.alconplasticscorp.ca/pdf/boat-guard.pdf

I run one of these and am real happy with it. With i would of put it on when i bought the boat

Catman1 · #13 07-17-2020, 04:36 PM

I’ve had a bow buddy on my river boat since 2010. After multiple repairs it finally completely fell apart on me this year. Like dragging on the highway. Couple of small rock chips on bow. But nothing bad for a river boat that see a lot of abuse and gravel roads.

The thing I liked about it was my windshield never got damaged over the years. My windshield is so close to the front of the boat compared to a lake boat.

Guess it wasn’t a bad product but probably would try a different brand next time

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kaleh01 · #14 07-19-2020, 04:08 PM

I had a bow buddy on my previous jetboat and It worked just great. New boat I tried the rock guard thinking it would be a better coverage yet and it was, but I am not impressed with the product. I find it has too many moving/loose parts and straps to ever get it the way you want it. UV breaks down the strings and straps and within 2 years (stored inside all winter) the cords started breaking and it has a metallic squeal to it since day one. Just the way the air sails through it. I for one will be going back to the bow buddy. Headed to BC this week so I’ll pick one up locally.

Staystrong · #15 01-17-2021, 10:20 AM

'I had to do the same to my RockGARD to get it to fit nice without a ton of room to flap around. And lots of repairs along the way, the tension rope that runs along the top had been a non-stop issue until I went to a coated steel cable and turnbuckles.

Much like the OP's Tux, it is pretty much shot after 7 years. I think if I spend some time with the sewing machine over winter I can get a few more seasons out of it.

Not a bad product, it just hasn't suited my needs entirely. Decent protection if one is mainly highway with occasional gravel, but I am close to 50/50.

My next rock protection will be a Tux.'

How good a Tux is? I'd like to try it either.

Frank_NK28 · #16 01-17-2021, 12:33 PM

I've had a Rockgard on mine for two seasons now and zero issues. It fits nice. So far no stone chips. I store my boat indoors year round too so my rockgard isn't getting weathered to death which I believe helps alot.