Trailer protection

[Buddhabelly]

Since the front of our glass trailer is exposed to road debris from our tow vehicle, I went and had the lower front end of the trailer and front of the frame PPF'd.  A good quality one will protect the trailer pretty good. So far is has worked pretty well.  I also added mud guards front and back. The PPF can be replaced anytime if it starts to look bad. 

Edited August 13 by Buddhabelly

[Patriot]

I had 10 mil XPEL PPF installed on our Oliver a few years ago, it’s holding up great. 

It’s worth the money spent if you want to protect the gelcoat. Also a good set of rear flaps is worth the investment.

Here is a link to a thread on my PPF install. I also had my entire tow vehicle covered in 8 mil XPEL PPF. 

Edited August 13 by Patriot

[FloraFauna]

Here is my solution. If CGI would come to my area I would add a ceramic coating. 

[taylor.coyote]

We spend a great deal of time "off road" and have struggled with a reliable solution to protect the trailer from road rock damage. In our case with many miles using only mud flaps, the glass/ gelcoat at close inspection had the effect of a mild sandblasting. The  PPF installers did not recommend installation due the surface being porous and not super smooth due to "road wear".   

We have been pleased with a somewhat radical solution; shooting the nose of our trailer with Vortex. We learned of the Vortext process from "Bugeyed driver".  Our Vortext coating was applied recently but so far amazingly "bomb tough". We are now traveling on nasty fractured rocked/graveled roads stress free. This solution may not be for everyone but is a valid consideration if you spend a lot of time on gravel or your gelcoat is "road worn" and not longer super smooth.

A further note on gravel protection: John Davies has a post on an under trailer mid flap to protect the under side and trailer running gear (socket, springs, axles and other) from gravel damage. We have found this to be effective and recommended if you spend time on gravel. 

 

Edited December 11 by taylor.coyote
typo

[jd1923]

On 11/13/2025 at 3:16 AM, taylor.coyote said:

Our Vortex coating was applied recently...

Did you coat this yourself or did you have a local dealer service the coating?

Looks like it requires special equipment. We just got our Oliver polished and ceramic coated and it looks better than ever up front and all over. However, we off-road with a Lexus GX470. Had it painted a couple years ago and it looks great except the LARGE plastic front bumper has gotten scratched up, paint pealing only on the plastic from off-road use and pressure-washing. A black vortex coating may be the answer! I would remove the bumper to get it sanded and coated properly.

[Jason Foster]

On 11/13/2025 at 4:16 AM, taylor.coyote said:

We spend a great deal of time "off road" and have struggled with a reliable solution to protect the trailer from road rock damage. In our case with many miles using only mud flaps, the glass/ gelcoat at close inspection had the effect of a mild sandblasting. The  PPF installers did not recommend installation due the surface being porous and not super smooth due to "road wear".   

We have been pleased with a somewhat radical solution; shooting the nose of our trailer with Vortex. We learned of the Vortext process from "Bugeyed driver".  Our Vortext coating was applied recently but so far amazingly "bomb tough". We are now traveling on nasty fractured rocked/graveled roads stress free. This solution may not be for everyone but is a valid consideration if you spend a lot of time on gravel or your gelcoat is "road worn" and not longer super smooth.

A further note on gravel protection: John Davies has a post on an under trailer mud flap to protect the under side and trailer running gear (socket, springs, axles and other) from gravel damage. We have found this to be effective and recommended if you spend time on gravel. 

 

That looks good.  How much weight does it add the the trailer?  Is it soft or hard?

[taylor.coyote]

JD and Jason, Vortex must be applied with special equipment by an experienced shop. I got my inspiration from Bugeyed Driver. Vortex is similar to Line-X spray on pick-up bed liner in texture and feel (a firm rubber like finish)

I chose Vortex because it is applied at a much lower temperture than Line-X (best not to heat fiberglass too much) and can be painted with automotive paint to match your hull.   Bugeyed Driver estimates it increased his tongue  weight by 40lbs. The coating is substantial and tough. 

We have been on the road five 5 week since the application and are pleased to date.. I feel Vortex is a very good solution to protect your trailer nose.  Bugeyed Driver has years of experiences with his Vortex.. 

Edited December 11 by taylor.coyote
was not done writing