Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck Review

Let’s Dive into Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck

Towing. It’s a necessary evil for those of us who haul equipment, boats, or off-road toys. But the constant barrage of rocks and road debris can leave your prized possessions looking like they’ve gone ten rounds with a gravel truck. Enter the Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck, a product promising to shield your towed vehicles from the hazards of the open road. This review isn’t just about reciting specs; it’s about sharing my experience, both good and bad, with this tow guard after years of wrestling with damaged trailers and dented boat hulls.

I’ve spent far too much time patching up rock chips on my boat trailer after long highway hauls. The constant pinging of debris against the trailer fenders was a soundtrack to my frustration, and the resulting damage was costing me time and money. I needed a solution that was durable, easy to install, and wouldn’t break the bank.

Upon unboxing the Smart Solutions tow guard, my first impression was positive. The 3/8″ thick vulcanized rubber felt substantial and the nylon cord reinforcement gave me confidence in its ability to withstand serious abuse. The all-black, one-piece design is clean and doesn’t look cheap.

I considered several other tow guards, including some brush-style guards and molded plastic options. Ultimately, I chose the Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck because of its simple, robust design and the promise of easy customization. The rubber material seemed less prone to cracking than plastic, and the lack of moving parts meant fewer potential failure points.

Initially, I was excited about the potential protection it offered but also a little apprehensive about the need to customize it myself. Would I butcher the installation and render it useless? Only time and a few road trips would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test for the Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck came during a weekend fishing trip. I was hauling my 18-foot aluminum boat over 200 miles of mixed highway and gravel roads. Installation required some careful measuring and cutting to accommodate my trailer hitch and wiring harness, but with a sharp utility knife, the rubber was surprisingly easy to work with.

The tow guard performed admirably in dry conditions, deflecting rocks and debris with ease. I even encountered a brief rain shower and noticed that the rubber didn’t become excessively slippery. It effectively reduced the amount of road spray hitting the boat.

The ease of use was a pleasant surprise. Once installed, the tow guard simply slides into the hitch receiver and is secured with a pin. There were no unexpected issues during the initial test, although I did notice some minor sagging in the center of the guard at highway speeds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple long-distance trips, the Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck has proven to be a reliable piece of equipment. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the rubber, despite enduring harsh sunlight, gravel roads, and freezing temperatures.

The tow guard has held up well to the elements. I’ve noticed some minor fading of the black rubber, but no cracks or tears have appeared. Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with a garden hose removes most of the road grime.

Compared to previous attempts at protecting my towed vehicles (improvised mud flaps and flimsy plastic guards), the Smart Solutions tow guard offers significantly better protection and durability. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about protecting their investments.

Breaking Down the Features of Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck

Specifications

• Material: The Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck is constructed from 3/8″ thick ultra durable vulcanized rubber. The vulcanized rubber with nylon cord reinforcement gives it impressive strength and flexibility to withstand constant impacts from road debris.
• Dimensions: The guard measures 16″ in length and 72″ in width. The size is sufficient to provide ample protection for a wide range of towed vehicles.
• Compatibility: Designed to attach to most 2″ receiver hitches. This makes it widely compatible with standard truck and SUV hitch configurations.
• Customization: The rubber material can be easily cut or notched. This allows users to tailor the guard to accommodate hitches, exhaust pipes, and wiring.
• Mounting Bar: Requires a separate 1″ L x 1″ W x 70″ W Steel Angled Mounting Bar (sold separately, part # 00094). This mounting bar provides the necessary support and stability for the tow guard.

These specifications are important because they dictate the level of protection, ease of installation, and overall durability of the tow guard. The thick rubber material offers excellent impact resistance, while the customizable design ensures a proper fit for various vehicles.

Performance & Functionality

The Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck excels at its primary function: protecting towed vehicles from road debris. It significantly reduces the amount of rocks, gravel, and other projectiles that impact the trailer or towed vehicle. This helps prevent paint chips, dents, and other damage.

The strength lies in the thick rubber construction. While offering excellent protection, it is flexible enough to absorb impacts without transferring excessive force to the mounting hardware. A weakness lies in the need for a separate mounting bar; including the bar would add value.

The Smart Solutions tow guard meets my expectations for a durable and effective debris shield. It’s not a perfect solution, but it provides a noticeable improvement in protecting my towed vehicles.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck features a simple and functional design. The all-black rubber construction is unobtrusive and blends well with most vehicles.

The build quality is generally good. The rubber material feels durable and the one-piece design eliminates potential weak points.

There’s a minimal learning curve. It does require careful measuring and cutting during installation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck is designed to last. The thick rubber material is resistant to cracking, tearing, and fading.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick rinse with water is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. There are no moving parts that require lubrication or special attention.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck does not come with any accessories. As mentioned, the required steel angled mounting bar is sold separately.

The primary customization option is the ability to cut or notch the rubber to accommodate specific vehicle configurations. This allows users to tailor the guard to fit around hitches, exhaust pipes, and wiring harnesses.

Pros and Cons of Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck

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Who Should Buy Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck?

This tow guard is perfect for anyone who regularly tows trailers, boats, or other vehicles and wants to protect them from road debris. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Boat owners who frequently haul their boats to and from the lake or ocean.
• Off-road enthusiasts who tow ATVs, UTVs, or other recreational vehicles.
• Contractors who haul equipment trailers to job sites.

This product might not be ideal for those who only occasionally tow and are looking for the absolute cheapest solution, or who are unwilling to do any trimming or modification to the guard.

A must-have accessory is the steel angled mounting bar (if you don’t already have a suitable one). Also, having a sharp utility knife and measuring tape on hand during installation is essential.

Conclusion on Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck

The Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck is a solid investment for anyone serious about protecting their towed vehicles from the hazards of the road. It offers excellent protection, durable construction, and easy customization.

At a price of $145.49 (plus the cost of the mounting bar), the Smart Solutions tow guard represents a reasonable value. It’s more expensive than some basic mud flap options, but the improved protection and durability justify the cost.

I would definitely recommend the Smart Solutions 00015 Ultra Guard Tow Guard Truck to other towers. If you’re tired of patching up rock chips and dents, this is a worthwhile investment that will save you time and money in the long run. Take the plunge and protect your valuable assets.