Stone Chips, Front-End Protection & Gravel Road Care

This article is part of our Mars Caravan Body & Seals Care series. For the full overview, see "Mars Caravan Body & Seals Care – Exterior Maintenance Overview".

Gravel and outback roads are part of the adventure, but they also throw stones, dust and debris at your caravan. This article explains how to care for the front and lower panels of your Mars caravan, manage stone chips and look after protective gear like stone guards.

1. After a Gravel or Dusty Trip – First Steps

• Rinse the front, lower sides and underbody with low-pressure water to remove loose dirt and stones.
• Pay particular attention to:
  • Front stone guard or deflector.
  • Lower front panel and drawbar area.
  • Wheel arches and underbody components.

A quick rinse helps you see any damage more clearly and stops abrasive dust grinding into surfaces.

2. Inspecting for Stone Chips and Impact Damage

Once clean and dry, visually inspect:

• Front panels – check paint or coating for chips and pitting.
• Stone guards – look at mesh, mounting brackets and fasteners.
• Underbody – check for dents in protection plates and tank guards.
• Windows and lights at the front of the van.

Note any areas where the surface has been chipped back to bare metal or where panels or guards look bent or cracked.

3. Managing Small Stone Chips

Small cosmetic stone chips are normal if you travel on gravel. They should still be looked after to help protect against corrosion where applicable.

• Clean the chipped area gently.
• If the chip goes through paint/coating to bare metal (where metal is used), consider:
  • Using a suitable touch-up paint or protective coating.
  • Asking a repairer for advice on the best product for your exact surface type.

For larger or concentrated areas of damage, a professional repair may be the best long-term solution.

4. Stone Guards and Deflectors – Care and Checks

• After trips, check:
  • Mesh for tears, holes or frayed areas.
  • Mounting brackets for cracks or fatigue.
  • All bolts and fasteners for tightness.
• Remove built-up mud and stones from behind guards and deflectors.
• If you notice cracks, bent brackets or loose mounts, have them inspected and repaired before your next big trip.

5. Reducing Future Stone Damage

Depending on your tow vehicle and caravan setup, you may wish to:

• Use suitable stone or mud flaps on the tow vehicle (following local regulations).
• Review the positioning and angle of any existing deflectors.
• Avoid travelling at unnecessary speed on loose gravel where safe to do so – slower speeds generally mean fewer and smaller stone impacts.

If you’re planning extensive off-road travel, talk to a caravan specialist about additional protection options suitable for your specific model.

Summary

Stone chips and gravel rash are normal signs of adventure, but they should be managed. Rinse off dust, inspect for chips and damage, touch up where appropriate and keep stone guards in good condition. If you’re unsure whether a particular impact or area of damage needs professional attention, take photos and contact support or your repairer for advice.