When I first heard about the RV-DE-FENDER travel trailer tire protection system, I was curious—could it really prevent a blowout? After looking deeper, I realized that while RV-DE-FENDER won’t stop a tire from blowing, it will defend your RV from the costly and often devastating damage that comes after one.
Susan and I have seen our fair share of RV tire blowouts, and I can tell you firsthand, they can ruin a trip fast. That’s why I think this new piece of RV safety technology is worth every RVer’s attention.
What is RV-DE-FENDER Tire Blowout Protection?
The RV-DE-FENDER is a safety device designed to shield your travel trailer from flying debris during a tire blowout. At highway speeds, shredded tires throw chunks of rubber and steel cords everywhere, and without protection, that debris can rip through your wheel well or damage your RV’s structure.
Before RV-DE-FENDER, there wasn’t a product on the market that could stop that damage. A TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) can warn you of low pressure, but it won’t stop shrapnel. RV-DE-FENDER solves that problem by bolting around your axle and covering the upper half of the tire. Its steel shield blocks debris from hitting the RV, and a triangular rear wall protects the undercarriage.
It’s made from ⅛-inch cold-rolled steel, precision laser-cut in Utah, so it’s as tough as it sounds.
Alt text suggestion for image: “RV-DE-FENDER installed on a travel trailer axle to prevent tire blowout damage.”
What Problems Does RV-DE-FENDER Solve?
The obvious benefit is damage protection from blowouts. Without RV-DE-FENDER, a shredded tire can tear into your RV’s body, leading to expensive repairs or insurance claims.
Another big advantage is avoiding the insurance hassle. Filing a claim after blowout damage can be stressful, and even if it’s covered, you’ll likely pay a deductible. With RV-DE-FENDER, you’ll usually just replace the tire—no structural repairs needed.
Pairing a TPMS with RV-DE-FENDER gives you a two-step defense: the TPMS alerts you to problems, and RV-DE-FENDER shields your trailer if the tire comes apart. That’s peace of mind Susan and I appreciate when towing on busy highways. We have tried a few TPMS and we think Tire Minder TPMS is the best on the market.
How Much Does RV-DE-FENDER Cost?
RV-DE-FENDER is custom-fit to your trailer, so there’s no single price. On their site, you’ll go through a detailed form covering axle type, suspension, tire size, brake type, and spacing. After you submit the specs, they’ll give you a quote.
As an example, a Triple Axle Trailer and Lift Kit Bundle currently costs about $2,349. It’s an investment, but compared to thousands of dollars in repair bills, it’s a smart one.
Does RV Insurance Cover Blowout Damage?
Every insurance policy is different, but here are three key points I’ve learned:
- Check your policy – Most RV insurance won’t cover the blown tire itself but may cover damage if it’s sudden and accidental.
- Review your tire warranty – Some tire warranties will cover both the tire and any damage caused during a blowout.
- Look into TPMS warranties – If a TPMS fails and a blowout happens, the system warranty may apply.
Even so, RV-DE-FENDER reduces your need to rely on insurance at all.
FAQs About RV-DE-FENDER
1. Will RV-DE-FENDER fit my travel trailer?
Yes, as long as you provide correct specifications, it will be custom-built for your axle and suspension.
2. Can I install RV-DE-FENDER myself?
Yes. With tools like channel locks, a socket set, and a drill, most RVers can install it in a couple of hours.
3. If I already use a TPMS, do I need RV-DE-FENDER?
Yes. TPMS only alerts you to problems; it doesn’t physically shield your RV. Both together make the strongest defense.
4. Can I move RV-DE-FENDER to another trailer?
Unlikely, unless your new trailer has the exact same dimensions. It’s designed as a custom fit.
My Personal Experience with Blowouts
On one of our trips through Tennessee, Susan and I passed an RVer stranded on the shoulder after a blowout. Their wheel well was shredded, and the damage to their trailer looked heartbreaking. That’s when it really hit me—something like RV-DE-FENDER could have saved them thousands of dollars and weeks of downtime.
Blowouts may not happen every trip, but when they do, the damage is serious. RV-DE-FENDER is the kind of proactive RV upgrade that makes sense for long-term savings and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts on RV-DE-FENDER
The RV-DE-FENDER travel trailer blowout protection system won’t prevent a tire from blowing, but it will protect your RV from expensive damage. Built from durable steel and custom-fit to your trailer, it’s an investment in safety, security, and peace of mind.
For me, the bottom line is simple: if you want to safeguard your RV against one of the most damaging roadside emergencies, RV-DE-FENDER is worth it.
Related Reading:
1. How Often Should Travel Trailer Tires Be Replaced?
2. Should You Fill Your Travel Trailer Tires With Nitrogen?
3. Why You Must Understand Tongue Weight When Towing
4. How To Insulate An RV Underbelly
About the Author:
Hi, I’m Mike Scarpignato, co-founder of TravelTrailerPro.com, RVBlogger.com, and MotorhomeFAQs.com.
My wife, Susan, and I have been creating RV content since 2018. We travel the country visiting RV shows, touring dealerships, reviewing campers, testing gear, and spending plenty of time camping in our motorhome. Most of what we share comes from actually using RVs, making mistakes, fixing problems, and learning what works in the real world.
Susan is usually behind the camera on our RVBlogger YouTube channel, which has more than 215,000 subscribers. We also run RV Camping for Newbies, a private Facebook group with more than 275,000 members, and publish four weekly RV newsletters reaching more than 85,000 subscribers.
Our goal is simple: help beginners and experienced RVers choose the right RV, avoid expensive mistakes, and enjoy the RV lifestyle with a little less frustration.
