Open Trailering of Spyder - should I install a rock shield or not? What about using a cover?

[gmccabejr]

I plan on trailering my RTL from Michigan to Florida and back this February. I'm repurposing a trailer I bought and trying to decide if I should install a rock shield or not? I really like how I can see directly behind the Spyder without a shield. I have a quality full cover and was wondering if anyone ever tried covering the Spyder with a flannel sheet before putting the cover on to prevent the cover causing scratches? I will be towing with a Town and Country Van and it sits low enough where I don't foresee the Van throwing up stones. Also an added bonus would be improved mileage.

I'm hoping to receive knowledgeable input and not criticism.

 

[fochie]

Here's a recent thread on trailering that you might find helpful -

EDITED - first link I posted was incorrect.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/threads/towing-to-cover-or-not-to-cover.164807/

We open trailer our Spyder - uncovered.

 

[CopperSpyder]

I have used an open trailer without a cover for my RTL from PA to FL many times without any issues. There has been post in the past that talk about the issue of trailering a Spyder with a cover. All that I have seen suggest not to use a cover because of rubbing on the paint, I would agree with them.

 

[Tango]

IMHO Rock guard, and NO cover!

 

[RickyB]

I have used an open trailer with no rock guard and no cover many times , never have a problem . I do not see any evidence of paint chips from debris hitting the bike

 

[2dogs]

No cover, no rock guard, no paint chips, and NO gravel roads. If you park somewhere overnight, be sure to secure your trailer to prevent theft. Install a small motion sensor with an alarm for obvious reasons. They are not expensive.