D-Flector Stone Guard Review 2026
Set-and-Forget Protection
Quick Summary: D-Flector Stone Guard
The D-Flector Stone Guard is a popular permanent-mount stone protection system for caravans, boats, and jet skis. Manufactured in Moorabbin, Victoria by Maxwell & Higgs (ZIVOR Group), it uses high-strength performance steel framing with an aluminium option and heavy-duty PVC-coated mesh that deflects stones groundward rather than bouncing them back at your tow vehicle. The no-drill galvanized U-bolt mounting system installs in under 10 minutes and stays permanently attached to the A-frame.
Key Specifications
| Material | High-strength performance steel & aluminium options |
| Mesh Type | Heavy-duty, special-grade PVC-coated mesh (UV tested ASTM D4329) |
| Mounting Method | Heavy-duty galvanized U-bolt mounting (no drilling) |
| Installation Time | 10 minutes |
| Drill Required | No |
| Daily Connect/Disconnect | No |
| Protection Coverage | A-frame, front panel, undercarriage fittings (gas, water, electrical) |
| Warranty | 3-year manufacturer warranty |
| Australian Made | Yes — certified |
| Price Tier | Mid-Range $$ |
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Permanent fixture — no daily connect/disconnect needed
- +High-strength steel & aluminium resists corrosion well
- +10-minute no-drill installation with U-bolts
- +Australian Made certified (manufactured in Moorabbin, VIC)
- +Rip-stop mesh deflects stones groundward, not back at tow vehicle
- +Protects undercarriage gas bottles, water tanks, and electrical fittings
- +Available in multiple widths (1800mm and 2200mm) plus centre cut-out models
Cons
- -Permanent mount may obstruct jockey wheel access on some vans
- -Limited colour options — only silver/grey
- -Mesh can collect debris requiring occasional hose-down
- -Less mid-span coverage than horizontal systems like Stone Stomper
- -Not suitable for all A-frame configurations without adapters
- -Always visible on the van — some owners find it aesthetically bulky
Why D-Flector Scored Highest Overall
After researching every major caravan stone guard available in Australia, the D-Flector Stone Guard earned our top spot by combining solid protection with genuine daily convenience.
The Convenience Factor
Most other stone guard systems require some form of regular interaction. Stone Stomper needs connecting and disconnecting at every stop (though experienced owners do this in about 10 seconds). Rock Tamers need adjusting for different trailers. The D-Flector stays permanently mounted — once fitted, you don't touch it again.
That said, "permanent" comes with trade-offs. Some owners report the guard can make jockey wheel access awkward on certain van configurations, and the mesh does collect road grime over time, needing an occasional hose-down.
Build Quality
The high-strength performance steel frame (with aluminium options) is built for Australian conditions. The special-grade PVC-coated mesh is engineered for stone deflection: the weave absorbs impact energy and directs stones downward rather than bouncing them back.
Protection Coverage
The D-Flector covers the caravan's A-frame and front panel, protecting vulnerable undercarriage fittings including gas bottles, water tanks, and electrical connections. However, it doesn't offer the mid-span coverage of a horizontal trapeze system like Stone Stomper — stones kicked up between the vehicle and van can still reach areas above and around the guard.
Installation
We timed the installation at roughly 10 minutes with basic hand tools. The heavy-duty galvanized U-bolt mounting system requires zero drilling — a genuine plus if you're protective of your van's structural integrity. Worth noting that not all A-frame configurations are a perfect fit; wider or unusually shaped drawbars may need adapters.
Real-World Performance
Owner feedback from trips through Cape York, the Gibb River Road, the Oodnadatta Track, and general outback touring is consistently positive: minimal stone damage to the front of the caravan, gas bottles and water lines protected. Some owners note that in heavy gravel, debris can build up on the mesh and needs clearing.
Value Proposition
The D-Flector sits in a reasonable price bracket for the quality you get. Backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty, it represents solid value — though it's worth comparing against Stone Stomper if maximum coverage is your priority.
Our Verdict
The D-Flector Stone Guard scores highest in our overall assessment thanks to its combination of solid build quality, genuine convenience, and Australian manufacturing. It's not perfect — coverage is more limited than horizontal systems and it doesn't suit every A-frame setup — but for most caravanners wanting reliable set-and-forget protection, it's a strong choice.
How We Score
Scores are editorial opinions based on our published methodology. We weight stone deflection effectiveness (25%) and build quality (20%) highest. Durability (15%), installation ease (10%), daily convenience (10%), and value for money (10%) also contribute, with Australian Made (5%) and warranty (5%) rounding out the criteria. Different users may reasonably prioritise different criteria for their setup. See our full methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the D-Flector Stone Guard Australian Made?▼
Yes. D-Flector Stone Guards are manufactured in Moorabbin, Victoria by Maxwell & Higgs Pty Ltd (part of ZIVOR Group). They hold an official Australian Made certification.
Do I need to drill holes to install a D-Flector?▼
No. The D-Flector uses a heavy-duty galvanized U-bolt mounting system that clamps to the A-frame without any drilling. Installation takes approximately 10 minutes with basic hand tools.
Do I need to connect and disconnect the D-Flector every time I stop?▼
No. The D-Flector is a permanent fixture that stays mounted to the A-frame at all times. You never need to connect or disconnect it.
What sizes does the D-Flector come in?▼
D-Flector offers standard models in 1800mm and 2200mm widths, plus centre cut-out models designed for caravans with centre-mounted jockey wheels or toolboxes.
How does D-Flector compare to Stone Stomper?▼
Both are quality Australian products with different strengths. Stone Stomper uses a horizontal mesh between the vehicle and caravan, offering broader mid-span coverage — it catches debris that A-frame guards miss. D-Flector mounts permanently to the A-frame with no daily connect/disconnect. The choice depends on whether you prioritise maximum coverage (Stone Stomper) or daily convenience (D-Flector).
Does D-Flector make stone guards for boats?▼
Yes. D-Flector offers dedicated boat stone guards (D400, D600, D700) for boats from 4.2m to 8.5m, plus a J100 model for jet skis.
Detailed side-by-side breakdown of the two most popular stone guards in Australia.