Stone Stomper Review 2026
Maximum Coverage Protection
Quick Summary: Stone Stomper
The Stone Stomper is a horizontal trapeze-style mesh system that stretches between the tow vehicle and caravan drawbar, creating a physical barrier that catches stones thrown up by the tow vehicle's rear wheels before they can hit the caravan. It offers the most comprehensive mid-span protection of any product on the market and has a strong following among serious long-distance tourers.
Key Specifications
| Material | Steel frame with commercial mesh |
| Mesh Type | Horizontal commercial-grade mesh |
| Mounting Method | Custom bracket system between vehicle and drawbar |
| Installation Time | Custom fit initial, 10 seconds connect/disconnect |
| Drill Required | No |
| Daily Connect/Disconnect | Yes |
| Protection Coverage | Full mid-span between vehicle and caravan — A-frame, gas bottles, and rear of tow vehicle |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty |
| Australian Made | Yes — certified |
| Price Tier | Premium $$$ |
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Best raw coverage of any guard on the market
- +Catches debris other guards miss — protects the gap between vehicle and van
- +Strong community following with proven track record on serious outback trips
- +Australian designed and manufactured in Lonsdale, SA
- +10-second connect/disconnect once you know the system
- +Protects rear of tow vehicle as well as front of caravan
- +Well-proven on Cape York, Gibb River Road, and other tough tracks
Cons
- -Requires connecting and disconnecting at every stop
- -Mesh collects road grime — can be messy to handle after dirt roads
- -Highest price point of any stone guard on the market
- -Custom fitting required for each vehicle/caravan combination
- -Some reports of stitching wear on particularly rough outback tracks
Stone Stomper Review: Maximum Protection for Serious Tourers
The Stone Stomper has built a loyal and vocal following in Australian caravan forums — and the results speak for themselves. Its horizontal mesh design provides arguably the best raw stone protection available, catching debris in the gap between your vehicle and caravan where most damage occurs.
How It Works
Unlike A-frame mounted guards that deflect stones at the caravan's front, the Stone Stomper creates a horizontal mesh curtain between your tow vehicle's rear and the caravan's drawbar. Stones hit the mesh and drop straight down instead of reaching either vehicle. This covers a much wider area than any A-frame-only guard can manage.
The Daily Routine
You need to connect it every time you hitch up and disconnect every time you unhitch. Experienced Stone Stomper owners consistently say this takes about 10 seconds once you've got the hang of it — it's not the major hassle some reviews make it out to be. That said, the mesh does collect road grime, mud, and debris, so after a day on outback roads you'll want to wash your hands after handling it.
Build Quality & Durability
The build quality is solid. Most long-term owners report excellent performance over years of use. There are occasional forum reports of stitching wear near support poles on particularly rough tracks like the Oodnadatta, but these appear to be edge cases rather than a widespread issue. The company is responsive to warranty claims.
Who Should Buy It
If you prioritise maximum stone protection above all else and are comfortable with the daily connect/disconnect routine, the Stone Stomper is hard to beat. It's the go-to choice for dedicated long-distance outback tourers who want every possible stone stopped. The strong community following speaks volumes about real-world satisfaction.
Our Verdict
The Stone Stomper offers the best raw stone protection coverage on the market. The daily connect/disconnect is genuinely quick once you're used to it, and the coverage area is unmatched. It's a premium product at a premium price, best suited to serious tourers who value maximum protection. A worthy alternative to the D-Flector for anyone who prioritises coverage over set-and-forget convenience.
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
How long does it take to connect a Stone Stomper?▼
Once familiar with the system, connecting and disconnecting takes approximately 10 seconds each way. Initial fitting is more involved and may require custom brackets for your specific vehicle/caravan combination.
Does the Stone Stomper get dirty?▼
Yes. The horizontal mesh catches road grime, mud, and debris. After driving on gravel or dirt roads you'll want to wash your hands after handling it. Many owners keep a pair of gloves handy.
Is Stone Stomper Australian made?▼
Yes. Stone Stomper is Australian designed and manufactured in Lonsdale, South Australia.
Detailed side-by-side breakdown of the two most popular stone guards in Australia.