Roadmaster Tow Defender 4700 vs 4750: Rock Shield Parts

Roadmaster Tow Defender screens stretch over the tow-bar area between the motorhome and the vehicle being flat towed. They help deflect road debris away from the towed vehicle's front end. Part 4700 and part 4750 protect the same area, but they attach to different tow-bar and baseplate arrangements. The main question is whether your towed vehicle uses a Roadmaster crossbar and quick disconnects or a compatible Direct-Connect system.

Which Tow Defender fits?

If your Roadmaster baseplate has a separate full-width crossbar attached to the removable arms, start with 4700. If the motorhome-mounted tow bar connects directly to the removable arms, start with 4750, then confirm the exact tow bar, baseplate and hitch arrangement in Roadmaster's instructions. Adapter-equipped and nonstandard towing systems need particular attention.

View both shields

Roadmaster 4700 — Tow Defender for Roadmaster crossbar systems

Fits Roadmaster tow bars using the crossbar/quick-disconnect release system; not the Direct-Connect arrangement.

View Roadmaster 4700

Roadmaster 4750 — Tow Defender for Direct-Connect setups

For specified motorhome-mounted Roadmaster, Blue Ox and Demco tow bars with their compatible Direct-Connect style baseplates.

View Roadmaster 4750

What the protection screen does

Roadmaster specifies approximately 20 square feet of protection when fully extended. The heavy-duty, vinyl-coated mesh is designed to pass airflow while intercepting stones and grit. Gas struts let the screen move with the changing tow-bar angle through turns. Both versions roll up to about four inches in diameter for storage and have a published weight of approximately 14½ lb.

Unlike a rigid stone guard attached to the towed vehicle, the Tow Defender spans the gap between the vehicles. It must be installed at the specified mounts and checked for clearance from moving parts and the exhaust system.

Exhaust heat can damage the mesh

The Tow Defender is vulnerable to concentrated heat from a motorhome exhaust outlet. Roadmaster requires the exhaust tip to be at least 10 inches from the mesh on relevant rear-exhaust installations. For motorhomes where the outlet or exhaust flow creates a heat problem, Roadmaster offers a separate 4725 heat shield. Follow the manufacturer's exhaust and heat-shield instructions before driving; a melted screen cannot protect the towed vehicle properly.

How to choose and install

1. Identify the actual tow bar and the baseplate mounted on the towed vehicle. The brand name alone is not enough.
2. Check whether the setup has Roadmaster's crossbar/quick-disconnect arrangement or a compatible Direct-Connect arrangement.
3. Compare all connection brackets, shoulder bolts and tow-bar clearances with Roadmaster's drawing for model 4700 or 4750.
4. Check the tow-bar articulation, safety cables, electrical lead, supplemental brake connections and the motorhome exhaust outlet for clearance.
5. After connecting the vehicles, unfold and secure the screen as instructed. Before travel, check that it does not interfere with turning and that the gas struts and fasteners are secure.

Not sure which baseplate style you have? Our Roadmaster Direct-Connect versus crossbar baseplate guide explains the difference. For other adapter combinations, see our tow-bar adapter reference.