Rubber and debris fly across a paved road as an RV tire pops. The blowout sends debris and metal shrapnel into the RV’s delicate underbelly, leading to plumbing, electrical or brake system damage. Blowouts often wreck RVers outdoor adventures.
Blowout repairs can cost up to $10,000 and more in RV damages.
Derek Grant knows this all too well. Grant repaired RVs that experienced blowouts for more than 20 years as a mobile RV technician.
“I have witnessed thousands of dollars of damage caused by blowouts,” Grant said. “Not only can blowouts destroy your investment, but they can also take you off the road for weeks, if not longer.”
Five years ago, Grant set out with a team to protect people’s RV investments and eliminate these costly repairs. Armis RV Guardian became their solution which officially launched in 2023 and recently received U.S. patent approval.
Now Grant, Armis’ president and board chairman, and other Armis co-founders seek to expand the industry’s awareness of the product.
RV Blowout Protection
Armis is an axle-mounted tire shrapnel containment system. The component is constructed with 16-gauge and 18-gauge steel to protect the RV’s underbelly. The unit is designed to completely cover the top-half of each tire and bolts to the axle using existing hardware.
Armis co-founder and chief financial officer Dan Cowan said when shrapnel and debris begin to fly “like a tornado,” Armis’ shield contains the pieces and forces them down and away from the RV, preventing underbelly damage.
“This is, as much of anything, a huge peace of mind,” Cowan said, “but it truly protects people’s investment and prevents disasters from sidelining their RVing plans.”
In 2023, Armis enhanced its design to incorporate Super Springs International’s Trailer Sumo Springs.
The shield has a limited lifetime warranty, which covers material defects or workmanship. Cowan said defects are rare but the warranty is valid for as long as Armis buyer owns the RV.
Growing Operations
Armis is seeking qualified dealerships with service centers and independent repair shops to resell and install the product. The aftermarket supplier is offering an online certification program for technicians.
“Anytime you are messing with axle on a trailer, it is important that you know what you are doing,” Cowan said. Therefore, working with certified technicians is necessary.”
The company is also seeking distributor partners. Armis is planning to expand to at least six distribution locations across the U.S. initially.
With the patented product out, Armis will reveal more updates including an enhanced design features.
Dealerships interested in the Armis Certified Installer Program and becoming an authorized reseller can email [email protected] or click here.
