An apparatus and method for mounting a buoyancy module onto a rigid pipe having a clamp. A hex-nut with commensurate and similarly tapered threads is used to cinch the split front section over an engaging pipe or tube. Each measurement scale corresponds to at least one of the fiducial lines, such that when one of the alignment marks is aligned with a particular fiducial line, the measurement scale corresponding to the particular fiducial line indicates the distance of the blade of the cutting tool from an edge of the sheet material. A lip portion extends transverse from the guard portion and prevents road debris from being thrown between the guard portion and the underside of the motor vehicle. Cables operatively attach the vehicle to the link mechanism and to the tailgate. In the present invention, an error checking calculation is performed on error checking code transmitted with the data.