Protection while trailering your car

I'd personally use the blanket and plastic wrap. That way you know there will be nothing bouncing of your new paint.

be careful with wrapping as anything loose can scuff as it whips around

just buy a bra to protect the front bumper and edge of hood

I would NOT recommend the blanket with shrink-wrap idea. You run a real risk of having that blanket move around some--just a little, but enough to possibly rub your paint.

I'd go with several layers of the blue tape. You see it used a lot in vintage racing to protect paint. Assuming your paint is cured to the point that the adhesive's not going to cause any problems, tape over the whole front-end with several layers.

I'd also consider getting some of the "Rock Solid" mudflaps that will bolt to your reciever hitch. Check RV supply places, they should have them in stock. They run full length across the back of your truck, and will help keep anything bigger than sand from bouncing up and hitting your paint.

Just expect that anything that has the ability to move around at all while in contact with your paint WILL wear into it over the 500 miles.

blue painters tape works wonders for that small stuff. the paint should be sufficiently cured by now to not get nicked by anything that small. I would just take it slow and stick to the major roads as much as possible. Driving at night reduces the chances of other cars kicking up stones as there are just less cars out.