Bug deflector

So Ive never really liked the look of bug deflectors, but this truck is like a frickin magnet for bugs on the windshield. I dont know if its just that time of year or what.
I do have the AVS in channel window visors and would get the AVS deflector 2 if I get one. Just cuz my OCD tells me they must match.
I know this might be somewhat of a "how in the hell could I know that" question, but did you guys find that they DO cut down on shit hitting your windshield/hood/etc?
I mean, they are only 50 bucks, I could just get one and tear it off if I feel like its not doing anything. But figured Id ask...its friday after all....

 

I have the Bug Deflector @ and used it for a few years, granted I only have 20k miles on my 2018 but I see no difference with it on or off. I removed it a year ago because I like the cleaner look now, also removed the in the channel vent visors. It was just too busy looking for me and the vent visors did nothing for me. I guess they were new vehicle mods everyone does first.

 

I put a Weathertech on mine. It certainly protects the leading edge of the hood - after that I don't really know since the leading edge will always take the brunt of stones/bugs. I happen to like the look on my Pro, but YMMV.

 

I bought one right when I bought my truck. I did it for looks though, but I have to admit that it has done a good job of protecting the hood from nicks, etc. And you just want to get one that does NOT mount directly onto the paint, like with tape, etc, but one that sits off of the hood, and bolts underneath the hood onto holes that are already there for that purpose. Here some pics of mine which looks just like the one in the pic that "
Devious6" posted.

 

I've tried 3 different bug deflectors, back in the day. All seemed useless as far as protecting my windshields from stones, or large bugs. Then did protect the front of the hood they covered. Other than that they reduced fuel economy, and one even caused my hood to shake pretty good at highway speeds.

 

+1 on the Weathertech bug deflector. I got it because as @oogielaflick stated, I wanted something that did not tape directly onto the paint. This screws into existing holes on the underside of the hood. I've had the same experience as the others....great protection for the leading and front parts of the hood, jury is still out on whether it does anything for the windshield. I'm also in the liking the looks camp as well.

 

I’ve tried 2 AVS and 2 Weathertech. The fit is bad. When you close the hood, they touch the top of the headlights and the top edges of the grill. They damage the top of corners of the grill. I don’t know if it’s a 2022 problem but they’re not manufactured correctly on terms of fit.

Looking at some of posted pic on this thread, looks like the problem is there as well, they just don’t realize it.

 

Hmmm odd....mine is a 2021 and don't have that issue at all. Had the grille off about a month ago to change over to the Pro grille and there was absolutely no damage to the painted surround. Hood opens and closes just like it did before I put the bug deflector on.

 

when you get a chance, can you post close-ups of these parts. That’s where the damage is when you drop the hood to close.

 

Just my opinion (since you asked):

They might deflect a small bug, but they don't protect the windshield from rocks
They can actually damage the hood where they mount
In summary, they are a waste of money

Oh, and they look stupid (again just my opinion)

Carry on

 

Just went and popped the hood on mine to confirm - doesn't touch headlights or top edges of grille. No damage at all.

 

Checked mine again - doesn't touch the grille at all. It rests lightly on the rubber strip behind it.

 

I got one because I use rain X on my windshield and it helped on my 03.
On my first gen, at speed, there was a noticeable difference with the airflow over the windshield in rain and snow. Without the weathertech deflector, rain would hit the windshield and then bead up no matter what speed. With the deflector, at about 40mph, light rain/snow would stop hitting the windshield and I wouldn’t have to use my wipers. It was magical.
I always assumed it was making an airdamn of some kind or affecting the airflow across the hood in a positive way. It could have been placebo, but it seemed like like everything but the biggest bugs would also hit higher up on the windshield or smack it lightly before flying over the roof.

Having said that, once I installed one on my 3rd gen I haven’t seen the same effect or a noticeable difference with a weathertech.

 

Yeah but when the hood slams down to close, the rubber compresses and thereby let’s the deflector hit the top of the grill for a sec before pushing back up.

 

Nope - had mine on for a year and a half - no damage.

 

Sure. It may be a while though. It's monsoon day here in south Florida.

 

Here is the damage it caused on my 2022 the 2nd week I owned it:

This is 2 AVS and 2 weathertechs that I tried and all 4 the same result

 

Maybe my white color makes it show up a lot clearer than the darker vehicle colors

 

Ok, maybe my age is catching up with my eyes, but if you're talking about the white painted area I don't see the damage. Tried it with and without my reading glasses

 

I bought the weather tech after a 5200 mile road trip, the bug and rock chips were bad. I cleaned and touched up the chips, then added the protector. I say, worth it.