Underbody rocker protection

What are you guys doing now other than mud flaps to protect this area? I already have frame sliders that protect most of the underbody, just the immediate part behind the wheel. Was giving my truck a thorough after winter cleaning yesterday since it was a bit warmer and saw a couple rock chips underbody rocker---nothing major, i sanded it slightly and put some touch up paint, but i want a more solid solution...I'm sure i could use POR 15 and paint it on down there or at least on the bottom part of where the metals join...thoughts?? What are ya'll doing to keep this area rock and rust free?

**Yes i know theres tons of threads on this, but most of them i've found are 5-10 years old so im just seeing if there's a newer product you guys are using or have found that works well!**

 

POR-15 is excellent stuff IF and only if you are extremely thorough with surface preparation. Otherwise it tends to let rust creep underneath, like powdercoat can do.

You would probably be best served in that area by masking a line and applying Woolwax Hard-On. It's not crystal clear, but that area is not visible unless you are underneath the truck.

 

Yeah, i definitely don't need a clear, even with MGM---you can't really see the black there, nor would I care if you could--i'd rather it be rust free. Thanks! I had no idea wool wax made a product like this---i've used a handful of frame coatings like CRC rust inhibitor and FF. Looks like you just paint the hard-on. Odd name for a product... lol

 

For prevention I just run longer flaps than OEM, RokBlokz XL. They're similar length as 2nd gen OEM flaps, but more flexible. I've dragged them over rocks on trails for 5 years now.

 

Wool-wax hard-on for the win. Super impressed with that product.

 

I noticed the same condition on my truck. I touched up the chips like you did, and then purchased and installed a set of second gen running boards. The boards do a fairly good job of protecting the rockers. I still have a few chips that I have to touch up every fall right before I re-apply my Surface Shield.

 

I live back a mile long lane covered in 2B limestone, I’m often on gravel roads, and they use cinders on our roads here in the winter. So, my rockers feel your pain.

I too have Rokblokz XL flaps installed and they do a pretty darn good job at minimizing the damage. However, chips are still inevitable.

I’ve been contemplating having a local shop spray that area with Rhino Liner or Line-X. I’ve seen others do this as well and seems like a solid solution.

 

Will bedliner get chipped and allow moisture to get behind it I wonder?

 

I suppose that is a valid concern. However, that is some pretty tough stuff. From the abuse I’ve seen Rhino Liner & Line-X take in truck beds, I’d lean towards believing that it would hold up just fine.

Rhino Liner is more “rubbery” than Line-X so it may be able to absorb the stone impacts better without chipping or flaking. Like so many types of paints and coatings, success hinges largely on the quality of the prep work.

I’ve seen numerous people spray their rockers with various bed liner products and I haven’t heard of any ill effects. However, I’m always open to being educated by those more knowledgeable than myself.

 

Mine got washed 3 times a week during the salt season at the local drive through car wash, so far so good.

$40/month unlimited, including under carriage wash. I can wash it 10 times a day, they wouldn't even care.

 

Keeping the salt off with frequent washes is definitely a smart move. However, OP is also concerned about preventing rock chips. Unfortunately, no amount of washing can do that.

 

Thanks, I didn't know there were any real differences, that's helpful. I'm also contemplating this issue.

 

The vehicle I had prior to my Tacoma was a 2010 F-150. I had the bed Rhino Lined by a local shop that does really nice work, & I used it fairly hard. That truck, as a whole, was the biggest disappointing p.o.s. I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. However, when I traded it in on my Tacoma, the bed was still in perfect shape despite the abuse I subjected it to over 7 or 8 years of ownership.

 

Yeah I'd be concerned with any rubber coating trapping moisture like those rubber frame costing sprays, all it takes is a chip to allow moisture in...

 

Grew up in the Midwest so I'm all too familiar with salt and how shitty it is! I've treated the underbody and frame from day 1 so it's pretty damn immaculate for 80k miles and 8 years old! But no amount of fluid film, cosmoline, or any barrier spray will prevent a rock chip that exposes bare metal! I do agree that frequent washes help.... I take mine to a self spray wash and spray it down weekly

 

the second gen running board gives alot of protection

 

I have these:

$364 Tyger Auto Star Armor Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | Double Cab | TG-AM2T20048 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars Running Boards

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-TG-AM2T20048-Textured-Running/dp/B01AH5IEO6?th=1 I put them on the first week i had the truck in 2017 and its been on since. Last summer i took them off and sanded/resprayed them since the underside was starting to rust out. I coated it with POR 15 and repainted them. It should last me another 5 years or so before i need to get a different set

 

Put me in the camp that would avoid any "permanent" coatings at all costs if you're trying to avoid rust. Can it work? Absolutely, but IMO there are too many variables that could lead to it accelerating rust rather than preventing it. Personally I would just touch up the area yearly before applying fluid film or whatever other non-permanent rust preventative. Gives you a chance to inspect everything and see where the chips/rust has started, any permanent coating takes away the inspection portion and puts blind faith in the product applied until it's too late. I used POR-15 on my bedsides when I cut for my high-clearance rear bumper but I spent hours prepping it due to my rust paranoia. I also run the Rokblokz mudflaps in the front and they help a ton. I wonder if there is some sort of clear coat you could apply? At least that way you could see if bigger issues were lurking underneath. I also don't know if I would apply anything on the joints/seams of the pinch weld, that seems like it's asking to trap moisture.

 

That's always been my general stance as well---in terms of being able to visibly see it and stay proactive. As far as clear coat, i use this... https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/lexus-clear-coat~00258-0000c-21.html?gQT=2 --- I'm not sure how much "protection" it provides, but i generally touch up with factory paint pens x 2-3 light coats, and then apply 1 or 2 clear coats on top and it blends in pretty well...

 

Mud flaps, running boards, and fluid flim, wool wax, or surface shield, in the rocker access plugs, and down pinch weld area. You need to stop the chips first, that is what allows the moisture and salt to start the corrosion process. Ski