Hood protector opinion

I am looking for a hood protector that does not scratch the paint when mounting, stands off enough to clean behind it but at the same time is low profile, looks good, mounts easily and securely. Any opinions as to a brand, type and part number I should consider. I am apprehensive as the unit will sit set back on the hood which I am not used to so pictures would be appreciated!

 

Weathertech!

 

+1 weathertech

 

AVS. Mounts using screws already under the hood. Like “plug n play”.
Part number for 2017 is #22094919. Sits up just enough so that you you can use your drying towel to dry behind it. Just finish washing my rig..so here are some pics.

 

Nice truck, Thanks for the photos. Are you sure about that part number? Nothing comes back on a search. Is it the Bugdeflector II

 

That would look alot better if it was painted Quicksand to match.

 

Yes, AVS Bugdeflector II. Purchased last June from Carid.com At that time it cost $49.37 including shipping. Just checked and it shows it fits 2016-2018. Hope that helps!

 

Here are the install directions for your review, two pages.

 

Do these hood deflectors actually work? I say that because I have absolutely no idea and might be interested if I was convinced of their effectiveness. I had one on a Nissan PU I owned in the '90's and had no basis for concluding it did or didn't work.

Maybe a couple of Taco owners with the same model, one with and one without the bug deflector, could drive the same stretch of highway on the same day and one after the other during peak summer bug times. Then do a count of bug splatters on the windshield. I'm all for a little scientific methodology applied to the hypothesis. Who's up for it?

 

AVS worked fine for me.

 

Hood deflectors do one thing well: They keep rocks and bugs from chipping the paint directly under the deflector. They do not change the airflow enough to keep a bug or tiny stone from hitting the windshield.

 

Another avs bugflector thingy here. When I got it was on Amazon around $35, don't have any pics of it

 

Clear paint protection film....little pricey but so is repainting the hood.

 

This sits right on top of the paint?

 

3M clear bra. Worth every penny.

 

Yes, tapes to paint and sits tight. Weathertech insists it can be removed with no paint damage.

 

with the AVS one, anyone use the rubber bumpers or does it stay far enough away from the paint on its own.

 

I didn’t use the clear bumpers. Still keeping them just in case. My AVS doesn’t rub or even come close to the hood to have a rubbing issue.

 

I had a bug deflector on my Ford F150 in 1991. I put one on and the rubbing underneath looked worse then any bug, rock or whatever else comes along could ever do. Haven't used one since. Getting a new TRD Pro and unless they have changed it won't be wearing one.

By the way they look sharp. But I did feel the rubbing and damage by the rubber bumpers kind of negated the purpose. I don't mean to diss anyone.

 

Part number?