Wrap protection from trail pinstriping

Anyone have suggestions? Im not into the scratched paint look from trail abuse.

 

I was looking at it and some people here wrapped the whole truck in ppf. In SoCal, that was $8k. I paid $2200 to wrap the whole front end (fenders, hood, all light, and bumper) to keep the rocks and road debris off. I would be interested in any DIY wrap solutions on the sides.

 

I was just quoted $500 to cover my tailgate in xpel film. I have a MTB tailgate pad that goes on and off and will start scratching/scuffing the paint. I think I am going to try and do it myself.

 

I put the ppf on my tailgate too, specifically for the reason you outlined. $600 because I had the vinyl lettering on the tailgate.

 

Sounds interesting. Based on their FAQs, this is to be removed when hot outside and after each off-road trip. I imagine fine dust will get under the magnets and scratch the paint. I see this problem with any magnetic decals when you put them on the car - sand gets stuck under and scratches paint.

 

I will probably suck it up and get it done. This is our first ever new vehicle (that wasn’t a lease) and it’s making me a bit crazy. Ha.

 

The professional 3M vinyl wrap is legit. I had it on a previous vehicle. It was on for 7 years and the outside looked fantastic. Protects against bugs, smaller rocks and such. Some ahole door dinged me bad, it scuffed the and tore vinyl a bit but protected the paint. I would spend my money on that wrap before any ceramic coating

 

let know what product you use and how it goes!

 

where do you buy it, and how hard/easy is the install?

 

I use a moving blanket, scratch free, and works like a charm, up to 4 bikes in the back. Cool factor =0, but I like free.

 

A professional does it. I got lucky bought a used car at the that time from the owner so the whole suv was wrapped but the roof. It is quite pricey but if you’re super anal about the exterior Id have it done for sure. This was the company
https://clearautobra.com/

 

I got xpel film installed on my full front end (hood, fenders, bumper, mirror cups, all front facing lights) for $2200 by installer in San Diego (One of One). I found them to be pretty competitive price wise and excellent (anal retentive attention to detail) compared to others. Full truck would have been $8k so that turned me off, but I am looking at doing an experiment to buy expel film by the foot to put it on the doors up to the glass and bed to deal with pin stripping. I agree with some comments on the forum that truck is not a lambo, but I want to give it a fighting chance in the desert.

 

Long time window film installer …wanted to chime in …as far as protection that could be removed one day (if wanted/needed) a quality wrap material usually comes off nicely…little to no residue (if not left on too long or showing adhesive failure)
The ppf adhesive…not so much
I do remove some occasionally but not that often bc they can be taxing & labor intensive
Usually requires plastic chisels on the metal areas and a industrial steamer
The idea of a self-healing road condom for road herpes is great …but after some of the removals I have done …I won’t ever use ppf on something I plan to have a long time
A wrap or ceramic coating and a good maintenance routine would be my fit

 

I only remove some of those materials and yes you’re correct …the wrap is thinner but still a buffer to scratching …after the last few PPF removals on Toyota in the last 8-10 years …personally it is not for me long term
Also they do have ppf with a flat/matte finish now also

 

Won't stick to the bed, hood or rear CM doors.

 

After thinking it over I decided for my tailgate I am just going to apply a do it yourself ceramic spray like shine armor. I cant bring myself to spend the $500. I did apply some Amazon sourced 3m protective film where the straps feed under the bottom. Same stuff I use on my bike frames.

 

I got my entire truck minus the rear fenders wrapped with PremiumShield, then a coat of revivfy ceramic. Both are self healing and have been fantastic. After more than a year, I honestly don't have a scratch on my truck right now with the exception of a couple of very small dings on the front grill. I drive in the woods every couple of weeks and wash it maybe once or twice a month. The shop I went to does Xpel too, but recommended PremiumShield over that despite it being cheaper (money wise) than the Xpel. They said the clarity is slightly better, they've seen the self healing work better, and it's easier to work with than Xpel. Everything minus the rear fenders wrapped and the coating was $6K out the door.