How To Protect My Investment

*UPDATED*
We just purchased a 2023 Tundra that we hope to take good care of so it will last us over 20 years.
It is my daily driver and our tow vehicle for our current 16’ travel trailer then a new 25’ travel trailer we have on order.
It will be parked outside year round.
No kids or pets.
I’ve researched how best to protect the exterior and interior.

It has: TRD front skid plate, TRD cast aluminum running boards, OEM mud flaps and bed mat.
I do have a: front window shade and 16”X70” Ultraguard hitch mounted rock guard.

I’ve purchased aftermarket, rubber, universal mud flaps that are longer than the OEM ones.

I’ve ordered: Cat shield, seat covers for the front seats and an infotainment screen protector.

I’m planning to: get PPF installed on the front, Corrosion Free rust protection applied by one of their approved applicators, order Tuxmat floor mats for the front row once they have them in stock and use peppermint oil to detract rodents.

I’m considering buying: Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat and applying it to all exterior plastic, Turtle Wax Seal N Shine and regularly applying it to the remaining exterior sections that aren’t protected by PPF and 303 Protectant and applying it to all interior plastic. I’m also considering installing soft mesh window screening in front of the radiators.

I’m looking for any feedback regarding the last two exterior and interior protectants or any additional areas that I should consider protecting?

Thanks!

PS I know a new vehicle is a very bad financial investment. LOL

 

That’s a very good looking truck!
A risk you run, parking outside, is rodent damage. Don’t know how you’re situated, but if you are around any fields, farms or forests trouble will come your way. There’s a fewer known access points they use. Regardless, a $100 of prevention is far better than $4,000 of cure

 

I could go for a Harvey's burger in the Nort eh I work for a company in Bolton but live in the US. Harvey's is across the street. Ohh yeah, nice truck.

 

For an easy “ ceramic “ coating that lasts a year….check out geyeon can coat for your paint.

 

@ColoradoTJ @gosolo @Boxerdog

Thanks guys!
I updated my original post. I haven’t considered window tint because I’m just not a fan. I do have a front window shade. I will be getting it rust protected. We’re not full time RVers and I don’t have an awning or carport. I will spray peppermint oil to detract any rodents but I haven’t heard of it being an issue in our region as of yet. I will research Geyeon. I’m liking the turtle wax product based on YouTuber Pan The Organizer’s reviews.

I’ve just never used any 303 products or any exterior or interior protectants on any of our vehicles in the past. It’s a steep learning curve at this point.

@DSLKSL LOL. Harvey’s snuck in the pick but we were actually parked in the A&W parking lot. My favourite fast food burger, after Weber’s of course!

 

I worked as an auto transporter for several years in Colorado. My truck would be parked exposed to the elements for weeks. I purchased a car cover to try and mitigate some sun damage and bird droppings, cover lasted almost 2 years but the sun finally destroyed the cover. Might be something to consider.

 

If you're not shy about going down the detailing rabbit hole, there are tons of good options out there as far as protecting your new ride. A lot of the trim protectants out there look great when applied, but do not last long. For exterior plastics, I'd lean more towards a longer lasting product like Car Pro CQuartz Delux. It can also be used on your wheels. I'm a fan of ceramic coatings, so you can have one professionally done, or there are quite a few consumer grade coatings, provided you are willing to invest the time, effort and money to prep your truck properly. If you'd prefer not to go that route, at least for now, you can buy yourself some time with a quality sealant, like Jescar Ultra Lock Plus, or Griots 3 in 1 Ceramic spray wax.

There are so many options out there, it is mind-boggling. If you decide to go the route of a professionally installed coating, do not let the dealer do it. Go to detail shops in your area, get prices, and then make your decision. Dealer installed coatings are an enormous rip-off. Generally speaking, a dealer is not going to invest the time it takes to adequately prep your truck, and the coatings are rarely true coatings.

PM me if you have any questions

 

I can personally attest to the cerakote. It’s excellent. Make sure the trim is clean, and dry.

for my interiors I’m now using Diydetail interior ceramic coating. Too soon to tell, but I suspect it will be good