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Smitty77's avatar
Smitty77
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014

3M Paint Defender - Toad Protection

In our 2013 Alaska trip pre planning (aborted due to MIL medical problems), I read many Going North comments about how to protect rigs and Toads from road rash.

My favorite two, were: 1) Strapping a Yoga Mat with the image of Richard Simmons to the Toad windshield; 2) Strapping MIL to the windshield (probably not a good idea due to her medical shape:)!)

Since then, at least to me it seems to be a new product, I've been hearing little bits about 3M Defender, a spray on application.

Has anyone used it, or know of anyone that has?

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Paint-Defender-System-90100/dp/B00CCOBOI4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1390840883&sr=8-2&keywords=3m+paint+defender

And I do recall from all of my 2013 research, that the best thing to do is to pull over and slow down, stop if safe to do so, as the big rigs come at you:)! And, that many, many has made the trek without any problems. And, that many have had more problems in the lower 48 then traveling to Alaska:)!

Just wondering if the spray on protection is worth considering.

Best to all,
Smitty
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2014
    excuse me for being skeptical but such a spray really having some effect if a stone is thrown up at the windshield?
    bumpy
  • EsoxLucius's avatar
    EsoxLucius
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2014
    The plastic film products can prevent moderate damage. 3M makes VentureShield, XPEL and DuraShield are others.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2014
    I can see them being of some value for sand blowing off a truck or similar things, but that rock/bolt/whatever it was that was thrown up at my suv on the sam houston expressway would not be fazed by it. JMHO
    bumpy
  • Smitty77's avatar
    Smitty77
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2014
    Yep, a two pounder coming at the hood or windshield is going to leave a dent despite most of the protective films, or in this case spray.

    We removed our solid one piece rolling Country Coach advertisement flap, and have two wheel flaps behind the tag's. Before removing the solid flap, we'd quite commonly need to use a little wisk broom to remove pea size to a bit bigger gravel from the bottom of the windscreen. Minor little paint pits in the hood and glass over the years. (After towing the CRV behind Bounder for four years, it had the non solid Rock Guard flap, with very minimal signs of hood/windshield problems.

    Removing the solid guard flap cut the amount of debris at the base of he windshield by 90%.

    My thinking is the either the 3M type film, or perhaps he spary on (2, 3 coats) would provide protection from the smaller items my own coach tosses up.

    On the windshield, will probably not strap the MIL to the front of the screen - as I would feel obliged to feed her, and let her in on cold nights. (She really is a great lady, wish we could talk her into joining us on this trip!)... May do the folded yoga pad over the windscreen. But it's in bad enough shape that I was going to replace it last year once we got back from the Alaska trip. So will probably just let it go and replace it after this years trip.

    Figured the 3M Paint Spray may give me some guarding of the hood and front end. I think it will be easier to remove then a standard film, but that could be wishful thinking. Was hoping others may have tried it...

    Best to all,
    Smitty

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