Rock chips without running boards?

[bigb]

I see this mentioned but I'm not altogether clear, without running boards will a stock XLT be at more risk to rock chips or is this only an issue with oversize tires?

Sponsored

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

They will all get it, doesn't matter with or without boards. Mudflaps will slow it down not 100% though.

 

[ericsmr]

I’ve done one road trip on mine I got last month, I heard the rocks hit the running board. Glad I have them though I do not use them to step into the truck lol

 

[hand-filer]

Yes running boards in conjunction with mudflaps will greatly reduce stone chips. They are an extra defense against parking lot door dings as well
As an extra bonus, they make ingress/egress easier.

 

[ericsmr]

Yes running boards in conjunction with mudflaps will greatly reduce stone chips. They are an extra defense against parking lot door dings as well
As an extra bonus, they make ingress/egress easier.

Plus 1 to door blockers, my wife has hit the running board several times lol!

 

[Scooter]

Yes running boards in conjunction with mudflaps will greatly reduce stone chips. They are an extra defense against parking lot door dings as well
As an extra bonus, they make ingress/egress easier.

Hmm, I never thought of that. Did you come up with a dimension from the running boards to the front of the kick panel. Trying to understand what dimension sticking out is helpful with frame sliders.

 

[MGKRISTON]

I see this mentioned but I'm not altogether clear, without running boards will a stock XLT be at more risk to rock chips or is this only an issue with oversize tires?

I fixed at least 10 on each side in front of the rear tires. Installed running boards too.

 

[cc1999]

An XLT with splash guards / mud flaps etc. would be decently protected.
You can also have a Paint protection film applied to the more exposed areas.

I did both PPF and flaps on my 2024 RR and with those bulged fenders and wider wheel stance, the rear fenders are taking a beating the PPF is for the most part saving the paint.
I imagine that is far less likely to be an issue for the less bulged out non Raptor body of an XLT.

 

[bigb]

An XLT with splash guards / mud flaps etc. would be decently protected.
You can also have a Paint protection film applied to the more exposed areas.

I did both PPF and flaps on my 2024 RR and with those bulged fenders and wider wheel stance, the rear fenders are taking a beating the PPF is for the most part saving the paint.
I imagine that is far less likely to be an issue for the less bulged out non Raptor body of an XLT.

So now to decide which ones, Rokblok doesn't have any for the 24-25 Ranger yet, there's Ford then Weathertech and Husky. Any other recommended ones?

 

[cc1999]

You may have some Ford points from when you bought your Ranger.
You could use them to get all or part of them free from Ford.

 

[bigb]

You may have some Ford points from when you bought your Ranger.
You could use them to get all or part of them free from Ford.

yeah I'll have some points, I'm planning to get the 5g folding headrests too.

 

[paulhut]

I get rock chips with running boards

 

[AssolMarandy]

A stock XLT without running boards can still get some rock chips. Running boards block part of the spray from the tires, so without them the lower doors and sides are more open. Bigger or wider tires make it worse, but even stock tires can throw small stones.

 

[bigb]

A stock XLT without running boards can still get some rock chips. Running boards block part of the spray from the tires, so without them the lower doors and sides are more open. Bigger or wider tires make it worse, but even stock tires can throw small stones.

I'm hoping mud flaps will mitigate that. If not, I'll add some PPF

 

[SubZombie]

I'm hoping mud flaps will mitigate that. If not, I'll add some PPF

At least on my RR mud flaps helped keep the sides clean but they don’t help one bit with rocks hitting the rear quarter panel. If you look at the side of the truck and think about the angle, flaps would have to extend to an inch or two off the ground and have zero flex on the highway to be effective, and that’s not even possible because they would be hitting the ground every time the springs compressed a little.

On top of that, PPF won’t do shit to prevent a rock chip at highway speed (which is when you get them). A little pea size rock will tear right through the best ppf and then it starts building up dirt under it and looks like shit and your paint is still chipped and some people have issues with the paint coming off with the ppf in areas where there are frequent hits.

If you’re removing the running boards or just don’t have any I would just accept that you’re going to get more paint chips because of it.

Sponsored