Paint Protection behind the ladder/steps?

I have the Gobi roof rack and ladder on my T4R and was wondering what you all put behind the steps of the ladder to protect the paint from scratches/shoe marks.

 

Where the ladder is mounted on the body? It should have come with some 3m foam type pads to protect the paint.

 

No. Where you actually step on the ladder. Unless your foot is a size 5, you’re gonna kick the lift gate.

 

I would think any window tint shop would have some clear protective sheets that could be applied.

 

I don’t think a shoe would do any damage unless you’re wearing boots and are straddling the ladder like a horse lol.

 

HEY! don’t judge how I climb my ladder!! lol

 

I think Jrnur’s concern is valid, and not nearly as anal retentive a worry as others I’ve seen. You wouldn’t have to be wearing tap shoes to scratch the paint behind the ladder. Any hard soled shoe would take a toll over time. I have some old school Danner hiking boots that would definitely leave marks. Heck, I’ve seen the paint behind door handles scratched by fingernails.

There is a little cognitive dissonance at play though. We’re not talking about a Wallmart roof basket or A Rola rack. This is a Gobi roof rack and ladder we’re talking about. Expedition equipment. On an expedition vehicle, where trail rash and other minor blemishes are displayed with pride rather than embarrassment. And in that light it seems a little incongruous to be worried about marks left by the toes of one’s boots behind the ladder. Ah, but I wax poetic…

 

It seems any sheet of ppf would work, but, have you seen what happens over time to ppf that isnt rolled and tucked under a body panel...the edges eat up dirt and other organic material turning it a nasty color and thats before those edges inevitably curl up and start peeling. If youre going to apply any ppf, do the entire liftgate.

Fortunately, Ive already made the choice that I won't install a ladder simply to avoid the inevitable kicks that will land on the back hatch. While I can tolerate light marring and scratches from the trail, I hate damage to the body panels.

 

I would use Xpel behind it. Overlanding, Urbanlanding or just routine brewery stops I don't like a beat up and trashed vehicle especially when there are means to mitigate specific types of damage.

 

The toe af almost any kind of boot or shoe will do quick damage to your paint. Over time, scratches turn to rust.