Stock Rocker Panel protection?

Hello All,

Owner of a new '22 TRDORP.
Anyone else have rocker panel area clear paint protection? More specifically on the rear door area and wheel well. I had this on my last 2 4runners and they turned into a mildewy mess and nearly impossible to remove after years. This was not an installed option, so I assume this comes from the factory?
If anyone has removed, I assume typical heat gun and patience?

Thanks in advance.

 

You could use a heat gun to remove it but always run the risk of damaging your vehicle while removing this PPF. I have opted to leave mine on for now and if it gives me any issues I will have it professional removed and have Xpel PPF installed in those areas. You have to remember the PPF that dealerships put on or installed at the port are some of the cheapest type of materials used. I had a business install some PPF on mine when I lived out of state and the quality and workmanship was very poor, but had to get it done before I traveled across country. After I returned home 8 months later the company said it was a workmanship issue and not defect of materials (both were the case -would not honor warranty).

If you do remove it yourself and think about having PPF installed on your 4runner make sure it's a high quality product like Xpel!! They are very picky who installs their products and therefore, are usually top notch installers.

 

There is some clear film on my 21 Off-Road, which is pretty thick on mine. Mine is a magnetic gray, so I wouldn’t be able to tell if it’s yellowing or not. It was not an option listed out, I think they all come stock with it.

It’s held up to lots of gravel and off-road miles, and has kept chips off the paint.

Mildew is an odd thing to have grow on a car, unless it’s not used a lot, and stored in a humid area with no direct sunlight. If that’s the case, I would make sure to run it frequently and make sure it gets some sunlight. Unless you're from seattle…not much sub, and seems everything grows mildew out there lol

 

Thanks to both for your replies.
@RTLW - agree on using a higher quality product. I always knew it was the cheapest possible material installed at the port, I just wasnt sure if all 4 runners had that installed.
@McSpazatron - I cant say for sure its mildew, but it yellows and turns black. Here in south FL with the humidity, rain, sun - its just too much for cheap materials.

 

I popped for the ceramic coat, which I know won’t stop a rock chip, but that in combination with some solid drop steps is my go to. I had a 14 4Runner with the steps and I would routinely hear rocks being thrown into those steps but never saw a chip. I’m in the midst of swapping out the rockers on the Limited to a Trail so I can add the steps. I’m also calling this the “Drop Step money project”. Cheers!

 

I’ll take yellowing film over paint chips.

 

This!!! I just repainted/touched up my sliders a few weeks ago. One weekend of trails, and the new paint on them is covered in chips down to steel. My sliders dont have a top plate, so just as many stones are thrown towards the lower section of rocker panels and doors. There are no chips anywhere, or marks on the film even. Above the film, there are no chips either…which tells me Toyota knew exactly where stock sized tires would throw gravel, and where the film would be needed. (assuming the mud flaps are on).

 

Here's what I did. Yes you can see it in the photo, but when clean it's nearly invisible. That being said, I don't mind it being visible personally just with how I use my vehicle. It's 12 or 16" (can't remember) of 3M PPF across the entire bottom of the door that I put on myself.

 

Dude, I follow you on YT! Love the content