Valance question

Hi Everyone,

I was towing a trailer (for the first time) and like a dummy I tried to back it into my driveway (stupid....) and jack knifed it and broke some of the clips off my back valance. It's still on there and no risk of falling off (only broke a couple of them off on the right side) but I was wondering if there is a way to fix it without purchasing a new one? Not like it is an issue to purchase a new one but I'd rather try to save this one and money. There's no damage to the valance (shocking) other than the broken clips. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I’d say if it’s not gonna fall off, just let it ride.

If it flaps around and makes noise, maybe take it off and see if the clips are broken, or if it’s just the little white retainers that fell off.

If clips are broken, I probably wouldnt try to fix the plastic. It’s too much effort for something that probably wont hold very well. If the valance flaps, just use double sided tape to help hold the loose areas tight to the bumper.

 

Yeah it's not flapping around, but thanks for the double sided tape idea...didn't even thing of that! Thanks again!

 

Luckily, this is one less thing I have to worry about with my SR5.

 

@BAAM_4runner - depends on what's actually broken. The tabs which are part of the valance and go through slots in the bumper, or the clips that go through those tabs on the inside of the bumper, which can be replaced.

 

Epoxy!!!

 

I believe it is the actual tabs, not just the clips. I'll have to look again.

 

I will have to remember this when backing up my boat trailer; so it only happened because you jack knived accidentally; I am assuming tongue of your trailer clipped the valence?

 

Yes, it did. Only snapped the right side tabs of the valance. I know the exact moment I did it, I thought there would be more damage bc of the sound it made.

 

Gotcha--I have a small backyard and tight space with my boat, 4R and car in garage. I recently started investigating these trailer valet products if you have an interest. Even the basic one can be used with a cordless drill to slowly move trailers even tandem axle trailers with ease. Just thought I would offer if it helps you with your situation. One caveat though is you are not supposed to push a trailer uphill with this if the grade is steep. Interesting product

 

True, I've seen that stupid thing braking even at water crossings. (Pics from Jason Koertge)

 

lol well I wouldn't have had to worry about it either, had I not thought I could back in a trailer lol I did notice that it is not the most durable thing. When I went to put it back on, well the one side it was the thinnest piece of plastic I've ever seen. Definitely not a quality piece.

 

Thats the exact video I was thinking of. Thanks for finding it.

I really enjoyed his videos, unfortunately he sold his 4Runner and has taken his channel in a different direction.

 

Yep, no more subscribed to his.

 

Look on Craigslist or marketplace for a replacement. I've seen many for sale at reasonable prices around here. You can paint it if you need a different color.

 

Another option I would consider is a custom cut vinyl wrap that looks the same and covers the existing mounting holes. It would suck to buy and install a replacement only to have it break off again.