Wraps?

Hi all, I’ve noticed my paint is really thin and I get chips in it every time I travel gravel, which is super disappointing. I’m wondering if anyone has used a wrap for longevity? Also if anyone knows if the new green color of the gen 6 would be a wrap option. It’s pretty sweet imo. Thanks!

 

I don't have a wrap, but I do have 3M Expel film in the front of the truck to minimize rock chips.

Depends on where the majority of rock chips you are receiving - on the sides behind the wheel?

And a wrap may not have a robust, thick enough material - but what do I know, I have not researched a wrap. But a wrap in the color you want? Good idea, I would think cheaper than a paint job, plus could be replaced if needed.

 

Just use the vehicle.. you will never get the return for whatever you pay to get it wrapped.

customized vehicles usually depreciate more

 

The chips are so random. Top of the front right bumper, upper part of the passenger door. It’s super weird. I’ve driven gravel with other cars many years of my life and never had chips like this. I don’t even drive fast lol!

 

Must be gravel being slung out of the tread on the tires. To be fair, (or not!) Toyota's paint is as thin as it gets, but probably all manufacturers are similar because of cost.

What kind of tires do you have on yours?

 

I’m not actually sure. Just stock tires. I’ve considered getting more rugged tires for gravel since I’m on it a few times a week, but I also have a 4x2, so the clearance would be less.

 

I cannot imagine that your clearance would be less. But a more aggressive tread would likely lead to even more rocks being slung by the tires.

Regarding film, which is clear, you wouldn't have to completely cover your 4Runner with it, you could just have the areas that seems to be taking most of the rock chips. On mine, I have the entire front end covered with film up to the front tires. I should have put more film on the hood, but too late now.

 

Ah yes that makes sense. And I’m just remembering that I do have clear film on some parts that came when I bought it. Front end and around the door handles. That’s a good idea. Thanks!

 

I had a thought: since yours is 2WD, do you have mudflaps behind each tire? Mine does, and it really helps keep the rocks from slinging up the side of the truck. I assume yours does, but thought I should ask.

Another thing that might help, is a running board between the front and rear tires - kind of like a step. Toyota sells one that is not that expensive.

 

Just so you know, a wrap is 4-6 grand. It’s not cheap.

 

I have a white 2023 ORP now for like 16 months and feel I have more chips on it now in 16 months then my 2007 camry I had for 11 years. Was just looking at my mother in laws 2007 camry today and it maybe has 2-3 chips on it. I probably have 15-20 the ORP. Some chips are in weird random unexpected places on side of car too. Very odd. Ive been test driving some used 4Runner limited at dealership these past few weeks and seems the other colors I drove that were all 2-3 years old all had less chips and looked in better shape than my white paint. I was thinking of doing a clearbra but figured for the price id be better off trading in for a different color 4runner maybe. Plus I m wanting a limited.

 

I do have running boards but mud flaps are a good idea too.

I wanted a limited originally but also wanted new and had to cut cost somewhere. Let me know if you end up going for an older limited!

 

They have a 4R at the local dealership wrapped in matt black that looks insane, might have to do this in a few years.

 

I have a buddy who has a side gig wrapping vehicles and he's going to wrap front and rear bumpers, and both sides of the 4runner with some of the 10mm ppf and will run 6mm on the hood and tailgate. He says the 10 mm can protect the paint from larger impacts even if the body gets a dent in it. I am not worried about larger impacts but would like to protect it from pin striping so I don't have to buff the car out as often.

 

If you don't drive much a wrap can be an option, but it's still going to get chips in it too. It seems wrapped vehicles are usually show cars and rarely driven.

 

I did a track wrap on my 23 Pro. It covers most where the 4runner gets chipped. Also I had my 19 Corvette years ago fully wrapped. I have no plans of getting rid of either.

 

I just purchased mine in February, and it is wrapped. I am doing research on care and maintenance, have never owned a wrapped vehicle. Will let you know how it ages. So far no issues. O

 

Looks great!

 

The 2wd is lower in the front than a 4wd, about 3/4" or so. This isnt a big deal really its just different front springs. You can easily fit an aftermarket tire just have better looks than the OEM tires if you like.

Certainly having the mud flaps helps, and running boards helps, but rock chips happen and there isnt much you can do about it. We had a Lexus done in the past with the 3M clear film, the protective wrap that is supposed to stop rock chips but the rock chips still happened, AND when the rocks ding the film, it creates a hole in the film and water and road grime get in the holes and between the film and the paint. We paid a lot to have it done only to have to pay a lot more to have it taken off about 3 years later. I have seen tons of people switching to the clear film to protect the paint, some claim self healing, some are thicker, some are exotic plastics, ect ect. Friend of mine had a brand new Bronco done, including the windshield to stop rock chips and got a busted windshield within 3 days. I am not sold on any of the wraps protecting like they are supposed to

 

Ah good info. Thanks.