Bug deflectors

[kjjz28]

I'm looking at installing a "low profile" bug deflector on my GMC 2500 and would like some feedback. I've researched Deflecta-Shield (Concept II, Magnum & LX2000), Lund (Avenger, Trident, X-terminator) and Auto Vent Shade (Bugflector II). There are several models but I'm not sure which is best. Any comments on brand and the best place to purchase would be appreciated. Thanks!

[lrymal]

Honestly, I don't think ANY of them work, other than deflecting bugs/rocks from the hood area they are covering.

 

When we have the love-bugs raining in the area, the windshield is just as covered with and without these shields. Just my opinion.....

[kjjz28]

I guess I should've added that my biggest concern is protection of the hood and any decrease in bug smashers on the w/s would be an added benefit!

[blue2kzr2]

I had an EGR brand on my old truck. It was a clamp-on using existing holes, no fresh drilling and no tape. Makes removal easier to get leaves and such out from behind it. Not sure where you could buy one, maybe JC Whitney. You'd have to research what one you want, I'm not sure how low-profile they go.

[Frank S]

I've got Stampede's on both of my trucks. They both mount into existing holes using neoprene carriers so no tape or drilling required there either.

[JRHDCrew]

I put on the GM one, it seems to follow the contour of the hood better.

It also mounts easily without drilling.

Also went with the GM vent visors, got a good price from the dealer when I bought the truck.

 

JR

[Ron J]

I got mine from Cabella's. they had some in colors. I put a black one on the black truck & a white one on the white truck. My 2002 got chips on the hood on my first short trip (3 years ago). I thought a grey tinted one stuck out like a sore thumb on the white truck.

[jeb]

I also got mine from Cabela's. It's the American Flag one. You can see it on my 04 Yukon XL link at the bottom of this post. Install was super easy using existing holes. No drilling. Part of the price of this bug shield goes to the New York Police, Fire Widows & Children's Fund, too.

[dcalex]

I've had cars & trucks with & without the deflectors. It's a tossup in my opinion whether they're worth it. Yes, they keep a lot, not all, the bugs off your windshield. They also trap pine needles and leaves and other junk. But if your in snow country, I'd really think twice about it. Makes it hard to get the snow off the hood (no more letting the hood warm up and then dumping it at the 1st stop sign you come to ) and if you decide to just leave the snow on, then your driving down the road with your wipers on. This is definitely a "different strokes for different folks" kind of thing.

[Supurban]

I'm looking at installing a "low profile" bug deflector on my GMC 2500 and would like some feedback.  I've researched Deflecta-Shield (Concept II, Magnum & LX2000), Lund (Avenger, Trident, X-terminator) and Auto Vent Shade (Bugflector II).  There are several models but I'm not sure which is best.  Any comments on brand and the best place to purchase would be appreciated.  Thanks!

 

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You might want to consider the 3M paint protection film from this thread on bug deflectors or paint protection film.

 

[Halen5150]

Honestly, I don't think ANY of them work, other than deflecting bugs/rocks from the hood area they are covering.

 

When we have the love-bugs raining in the area, the windshield is just as covered with and without these shields.  Just my opinion.....

 

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C'mon, anyone can tell by looking at the design of a bug guard that it's not going to protect your windshield. They do exactly what they're designed to do. I bought the Auto Ventshade for my '00 about six months ago at O'Reilly auto parts. The total price was $48 and some change. The install takes less than five minutes, just snap it in place and tighten the screws and your done. I like my AVS bug guard, but if I had to buy another one I'd go with a Stampede.

[lrymal]

C'mon, anyone can tell by looking at the design of a bug guard that it's not going to protect your windshield. 

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Guess I'm a gullible sort. Auto VentShade's advertisement reads: "Improve the look of your vehicle as well as protecting your investment. Prevents damage to the hood, windshield and fenders from expensive-to-fix nicks and pesky bugs."

 

These things have been advertised for a couple of decades now as not only offering front hood protection, but for directing the airstream in such a way that the bugs, debris, are not as prone to smashing into the windshield.

[PELICAN]

I had one on my 4x4 but do not remember which one it was. As far as how well it performed, well it would sometimes get small rocks and other debris stuck in between the bug deflector and the hood and do not think it work that well. I do not plan on getting one for the truck I have now. just my opinion

[USA1Fan]

I had one on my 4x4 but do not remember which one it was. As far as how well it performed, well it would sometimes get small rocks and other debris stuck in between the bug deflector and the hood and do not think it work that well. I do not plan on getting one for the truck I have now. just my opinion

 

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How did you manage that? I can see maybe getting small leaves or such from trees down in there in the fall (if you park anywhere near trees). But small rocks?

 

The only reason I ask is that practically all the deflectors I've seen for trucks built over the past 5 to 10 years or so are the kind that wrap under the edge of the hood, so I can't see how stuff gets between the hood and deflector except by falling on the hood.

 

Anyway, the deflector I bought for my '04 appears to have two small openings where it meets the hood (coincidentally right where the creases are at the inside edges of the headlights). These appear to let water and such drain out, effectively washing most light debris like small leaves and stuff out too when I wash it. The deflector on my '03 Trailblazer lacked these and I did notice that water could actually stand in the spot where the deflector wrapped under during a wash, so I made a habit of opening the hood after a wash to let it drain, then dried the truck by hand.

[HD for me]

I guess I should've added that my biggest concern is protection of the hood and any decrease in bug smashers on the w/s would be an added benefit! 

 

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3M makes a clear film that is put on the front section of the hood to protect from rock chips. Might check with a window tint shop or a body shop.