Bug shield and mud flaps

PA BRONCO
Jun 15, 2024

Rank 0

Jun 15, 2024

Just two quick questions. For a limited heritage. 2-door.

1. Is the factory aero skin bug shield a good choice?

2. Are mud flaps available for this model? FORD issue or Weathertech no drill or other choices? Do the factory fender flairs provide some protection?

No Ragerts

Jun 15, 2024

#1
Just two quick questions. For a limited heritage. 2-door.

1. Is the factory aero skin bug shield a good choice?

2. Are mud flaps available for this model? FORD issue or Weathertech no drill or other choices? Do the factory fender flairs provide some protection?

Sorry, no input on the bug shield but I can confirm that the Mabett mud-flaps fit perfectly, are inexpensive and work well. Do not rely on the fender flares or running boards to protect the side of your Bronco.

IMG_7036.jpeg
- 2023 Raptor / Shadow Black / MGV (DOB 8/30/23)
- 2023 Heritage Limited Edition / Robin’s Egg Blue / 4dr / (stolen from my dealer 11/15/23)
flavictory, CoastieN70

Rank IV

Jun 15, 2024

#2
For protection of painted surfaces look hard at PPF.
Can even be added to your white grill
Bschurr

Rank 0

Jun 15, 2024

#3
Just two quick questions. For a limited heritage. 2-door.

1. Is the factory aero skin bug shield a good choice?

2. Are mud flaps available for this model? FORD issue or Weathertech no drill or other choices? Do the factory fender flairs provide some protection?

I have an Outer Banks and have the Ford Aeroskin Bug Shield/Deflector. It works as advertised. Before install, bugs galore all over the windshields, now only the most suicidal of bugs are able to end themselves on my windshield and usually above my sight line.
I have IAG mudflaps installed. Not difficult to install and no drill.
flavictory, Deano Bronc

Rank V

Jun 18, 2024

#4
Picking up a new 2023 2 door BD SAS, Mod Bumper, Keyless, Mid pack in MD on Thursday around noon. Jumping in and driving 1000 miles to IL. I have mud guards for the front waiting for me there. Have 2000 miles back to AZ from there. I debated on the bug guard and did my research. I have the dealer installing it tomorrow so I have protection for my break in drive. More for rock chips on the nose and pushing bugs higher up the wind screen.
Past - 87 Suz Sam; 76 ChevBlaz14 Rubi 2 Dr -35's First Auto 4wd. Ox Wht 2dr Base SAS, bumper, Flr-lin, 2.7 aux switches.
EvlNvrDys, CoastieN70

Rank IV

Jun 18, 2024

#5
Picking up a new 2023 2 door BD SAS, Mod Bumper, Keyless, Mid pack in MD on Thursday around noon. Jumping in and driving 1000 miles to IL. I have mud guards for the front waiting for me there. Have 2000 miles back to AZ from there. I debated on the bug guard and did my research. I have the dealer installing it tomorrow so I have protection for my break in drive. More for rock chips on the nose and pushing bugs higher up the wind screen.

Congratulations on your new bronco. I sure agree with your protection for the road trip. My front flaps were on mine immediately after the "it's here" pictures... lol
Might I suggest windshield protection too. Exoshield is my preferred.
Anymore I get that on as fast as I can on my new vehicle.
I've lost a windshield day one of ownership.

Rank IV

Jun 18, 2024

#6
Just two quick questions. For a limited heritage. 2-door.

1. Is the factory aero skin bug shield a good choice?

Yes, big difference might even save your windshield from chipping and cracks

2. Are mud flaps available for this model? FORD issue or Weathertech no drill or other choices? Do the factory fender flairs provide some protection?
Factory flairs provide no protection! When I got my Bronco in 22, mud flaps were going for a premium price, so I went with truck mud flaps from pep boys ($20) and used hose clamps ($3) and fastened them to the crash bars. after 34k they are still working so never changed.

Genius on the cusp of Insanity

Jun 18, 2024

#7
I have the aeroskin on my Badlands Sas, and so far it seems to work. But it wasn't all that effective crossing Kansas on warm August nights! If you get it, 1) place the product on the hood, position it carefully, and outline that position with washable marker. 2) handle the adhesive strips and position them very carefully 3) use FOUR HANDS to place it in position. This is a one-shot process.

Mudflaps: the Mabbet are fine if you don't go rock crawling. But they're rigid, and you'll litter the trail with your broken-off pieces. iAG are the same, and you'll see the same product under other Amazon vendors for even cheaper. Check for July-4 sales.

If you expect to do serious off-roading, then you'll have to spend more for removable or more flexible mudflaps. I have the RokBlokz, which can come off with thumbscrews, and endorse them heartily. Diamondbacks have a loyal following, and you can detach the lower portion, giving you a bit of protection, very handy for when you're on gravel/unpaved road, moving faster (and kicking up rocks). But they're even more expensive.

Last thought: The Goodyear Wrangler/Territories are known as rock-chuckers. They do pick up, hold, then throw rocks. This will diminish after about 5-10K miles, but that's when your truck is new and hasn't any blemishes! Those rocks can also work their way into the ply, causing punctures (flats). Thus, if you're off-roading, you need to drop your psi to about 15-20 pounds, then air up for pavement. So now you need a compressor! I endorse the ThorsLightning.

You did know that this is an expensive hobby when you bought your Bronco, didn't you?

Lots of threads on mudflaps on the other site. Happy trucking!


Rank II

Jun 18, 2024

#8
I have both (Aero Skin II bug deflector and WeatherTech mud flaps).

I'd have to say, in my experience cross country driving a few times, the bug deflector helps push some (not all) bugs over the top. My windshield still gets its fair share of splats, but all in all, it does help. Bonus is that it also protects the front edge of the hood.

As for the WeatherTech mud flaps, they do work fine with my factory steps / running boards up front but I do admit the fit doesn't look good (i.e. gap between top of flap and fender). Mabbets and others have a much better fit, IMO.
4-door WildTrak / Hot Pepper Red / Mod bumper / tow / leather
Res: 7/20/2022 | Order: 2/28/2021 | Built: 7/31/2022 | Delivery: 8/21/2022
Deano Bronc

Rank 0

Jun 21, 2024

#9
I’ve had IAG and RokBlokz For flaps. Prefer the latter for serious wheelin. Although they’re on the pricey side they are tough and very durable. I haven’t put a bug deflector on my Bronco. I added a rider on my insurance for full glass coverage, $200 for three vehicles… far less than a new windshield, eh. Living in CO its only a matter of time with the Bronco having such a vertical windshield. Did put an Aeroskin II on my Mav though and it does mitigate many of the bug hits. Hope you enjoy your 6 Gen Bronco as much as I have.
rws, Deano Bronc

Rank V

Jun 21, 2024

#10
800 miles today MD to IL. Bronco was great on the road. Those who complain about wind noise never owned a convertible. Way better than my Rubicon on 35's by a long shot. Bug shield works great. Zero bugs on the bottom half of the windscreen. No cruise control for break in today so it was a long day on the throttle. First tank of gas- 17MPG dealer tank. Ran two tanks of premium- 18.5 and 18MPg running 70 to 80.
Past - 87 Suz Sam; 76 ChevBlaz14 Rubi 2 Dr -35's First Auto 4wd. Ox Wht 2dr Base SAS, bumper, Flr-lin, 2.7 aux switches.
Marine Vet, Deano Bronc

Rank IV

Jun 21, 2024

#11
800 miles today MD to IL. Bronco was great on the road. Those who complain about wind noise never owned a convertible. Way better than my Rubicon on 35's by a long shot. Bug shield works great. Zero bugs on the bottom half of the windscreen. No cruise control for break in today so it was a long day on the throttle. First tank of gas- 17MPG dealer tank. Ran two tanks of premium- 18.5 and 18MPg running 70 to 80.

Happy for you. The joy of the first few days of ownership and on a road trip too.
Most just bring it home, and look for a reason to drive.
Plus you already started adding stuff. I bet as your trip goes on, so will your shopping list.
Safe travels
Deano Bronc

Rank 0

Jun 21, 2024

#12
800 miles today MD to IL. Bronco was great on the road. Those who complain about wind noise never owned a convertible. Way better than my Rubicon on 35's by a long shot. Bug shield works great. Zero bugs on the bottom half of the windscreen. No cruise control for break in today so it was a long day on the throttle. First tank of gas- 17MPG dealer tank. Ran two tanks of premium- 18.5 and 18MPg running 70 to 80.

800 miles today MD to IL. Bronco was great on the road. Those who complain about wind noise never owned a convertible. Way better than my Rubicon on 35's by a long shot. Bug shield works great. Zero bugs on the bottom half of the windscreen. No cruise control for break in today so it was a long day on the throttle. First tank of gas- 17MPG dealer tank. Ran two tanks of premium- 18.5 and 18MPg running 70 to 80.

Attaboy. Picked up my BL on a Thurs, hit some Rocky Mtn trails on Sat..
rws, Deano Bronc

Rank 0

Jun 21, 2024

#13
Just two quick questions. For a limited heritage. 2-door.

1. Is the factory aero skin bug shield a good choice?

2. Are mud flaps available for this model? FORD issue or Weathertech no drill or other choices? Do the factory fender flairs provide some protection?

There are 2 of those Aeroskin deflectors from Ford. The smoke one being very low profile, you look at it and swear this isnt going to do anything but honestly it works really well. The second trail armor version has a lip thats pretty aggressive. Im sure it works just as well if not better.

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