Hey Everyone, Im looking at examples and ideas for the rear bumper protectors on the Prius V. The Plug-In Prius, and Liftbacks have the Prius Appliqué like this but has anyone done anything different? does the appliqué really protect well? I have 2 large dogs and sometimes they are lazy and hit the rear bumper and Id like to protect it as best as possible. thanks for all the feedback in advance.
You came to the right place. Hurry on over to the shop here and order one of these: PriusChat Shop : 2012-2013 Toyota Prius v Rear Bumper Protector [00016-47120] - $48.99 They are a bit tricky to instal correctly, thanks to the ultra sticky 3M adhesive. Before you peel that tape off and permanently stick the thing to your bumper, take the time to lay it out and position it using masking tape to mark the bumper. Then CAREFULLY position it without letting it touch the bumper before sticking it down. Done right it looks like a factory job and is very handsome. It may show up twisted like mine did, just lay it on a flat table with some weights on it for a couple days.
Agree with "jdgrimes"......the "applique cover" offers limited protection, go with the hard cover....
Yes, I think if we are talking about dogs coming and going out of the back, I'd go with the heavier, thicker bumper protector instead of the applique type. My fear would be that eventually the dogs claws would start to scratch up the applique.
Ha, my dogs never even touch the bumper when they fly in and out, I have it there to protect the bumper from ME. That, and because it looks very nice. It makes a statement: "This car works for a living."
I found this install to be very easy. I didn't even measure. There are, I believe, 15 notches on the bumper guard. You simply open the hatch and line up the 8th notch (the one right in the middle) dead center with the latch where the hatch locks. Take the tape off and set it down by first tilting it up on the bumper as close as you can to the cargo area, then just tilt it towards yourself and stick it. I haven't measured but it looks to be completely centered.
Centering is not the issue, spacing away from the hatch is the issue. The outside lip on the protector needs to hang over the edge of the bumper. Putting it too close to the hatch makes that impossible. It needs about 3/16" of spacing, but its easy to gauge if you do some placement with the tapes still on.
I see what you mean now that I look closely...the lip could have overhung a bit further, but I'm honestly not sure if I'd rather have that hanging over the bumper a bit more and leaving a small space on the top uncovered. The fit is not affected really.
I did just the opposite, centered fine, just hanging off the bumper about 3/8 of an inch. Oh well looks fine
I plan on getting the hard/thick plastic cover as the appliqué is very lightweight when it comes to durability against dogs and being the family workhorse.
I'm glad I went with the black plastic bumper protector. Did my first road trip with the dog earlier this week and when he was jumping in and out of the car, he would end up using the bumper. Can't imagine the scratches I would've had without them!
I have the Prius V Appliqué but I just ordered a hard plastic bumper cover. Should I remove the Appliqué and stick on the bumper cover or just attach it without removing the appliqué ?
Doesn't really matter either way. If the applique is easy enough to remove then do so. If it's stuck on there for good, leave it. the plastic guard uses 3 strips of super sticky 3M tape to hold it down.
I peeled off the appliqué (dealer wasted $65 and passed it on to me) and stuck on the plastic guard. I did some practice before making the final stick on. Success and it looks great.
