Mud Flaps; Protective film needed for XLT plastic trim?

[beanzie]

Hello,

I purchased a set of no-drill weathertech mud flaps, and they came with a clear protective strip of plastic to stop the flaps from damaging painted surfaces.

Only issue is that I have an XLT with the hard plastic trim around the wheel well, so I'm not sure if A) they are needed at all, and B) will the film even stick?

If anyone has installed mud flaps with or without the protective film, please let me know!

https://www.weathertech.com/ford/2021/ranger/mudflap-no-drill-digitalfit/

Thank you,

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[dmenace1]

I have the same set of splash guards on my Ranger, but did not use the clear plastic film.

“To each his own”…..you decide

 

[IdahoRanger]

I did not use them either.

 

[Trigganometry]

They came with my flaps both front and rear. I have an XLT with sport/black package. So all my flares are painted body color. Wet surface and then skid them around to get them placed properly. Then squeegee out until it stays where you want it. As water evaporates it lays right down even on uneven surfaces. Then put on the flap. This acts as a buffer so fine sand doesn’t get in and rub the paint right off.

I found more importantly is getting the proper sized shims they provide so it sits right minimizing that gap I just spoke of.

 

[Jacob]

How are y’all liking the flaps? I know they are hard plastic instead of rubber. I’m looking at getting some now that I have the step bar on the side

 

[beanzie]

How are y’all liking the flaps? I know they are hard plastic instead of rubber. I’m looking at getting some now that I have the step bar on the side

I finally installed the WeatherTech mats, and I F**ked around with the stupid plastic film for wayyyyyyy longer than I should have. Ended up ripping off all the film, and it was pretty straightforward once that nonsense was out of the way.

I'm happy with the performance after a couple days in the snow, I just wish they would tell customers not to worry about the film if they don't have a painted surface (like the XLT ranger). Looking back it seems sort of common sense, but I even called WeatherTech and they said that I should be fine to install it (making me think I should install them).

Without them, I've had tons of snow buildup on the running boards, and I've already seen a chip in the paint that wouldve been avoided if I didnt want so long to install.

Hope you find a set you like!

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