Does anybody know if the plastic bug deflectors used on F150s have any problems? Also do they work or are they just cosmetic and expensive toys?

Opie
2000 F150 4.2v6
Std Cab
Std Bed

 

I have a Lund deflector on mine and have never had a problem in the 3 years it's been there.

As far as function goes, I would suggest they are of limited use. However, whatever makes you enjoy your ride more is usually worth the cost. Mine was about $60 CDN, or $38 US. Not too costly at all.

Enjoy!
/Kris

 

I've got one that came with my truck. I drove with it for a few weeks before I had a clear bra put on. After I had the clear bra put on I didn't put the bug deflector back on. A few days after I noticed I had a lot of bug build up on the windshield. Put it back on and see a lot less bugs splashed on the windshield than without it. I'd still do the clear bra on a new truck because it covers more than the leading edge of the hood but the bug deflector sure cuts down on the number of bugs that make it to the windshield. Only thing I've noticed about my bug shlied is it has worn the paint off the little shelf (isn't that the technical term!) that the front of the hood covers in the engine compartment. Otherwise I haven't had any problems with mine.

My $0.02 worth.

Cheleri

 

Be warned: the first bug deflector I had on my F-150 was one of the kind that, rather than maintain its curve along the top of the hood, flared almost straight up at the trailing edge. Result: at Interstate speeds the windshield trim (rubber piece) along the top of the windshield would vibrate, hum, and rattle (if a piece of rubber can rattle.) Eventually I replaced it with one of the "sleek" contoured type. No more annoying sounds from the windshield molding.
Brian A

 

Well, I installed a FORD contoured bug deflector when I bought my truck and liked the look. It was the shorter kind; the one that does not cover out over the front of the fender area. It does rub on the top front of the area under the edge of the hood, as it appears there is not enough space there for the formed thickness of the deflector.

BUT; as much as I thought it looked good, it didn't really seem to deflect much of anything larger than a flea, and was a pain to clean under. I think the contour design just doesn't give enough upward draft to force light rain and bugs up enough to clear the roof. (The ones they sell for the older model Crown Vics really worked pretty good, as they were nearly straight up sheets of Plexiglas. But I'm sure they cut down a lot on the gas mileage, too.) Also the little rubber sticky pads that they give you to make sure it doesn't rub on the outside of the hood don't stay on too well after awhile in the sun and stuff, and then, at least on the deflector I had, some areas near the end of the deflector can vibrate and scuff the paint.

The worst thing was, though, that in the winter here, when any snow is left on the roof, the paint is so slick that shortly after the heater warms up the cab, all of it comes down over the windshield when you stop. The deflector (yes I did leave it on in the winter) stops the snow and it covers the windshield, not to mention bending the deflector a lot (which didn't hurt it though). Once, I had to pull over in a panic because I couldn't see anything! Without the deflector any snow or ice sheet slides down and usually right over the wipers and off the front of the hood. Normally cleaning off the snow is best I know, but sometimes either I forgot or an ice storm leaves a sheet of ice on top that doesn't come off until the top of the cab warms up, but by then it's too late.

Long story, but I took it off mainly because it trapped snow and ice and I like it better that way now. So I have a nice smoke-colored FORD deflector in my gargage someone can have pretty cheap if they are local to N.E Mass.!