Spare Tire Rods Scratch Paint

Fair warning to everyone. The factory rods to lower and raise your spare tire will scratch your trucks paint to the bare metal. Then you have to worry about rust. The paint will chip at the rectangular insert in between the tailgate and bumper. You could get a good angle on it by opening the tailgate. Make sure to apply primer if you see bare metal. Then you could apply touch up paint and clear coat afterwards. What you DONT want to do is leave the bare metal exposed. Given the location of that, it will rust before no time.

I suggest using a shop rag between the rod and frame of truck to prevent from chipping your paint.

DO NOT open your tailgate with the rods inserted. It will dent and chip your tailgate!

 

Yeah I just removed my spare off my truck and will store it in bed. I’ll double check that hole. Thanks

 

so sad to see this...Although its a little different, One of the reasons why I said from the get go do not put anything on the bumper...too easy to drop tailgate on objects. I don't even set drinks on my bumper.

 

I set a headlamp on mine and forgot it!!

luckily I just had to buff out the scratch.

 

From experience on other pickups, even an accumulation of snow or ice can cause a dent in the tailgate if you lower it without clearing the bumper. Fortunately we have the damper to slow it down.

 

I’d think door edge protector would work but maybe the metal is too thin there? Could also try the 3M version that’s just a clear film.

$14 QBUC Car Door Edge Guards,13Ft(4M) Rubber Clip Seal U Shape Edge Trim Guard Protection Car Door Protection Fit for Most Models

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6T7M4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_B93FNPPWH1T92D0H6EX5
3M Door Edge Protection Film, 08582, 36 Inch

$11 3M Door Edge Protection Film, 36", Protect Door Edges From Chips, Scratches, and Scuffs, No Tool Required, Yellowing and Staining Resistant, Professional Grade Solution (08582)

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00650N...abc_20JPPTKM9M69SYBA4QAJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

Instead of trying to find a grommet that fits the access hole in the body, install the rod, make a mark where it meets the metal, and wrap some protectant around the rod. I used a piece of rubber ice shield, works great.

 

Tilly is definitely an outside of the box thinker!

 

^^^
This is what I did when I had a spare under the bed.