Radiator Protector?

With the large grill openings on the new Taco there is little to inhibit insect and debris penetration of the radiator. Has anyone installed something like this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_DBsf0N8z8

 

Is much of the actual radiator exposed?

Between the transmission cooler and AC condenser already in front of it I'm not sure I'd want more airflow restriction.

 

No. Would it help? Sure, but then you need to carry two spare tires because one could go flat. You need to carry an extra battery. You need to carry all tools. You need to carry additional brake lines and brake fluid. You need to carry an axle and wheel bearing and and and...
Point is, could it protect your radiator? Yes but it really isn't a problem.

 

Interesting idea, my Father in law used to be a radiator guy and I noticed he had something similar rigged up in front of his F150 rad. Thanks for sharing that.

 

My old dodge 12valve had bug screen along the inside of the engine using the hood bumpstops to hold it down. It was an ingenious idea my uncle had since I bought the truck from him and he babied it.

 

Pointless response. He isn't saying carry an extra Radiator... Protect what you have, and make's for easy cleaning. With the size of the opening in 18 grille, it's a great suggestion.

 

It may all depend on where you live. Already some bashing going on?

 

No, not bashing, just clarifying what OP was getting at. Cleaning bugs out of radiators sucks.

 

You could always go really cheap......use panty hose to line the backside of your grill, it’s easily replaceable too.

 

After 30K miles i have no bugs to speak of in my radiator and i live in a buggy area. I thought the OP wanted to use it as protection from rocks and debris, hence my initial response. Holing a radiator is a very infrequent thing, likes flats or puncturing a brake line.

 

I agree. I live by the lake and based on the fact that I use more windshield washer fluid approx 3-4X in the summer compared to what I use in the winter to keep the windshield clear plus multiple car washes because the wipers alone can’t keep up I would be an ideal candidate for a screen if actually needed. No need the rad is clean. Just think about that. 2 jugs for Oct to April. 6-8 for May / June to September.

If that isn’t enough proof I keep tear open pouches of glass wipes in my motorcycle jacket because I can’t drive the 30 minutes to the city without stopping to wipe my helmet visor clean.

 

Ever had the experience of driving through a "bug tsunami"? Had to get off the highway and find a high-pressure wash. No it does not stop rocks but... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9SC1nFRiNg

 

When I had a 96 Tacoma the radiator fins got so damaged from road rocks the dealer replaced it under warranty. Since then I have always installed a shield behind the grill and in front of the radiator. Where I live has a lot of gravel and dirt roads coupled with tire tread seems to be the perfect width to pick up rocks. When I got my 2017 TRD Off Road I installed a radiator protector. One picture shows the material I used, steel perforated with holes. The second picture shows the installation. The current installation was done in pieces so I didn't have to remove the grill. Not he best workmanship but you get the idea.

 

Let those bugs get in there, just wash them out! Do not let those bugs show you who is boss!!!!

 

Bingo, gravel and dirt roads.

 

Local picture of fish flies. I think I know what a lot of bugs are and no my truck still doesn’t need a rad bug protector.

 

LMAO! Well spoken.

 

I have never ever had issues with bugs gumming up the radiator. Or even rocks hitting it. Those that have experienced rock hits on gravel roads, how does that happen? Are you following that close to the vehicle in front of you? I keep a good distance. And never had issues on many many miles of dirt and gravel.

This is akin to catch cans, in my opinion. Not needed.

 

During fish fly “season” all outdoor lights are turned off. All outdoor timers are put in standby. There are 10’dia. rings of dead fish flies around all streetlights. As you drive it sounds like you are on bubble wrap.

 

Yup, locally we have crunchy mayflies annually and ciciada cyclically that dogpile around street lights in town.