I noticed in a few of the Forum pictures, some people have installed what looks like a fabric rock guard on the lower front corners of their Escape. Is this a factory option, does this work, and is it even necessary, as I don't see it on too many?
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
They are vinyl, with a thin foam backing, or at least mine are.
After five years, mine look pretty beat up, stained, dirty. I only put them on if I'm running 35k of gravel road.
But, I'm also not that concerned with a few rock chips.
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What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
I believe they come standard if you do not get the front storage box. The box has a LineX coating and absorbs the impact of objects.
The covers are fastened with snaps and remove easily. Particularly easy if you lube the snaps with a little silicone spay and only use a flat blade to pry the stubborn ones, versus pulling them off. I have had my local canvas shop replace a few snaps I forced.
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Paul and Janet Braun
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 now 2012 Toyota Sequoia V8
Escape 19' 2010 now 2014 Escape 21'