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Rear bumper appliqué application?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Peter3232, May 22, 2024.

  1. Peter3232

    Peter3232 Junior Member

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    Hi everyone.

    I have two questions about the rear bumper appliqué (PT929-47230) for the 5th gen Prius:

    • What is it like to install? I looked at the directions and it doesn’t seem difficult, but firsthand knowledge will still be valuable/appreciated.
    • What is its durability? I’m thinking of buying two, one for the normal location and another to apply to the lower panel of the hatch trunk. The reason I’m considering this is because I want to occasionally use a Saris Bones EX trunk bike rack on my 2024 Prius Prime SE and having a barrier between the legs and the paint may help mitigate the likelihood of paint scratches.
    Any thoughts on these two questions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. RandyPete

    RandyPete Member

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    Any pics of a rear bumper applique ?
     
    GcinFl likes this.
  3. Peter3232

    Peter3232 Junior Member

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    IMG_6478.jpeg
     
  4. PhoS

    PhoS Active Member

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    Not that hard to install. If you want to do it right you'll need some baby shampoo, a spray bottle , and a plastic squeegee. Youtube has a bunch of vids on how to install protection films.

    Personally I would probably just get some 3M clear vinyl instead and save a bunch of money. You can get a roll for like 15 bucks from the usual suspects
     
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  5. Peter3232

    Peter3232 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the suggestion! I just looked this up and it is far less expensive.

    Now the next thing I’m waiting to hear about is the use of this PPF with rear bike racks like the Saris Bones EX.
     
  6. PhoS

    PhoS Active Member

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    Yes you can use PPF for the rack. The rack will still probably scuff the PPF over time but at least it's replaceable. I would be more concerned about the hooks. Looking at the back of the Prius it's less than ideal for those types of racks. I definitely would not be placing any of the hooks on the glass, or any mounting points against the rear plastic trims. A roof or hitch mount rack would probably be a better choice.
     
  7. Peter3232

    Peter3232 Junior Member

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    Thank you for the feedback!

    I totally understand that a hitch rack is the way to go; unfortunately, the owners manual is pretty clear about not installing a hitch (from what I recall, anyway).

    As for the roof rack, I’m not a tall individual, so getting a bike mounted on the top of a vehicle, even one with a roofline like the 5th gen Prius, can be a bit a bit struggle.

    Those two things said, I totally get your sentiment with the mounting points for the straps. I’m less concerned with the L/R mounting points because I think those can be mounted on the sides of the hatch rear panel. But the top mounting points give me pause, because the glass portion of the hatch is the only thing up there. I’m honestly not sure if this is a deal breaker.
     
  8. PhoS

    PhoS Active Member

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    I think that statement in the manual is purely from a liability standpoint. You will find similar statements in the manuals of vehicles that have towed millions of miles at this point. I have towed trailers on much lesser vehicles than our Priuses. While I wouldn't attempt tow anything substantial I think there is little risk with with a light load on a well designed hitch adapter. The Torklift for example says 200lb tongue weight which I think is on the conservative side. A small two arm rack with 2-3 bikes on it should still be well under that figure. Torklift Central | Toyota Prius trailer hitch by EcoHitch®

    Here's the manual blurb if you want to read it again.

    upload_2024-5-23_12-41-30.png
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    One thing that bugs me: when bike racks mounted on trailer hitches, obscuring license plate and/or turn signals and brake lights.