I have been ordered to buy a "bug deflector"

[GOCAMPN]

I had this one installed on my JKU a few years ago, it has the upswept back and is a flexible plastic:
Hood Bug Deflector | Rugged Ridge

I have this one now, much more rigid thick plastic and has that little channel instead of an upsweep:
AVS 436148 Aeroskin II for 18-20 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT | Quadratec

I wouldn't say from my experience that either one is more effective. They obviously don't stop everything, on roadtrips both of my windshields still get peppered in bugs and both windshields have been hit by a rock hard enough to spider. I'm sure the airflow manipulation effects a little bit, but certainly not a catch-all.

They both protect the front lip of the hood though, which is a major plus.

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[Trickster]

They both protect the front lip of the hood though, which is a major plus.

And that is about all any of these “hood protectors” do.
Real bug deflectors are much taller.
Not enough of a aerodynamic change with these little deflectors.

 

[4xjeepr]

I had this one installed on my JKU a few years ago, it has the upswept back and is a flexible plastic:
Hood Bug Deflector | Rugged Ridge

I have this one now, much more rigid thick plastic and has that little channel instead of an upsweep:
AVS 436148 Aeroskin II for 18-20 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT | Quadratec

I wouldn't say from my experience that either one is more effective. They obviously don't stop everything, on roadtrips both of my windshields still get peppered in bugs and both windshields have been hit by a rock hard enough to spider. I'm sure the airflow manipulation effects a little bit, but certainly not a catch-all.

They both protect the front lip of the hood though, which is a major plus.

That's the one I want to get!

 

[yushjr]

My Mopar bug deflector doesn't deflect bugs......maybe I'll just quit driving the Gladiator.....NOT

 

[LostAggie]

I have a Mojave so probably different perspective but the Bushwhacker didn’t hold on well but the Mopar fits great.

 

[slim chance]

here is the one i have on both our JTs ... easy to install ..... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQVWRWM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

[ilovebikes99]

@ShadowsPapa any feedback on the MOPAR one?

 

[azmojave]

Lighted
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07Q...d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

 

[ShadowsPapa]

@ShadowsPapa any feedback on the MOPAR one?

I've noticed a lot depends on the wind - and the type of bug. The big ones still splat but are mostly on the top 2/3 while most smaller bugs hit in the upper half and the front of the roof catches a ton of bugs. Wish there was a way to easily test with, then without, on the exact same path.

It's not a miracle but I do feel it's moved the bulk of the bugs up higher on a more calm day.
And there's a lot of hits on the deflector itself.

Before I bought my MOPAR deflector I spent an evening (literally, TV was boring) digging and seeing - do they REALLY do anything, or not.
What I found as far as individual "anecdotal" "evidence" was that it's a mix. Those who say they don't help were much more vocal, almost rabid about it.
But digging into the non-forum, non-personal "do they work" areas - I found out that many companies have actually designed theirs using wind tunnels and now there's enough information about those tests, and combined with the computer design technology today, many for specific vehicles are designed using computers and virtual wind tunnel testing.
The worst ones are the ones that are more vertical. Several articles said that those of years past that stick up are the worst and do little as the air is pulled back down shortly behind them, having little impact on deflecting.
It's funny because the individuals who say "they don't work" are saying so because "they don't stick up enough".

When spring comes will be a big tell and I'll get more pictures. I have great photos of the truck covered in bugs skid plate to windshield. I note the bug deflector gets really messy and the front of the roof gets a lot more messy than it used to. Is that an indication the bugs have at least been shifted up a bit?

 

[domingjm]

I've noticed a lot depends on the wind - and the type of bug. The big ones still splat but are mostly on the top 2/3 while most smaller bugs hit in the upper half and the front of the roof catches a ton of bugs. Wish there was a way to easily test with, then without, on the exact same path.

It's not a miracle but I do feel it's moved the bulk of the bugs up higher on a more calm day.
And there's a lot of hits on the deflector itself.

Before I bought my MOPAR deflector I spent an evening (literally, TV was boring) digging and seeing - do they REALLY do anything, or not.
What I found as far as individual "anecdotal" "evidence" was that it's a mix. Those who say they don't help were much more vocal, almost rabid about it.
But digging into the non-forum, non-personal "do they work" areas - I found out that many companies have actually designed theirs using wind tunnels and now there's enough information about those tests, and combined with the computer design technology today, many for specific vehicles are designed using computers and virtual wind tunnel testing.
The worst ones are the ones that are more vertical. Several articles said that those of years past that stick up are the worst and do little as the air is pulled back down shortly behind them, having little impact on deflecting.
It's funny because the individuals who say "they don't work" are saying so because "they don't stick up enough".

When spring comes will be a big tell and I'll get more pictures. I have great photos of the truck covered in bugs skid plate to windshield. I note the bug deflector gets really messy and the front of the roof gets a lot more messy than it used to. Is that an indication the bugs have at least been shifted up a bit?

You're thinking that the Mopar version is appropriately developed and tested? Any others?

 

[Mball488]

I don't know about yall, but when I drive and a bug hits the windshield I can see that sucker coming from a mile away. They always B-line straight over the hood, so I don't know how well a bud deflector and a vertical windshield pair with one another.

 

[sep]

More a style thing than functional. I just like the look. Have them on both Jeeps.

 

[Blade1668]

I put the "Weather Tech" one on it might help some... but living near cattle, chicken farms and horses it's a "wash" driving near dusk. A few sections of roads it looks like a fog bank but it's bugs.

 

[WanderingJ]

Going to bring this thread back again. I attempted to install the mopar one last night and Im curious, was it a PITA for others to install? The black clips slide into the hoods holes but I dont think they are on enough, even with tapping them like directions state. Once they slide on, you then have to push in white clips into those for the screws but theres not enough space. It was abit cold so I'll try again when warmer.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Going to bring this thread back again. I attempted to install the mopar one last night and Im curious, was it a PITA for others to install? The black clips slide into the hoods holes but I dont think they are on enough, even with tapping them like directions state. Once they slide on, you then have to push in white clips into those for the screws but theres not enough space. It was abit cold so I'll try again when warmer.

Zero problems here. Mine has been on two Gladiators. I removed it from my 2020 and put it on my 2022 when it came in. Dealer wanted the '20 stripped back to stock.
The nylon clips do work best when warm.
Maybe even put them in your pocket while working on the hood to get them warmed up

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