Rain Guards for Front and Rear Windows + the Hood Bug Deflector on 5th Gen 4Runner
Well, it has been three years later and I am finally writing a review of the rain guards. This was the very first addition that I made to the 4Runner when I brought it home.
I remember having the rain guards on my 3rd Gen 4Runner (1999 SR5 – Green) and I loved them. At the time, I was 16 and was a full-time smoker, so they came in handy when I had the cig in my hand.
But, you will always have problems when you are a smoker. I still had burn holes all over the headliner of that 4Runner from smoking. But, the rain guards and window deflectors did help with keeping the rain out and letting the fresh air in.
I am not a smoker anymore, I did vape for a short period of time and then I quit. These come in handy for any vaper. They are also useful for a handful of other things.
No matter what you are using these for, smoking, letting in fresh air while it’s raining, vaping, reducing wind noise, or just looking to cool off your parked car when sitting in the sun, these things are great.
Where To Buy? – Several Options From AVS
- Hood Deflectors
- Bugflector II: Check Price
- Aeroskin: Check Price
- Rain Guards
- Low Profile Ventvisor: Check Price
- In-Channel Ventvisor: Check Price
- Tape On Ventvisor: Check Price
The rain guards and window deflectors are kind of a staple for every 4Runner, in my opinion. They definitely add to the overall look.
Rain Guard Benefits
There are many benefits to these, but I will jot my favorites below.
- Keeping rain out while window is cracked
- Great for Smokers/ Vapers
- Letting cool air in while heater is on
- Reducing wind noise while window is slightly cracked (this is huge)
- Instantly removing fogged up windshield when cracked
- Circulate fresh air
- Solid low profile design
- Can block sun in certain situations
- Made of tinted high-grade acrylic (UV and scratch resistant)
- Installs in minutes using pre-applied 3M automotive-grade tape
- Car wash safe and made in the USA
- Lifetime warranty
Low Profile Rain Guards and Window Deflectors
They also call this thing a Ventvisor? I have never called it that but to each their own
What I like about this particular set is that they are an incredibly low profile set-up. Low profile is just about the complete vision of my entire 4Runner, so this fits right in. Although this is an incredibly simple mod, it does serve its purpose.
The AVS low profile Ventvisor is the go-to in our community. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, this product is sure to last the weather at hand. And, it has. I have had these on the 5th Gen Trail 4Runner for a little over three years now and there is absolutely not one complaint. Check their reviews also, top notch.
Easy to Install
AVS has designed these to be added in minutes. All you do is peel off the 3M backing and slap them on. Incredibly easy, just like the emblem kit. They fit incredibly snug and secure. As I said, it has been three years and they have sat in the same place this entire time. The Ventvisors have not budged a 1/4 inch.
Different Brands and Options
There are plenty of options out there but the one we are talking about with the link above is probably the best. If you are wondering, here you go:
- Auto Ventshade
- Auto Dynasty
- Cuztom Tuning
- DNA MOTORING
- AUTEX
- TuningPros
While some of these companies make decent rain guards, the majority sticks with AVS. There is a reason why Auto Ventshade (AVS) has the most reviews, the highest reviews, and the most uploads of 4Runners.
Keeps Fresh Air In and the Rain Out
The important thing for most owners is keeping the rain out. When you are on-road or off-road and it’s raining or snowing, you still need some fresh air. You need air for a number of reasons.
Most importantly so you can breath fresh air and not have your cabin be so stuffy, also fresh air keeps your windows clear. Having a set of these on the trail a huge benefit when you are exploring nature in so-so weather.
Rain Guards and Window Deflectors (Are they for you?)
These are not for everyone, but I like them. If you are the smoking or vaping type, they are a must. If you like letting fresh air in while it’s raining, you should grab them. If reducing wind noise while driving and having fresh air is important, I would grab a set. There are many reasons why these work so well for so many people but the choice is up to you!
Any original Toyota one from Japan?
Did you get the in channel ones or the outside mounted?
Outside mounted – 3m tape sticks on the outside window trim.
I just installed the Auto Ventshade 25053 Bugflector on my ’17 SR5. Easy install and looks great. Thanks for another great recommendation.
which window visor fits flush together where it the colum meets
I bought a set of the AVS original. They seemed short when dry fitting them to the front window. Did you line up the front first then had to bring the top down so the back can properly stick? Looks a little odd having the vent so far down on the 4Runners black window trim. Any close up pictures of your set up?
Hi Brenan, in the pictures do you have the AVS bugflector 23071 or the AVS bugflector 25053 on yours? Thanks!
I have the Auto Ventshade 25053 Bugflector.
Thank you! You just solved a lot of headache and wasted time for me. Love your posts btw. Most helpful on the internet. I bought a 2014 4Runner a couple of months ago so this is all new to me. You’re a huge help.
Brenan, can you confirm the model of the window deflectors that are in the pictures? I just bought the low profile from AVS and they are too low profile for my liking.
Just for the sake of clarity to potential buyers, the model shown on your truck above is:
“Auto Ventshade 94242 Original Ventvisor Side Window Deflector Dark Smoke, 4-Piece Set for 2010-2018 Toyota 4Runner.”
However, when you mention below “The AVS low profile Ventvisor is the go-to in our community…” This is misleading as the ones you show on your truck are not actually the “Low Profile” model.
That is: “Auto Ventshade 894027 Low Profile Dark Smoke Ventvisor Side Window Deflector, 4-Piece Set for 2010-2018 Toyota 4Runner.”
They serve the same purpose but actually look quite a bit different to each other when installed.
It’s a small difference, but it IS noticeable.
Cheers!
Which one is better?
Bryce, good looking man. Thanks, that was my bad.
William,
Yeah, the 5th Gen 4Runner rain guards are awesome. I love them. They serve a ton of purposes that you don’t really notice sometimes. They are definitely a must-buy for the 4Runner in my opinion.
Hey Brenan,
Thank you for the great article. I just bought a new 5th Gen TRD Off Road Premium and have been slowly modifying the exterior. I really like the look of the 4R in the photos shown in this article. I am specifically interested in the wheel / tire specs and the type of lift / leveling kit or both that is installed. Do you mind sharing the specs for both if applicable? I am new to all of this and just trying to gather as much information as possible before I pull the trigger.
Thanks in advance for any information you are able to provide. Hopefully the 4R in the pics is yours!
— Judd
At that time, just the Icon Stage 2 at 3″ in the front and the Toyo 34″ tires (lots of rubbing).
I got the Weathertech deflectors and rain guards installed on my 5th gen. Took like 10 minutes to get it on, super easy mod. My feelings for it is (aside from looks) that it is a relatively cheap mod you can get with usable functions. For highway driving, rain, or just ventilation the rain guards are great. With the rain guards on, I can also leave my windows with a slight crack during hot weathers for heat venting.
As for the front deflector, to me that is just a nice cosmetic touch especially if you have a white or silver 4runner. With all the chips and dings from rocks, a little bug deflector doesn’t really matter at that point, haha.