[StaceySpears]

If you search for "Rav4 front grille mesh" on eBay, several options will come up.
The best one this is, but it is no longer available Bomely Fit Rav4 Front Grille With Mesh Screen Grid Protection For Toyota Rav4 2019 2020 2021 Accessories https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08FDGCNWF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_G6XN7D7X5ZTGN4Z4CJQH

There is a version that looks just like it on eBay, but its expensive.

 

[NoelinColorado]

I wonder why it was not included on the Prime.

I would guess because they rarely will operate--they only open when the ICE warms up ;o)

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

This screen only covers the small part of the vulnerable grille. Is the idea that the short lower area is closer to the road so will be more vulnerable? The upper section has so much more surface area to think about protecting....

Yes--the A/C condenser lower grill is the biggest concern & its more vulnerable. Also the condenser is expensive-maybe about $2k-- and hard to replace. The water/coolant upper radiator is stronger and is relatively easy to replace, and there are no reports in any forums I have seen that report rock damage to it.

 

[old timer]

I did my upper rad with nylon window screen. Very easy to do and cheap. I put it on the inside. The hood latch does not need to be removed. The panel can be bent without damage to remove/install. I haven't done the lower yet, but will try it in the spring.

 

[NoelinColorado]

I did my upper rad with nylon window screen. Very easy to do and cheap. I put it on the inside. The hood latch does not need to be removed. The panel can be bent without damage to remove/install. I haven't done the lower yet, but will try it in the spring.

You simply bent the panel and slipped the mesh down?

 

[AlexRav4xse]

Does anyone know if there is a reason Toyota made the grills the way they did? I wonder if it's for looks or better MPG. Or just better heat ventilation? Anyone notice any MPG hits or overheating issues after installing the grill protector?

 

[old timer]

It was summer. I removed all the clips and was able to remove the panel by bending it. Did it twice, and put it back each time as good as new.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

The hood latch does not need to be removed.

It was summer. I removed all the clips and was able to remove the panel by bending it. Did it twice, and put it back each time as good as new.

There are YouTube videos of people doing it this way. It does work. However you run the risk of warping or breaking the trim panel each time. Do it repeatedly over the years and it probably won't last. The safer and preferred method is to remove the hood latch.

 

[DeryckNg]

There is a version that looks just like it on eBay, but its expensive.

It is the same thing, but that price is just too much.
I paid $50 after tax for mine, and when I wanted to get another one, it was gone.

The Volt screen is really good. I got one originally too. After using it for awhile, the glue came loose and partially fell off. I ended up removing the tubing surrounding the screen. It looks better without it imho.

 

[old timer]

I agree that continuous re and re will do a number on it but I don't plan on ever doing it again, so removing hood latch, IMHO, is not required.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

I agree that continuous re and re will do a number on it but I don't plan on ever doing it again, so removing hood latch, IMHO, is not required.

Many people do it over and over to install various things: louder horns, raptor lights, TRD or GR badges etc. Any piece if plastic will get broken if you pull on it and bend it enough. That's why you should remove the hood latch. That trim panel probably costs a lot if you have to buy it from the Toyota dealer parts department.

 

[old timer]

I don't get your point. I have already done it and there has been no problem with it. Anyone doing the screen, will very likely only do it once. If careful, it works. Thats all I am saying. Do it, or not, I don't care.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

I don't get your point. I have already done it and there has been no problem with it. Anyone doing the screen, will very likely only do it once. If careful, it works. Thats all I am saying. Do it, or not, I don't care.

I'm not arguing with you. As I said lots of people remove the plastic trim piece repeatedly--multiple times-- not just the once like you did for your screen. I'm trying to help THEM so they don't break that thing when they later decide to replace their horn and again for accent lighting inside the front grill and over and over. I have no doubt anyone can get away with doing it your way once or twice--just not repeatedly over the years. The two top DIY modifiers of the 5th generation RAV4 on YouTube are Morosov Automotive and Bullet Solano. Morosov prefers to remove the hood latch. Here's how he removes the latch and trim piece to access the horns and radar:

In contrast Bullet Solano prefers to do it YOUR way and even says "don't worry you won't break it" But watch how much he has to twist and bend that plastic piece when he doesn't remove the hood latch:

 

[NoelinColorado]

I don't get your point. I have already done it and there has been no problem with it. Anyone doing the screen, will very likely only do it once. If careful, it works. Thats all I am saying. Do it, or not, I don't care.

I assume what you're saying is that you removed the plastic retainers and a few bolts, but left the hood latch in tact such that you flexed the panel from the front up enough to get the screen inserted behind the upper part of the grill work, yes?

 

[old timer]

I removed it completely. VERY carefully in HOT weather.

 

[Safedad]

I did not remove the hood LATCH. I am surprised I didn't break the top trim piece. If I did it again, I would likely remove it.

 

[NoelinColorado]

I did not remove the hood LATCH. I am surprised I didn't break the top trim piece. If I did it again, I would likely remove it.

How long does it take to remove the latch would you guess?

 

[old timer]

It's not the time, it's getting it back in the right place that concerned me.

 

[NoelinColorado]

I haven't really looked at beyond I thought I saw two bolts that needed to come out. Perhaps someone who has done this will chime in. I do have the lower one coming soon which I will install on the outside/front of the lower grill, and at least reduce risk by some for now.

 

[JohnManyJars]

As I recall, there are 3 bolts. The latch only takes a minute to remove. If you mark the location of the latch before removal, it’s very easy to put back in place.