2001 Chevy Malibu Truck Rocker Panels & Protection Accessories

Truck Exterior Body Protection Accessories

Whether a hard-core, dedicated wheeler or a weekend warrior, it only takes one miscalculation or misjudgment to cause an unsightly dent, scrape, or body damage. Regardless of how often you frequent the trail, rocker panels and protection accessories are crucial to minimizing body damage. 

At RealTruck, we offer a wide selection of body protection accessories for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. Most offer quick and easy no-drill, no-fuss installation in under an hour, allowing you to spend less time wrenching in the driveway and more time on the trail.

Types of Body Protection for Your Truck

Body protection comes in several forms, from simple magnetic cladding to durable rocker panel protectors. Other popular protection accessories include: 

• Armor corners

• Hood guard

• Cowl guard and covers

• Panel and body protection

• Door molding/rocker

RealTruck has the right products to protect your ride regardless of your needs.

Truck Rocker Panels & Rocker Protectors

As one of the lowest and longest points on your vehicle's body, its rocker panels are prone to bumps and bruises on the trail. Whether you miscalculated the distance to the tree or wind up high-centered over a tricky obstacle, rocker panels and protectors effectively prevent scratches, dings, and more extensive damage.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Bushwacker Trail Armor Rocker Panels

Why we love it: 

• Dual-purpose rocker panel and door sill guards

• Protects the rocker area from chips, dents, and scratches

• Robust Dura-Flex® TPO construction

• Subtle, textured black finish

• Hides unsightly pinch welds and rust

• No-drill installation utilizes clips and 3M automotive adhesive

• Driver and passenger sides included

• USA-made with global materials

• Limited lifetime warranty

Side Door Molding Covers & Guards

Door molding and guards help prevent damage to pricey, dent-prone sheet metal OEM doors. These accessories take the brunt of impacts and abrasions, so your doors don't have to. Off the trail, these accessories form the perfect barrier between your ride and other drivers' doors, preventing unsightly door dings.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Rugged Ridge Magnetic Protection Panel Kit

Why we love it: 

• Offered in a 9-piece kit or 15-piece kit

• Constructed out of 16-gauge thick magnetic sheet material

• Durable matte black vinyl finish

• Simple modification-free installation

• 5-year warranty

Hood Guards, Covers, and Armor

When the trails get tough, your ride's body protection must be tougher. As articulation increases, it's common for your vehicle to pitch sideways. Hopefully, there's not a tree, boulder, or other obstacle for it to lean directly against, marring the paint finish. 

Hood guards, cowl guards, and corner guards help to protect your vehicle's body in these scenarios, keeping the hood, wiper cowl, and tub free from severe damage.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Bushwacker Trail Armor Hood Guard Kit

Why we love it: 

• Robust Dura-Flex® TPO construction

• Protects your hood against dents, dings, and scratches

• Stands up to the wear and tear of off-roading

• Textured matte black finish

• UV treated to protect against fading, cracking, and warping

• Quick and easy install

• USA-made with global materials

• Limited lifetime warranty

FAQs About Our Rocker Panels & Other Truck Body Protection

Q: Are rocker panels and side skirts the same thing?

A: While both products fall in the same general area, they aren't the same. Rocker panels are the steel or aluminum cab sections located just behind and below the doors. Alternately, side skirts are composite molding pieces that cover the rocker panels, typically constructed from ABS plastic or urethane. Side skirts are generally found on sedans, crossovers, and other small SUVs. 

Q: What's the best way to protect rocker panels?

A: Protecting your ride's rocker panels is simple, so long as you know which products are best suited for the job. While rocker panel guards are effective against light impacts and abrasions, they're only one part of the equation. Premium rock sliders add another layer of protection and are better suited for heavy impacts.

Q: Is truck body molding worth it?

A: Undoubtedly, yes. Body molding is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle's paint looking new. With its low price point and easy installation, body molding is a no-brainer.