Aftermarket Mach-E Side Skirts

[DWIL]

Earlier this month, I purchased a set of side skirts from Amazon and returned them the same day they were received due to quality concerns. The product appeared to be a casting of an original design and was made from very thin plastic. The material reminded me of the flimsy plastic lids used on disposable foil food trays.

After returning those, I continued my search and ordered a set from the Maxton Design website. While these were made from thicker plastic, they still appeared to be a cast replica and were extremely flexible. I contacted Maxton Design to request a return. They do not offer a phone number, so all communication was handled via email. I explained my concerns, and the response I received stated that the product was “purely aesthetic” and that flexibility should not be a concern.

I proceeded with the return. However, Maxton Design did not cover return shipping, applied a 10% restocking fee, and did not refund the original shipping cost. I am currently reviewing the legality of these policies separately.

Following that experience, I visited my local Ford dealership to view an OEM option, though none were available on-site. The dealership did, however, identify their supplier as Air Design. I placed an order through that vendor at a cost of approximately $700 and am currently awaiting delivery.

I will provide an update once they arrive and can comment on the overall quality.

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[SimonT]

While I have never dealt with Macton personally, the design you bought from Amazon and the “Ford” 3rd party option Air Design I have. In my opinion, they are all the same, thin and purely aesthetics serving zero performance value.

Similar to front lips, they are attached using existing bolts and screws. I’ve installed many for various clients and none of which has ever encounter durability issue. Honestly, I’m not sure what durability issue would consist of? The paint shouldn’t fade, and if install correctly, it should absolutely stay on. The only time there are any issue is due to poor installation along with a combination of turning onto a ramp that’s too low and rubbing against the edge.

Anyways, the best of luck on your search!

 

[DWIL]

While I have never dealt with Macton personally, the design you bought from Amazon and the “Ford” 3rd party option Air Design I have. In my opinion, they are all the same, thin and purely aesthetics serving zero performance value.

Similar to front lips, they are attached using existing bolts and screws. I’ve installed many for various clients and none of which has ever encounter durability issue. Honestly, I’m not sure what durability issue would consist of? The paint shouldn’t fade, and if install correctly, it should absolutely stay on. The only time there are any issue is due to poor installation along with a combination of turning onto a ramp that’s too low and rubbing against the edge.

Anyways, the best of luck on your search!

Thank you for your response. When I refer to an encounter that would reasonably test durability, I am speaking to scenarios such as an individual stepping on the component while entering the vehicle or while attempting to clean the roof. Given the construction and flexibility of the material, there appears to be a high likelihood of failure or damage under such normal, foreseeable use conditions.

I have observed side skirts installed on many other vehicles that are solid and structurally sound in their design, and capable of withstanding a person standing on them without damage. The intended and practical application of a product should always be a key factor when evaluating durability and overall quality.

 

[SimonT]

Thank you for your response. When I refer to an encounter that would reasonably test durability, I am speaking to scenarios such as an individual stepping on the component while entering the vehicle or while attempting to clean the roof. Given the construction and flexibility of the material, there appears to be a high likelihood of failure or damage under such normal, foreseeable use conditions.

I have observed side skirts installed on many other vehicles that are solid and structurally sound in their design, and capable of withstanding a person standing on them without damage. The intended and practical application of a product should always be a key factor when evaluating durability and overall quality.

I get what you’re saying now; perhaps this will help. All three of the products that you’ve identified are mounted using mostly self screws, not bolts. Since it’s not using bolts, there’s no intended use of supporting actual weight beyond applying the item onto the vehicle. Furthermore, these items are purely aesthetic and it’s not intended to provide support for entering a vehicle nor does it advertise to do so.

Usually for running boards or side steps (SUVs and Vans), those are made with much thicker materials and bolted on to support significant weight. These are not intended to do so. As I mentioned, these are purely aesthetics to give the vehicle a lower vehicle stance.

 

[DWIL]

I get what you’re saying now; perhaps this will help. All three of the products that you’ve identified are mounted using mostly self screws, not bolts. Since it’s not using bolts, there’s no intended use of supporting actual weight beyond applying the item onto the vehicle. Furthermore, these items are purely aesthetic and it’s not intended to provide support for entering a vehicle nor does it advertise to do so.

Usually for running boards or side steps (SUVs and Vans), those are made with much thicker materials and bolted on to support significant weight. These are not intended to do so. As I mentioned, these are purely aesthetics to give the vehicle a lower vehicle stance.

That is true. However, things do happen!

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