Sto N Sho vs. Craig's Custom Mustang Brackets Review

[SightUp]

I have had and used both. Gave both more than a fair chance. This is my review. Let's go!

I started out with the Sto N Sho. It was a more prevalent name in my searches so I thought that it was going to be the clear winner and suit my needs right off the bat. The first one I received, and I received a total of three in this process, was too short and the mounting bracket plate rubbed against the bumper. That's a no go for me and I wasn't even going to test drive that bracket. I called them. This is their saving grace. They answered immediately and I explained my situation and they sent me out another. Unfortunately, the second one tripped the sensors nonstop when I was coming to a stop or taking off. BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP! Ugh, so annoying. I called them back and explained my situation. Super nice and super responsive. Once again, they sent me another one and this one stuck out a little less than a centimeter more away from the bumper. Initially, it mounted perfectly, but between the wind, and the low clearance and getting tapped on a curb once, it always hung crooked. Problem with all three of them is that the mounting bracket, the part that is screwed in, doesn't rest flat. It's a square with a single screw and a piece of double sided tape. That double sided tape, due to how the panels line up where it rest, only adheres 50% to the surface. Eventually, it started beeping again because the LP was getting picked up by the sensors. Fail. Ultimately, this is because the mounting bracket is a universal one and not one specifically designed for the Mach E. Lazy.

Tl;dr: Got two replacements, all three brackets caused sensors to go off. The mounting bit of the bracket is not custom made for the Mach E and is not secure. But awesome customer service!! I am sure they would have continued to work with me but I was tired of dealing with it.

Next bracket...

Moving on to the Craig's Custom Mustang Bracket. I attempted to call them and email them. No response to either form of communication. That should have been a red flag right there but I was kind of desperate so I proceeded with the purchase. When the bracket came in, the installation process was easy on the Mach E because there are diamond in the grill that made lining up the bracket super easy. I was really worried during the first drive because of the lack of communication. If the sensors went off, I would have no way to reach them essentially and I would probably have to go full Karen and file with the BBB and do a charge back. The mounting bit of the bracket is much better than the Sto N Sho. It's wider and makes 100% contact with the bumper. I feel it's much more secure albeit not screwed in like the Sto N Sho's is. It's a little more difficult, a screw instead of a pull pin like the Sto N Sho, but it's worth it. This is also cheaper!!!

Tl;dr: Crap customer service. Awesome product that didn't interfere with hyperactive sensors.


At the end of the day, I would recommend the Craig's Custom Mustang Bracket over the Sto N Sho. This forum and Reddit are littered with Sto N Sho problems with sensors going off. Supposedly the sensor issue was addressed, but I can testify it can still have issues. In addition the mounting on the Sto N Sho isn't the greatest. I think despite the lack of comms from CCMB it's worth the risk because it just works, it's a sturdy and easy installation.

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[NewGuy]

pics?

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Been through the same. Settled on Craig’s. Like it better because it mounts up higher and doesn’t hit curbs or plow snow in the winter.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

pics?

Not a good photos but this shows how low the sto n show sat. Because I had to bend it down slightly to not trigger the parking sensors, this bottom edge is actually below the bottom of the front lip.

This is with Craig’s bracket. Goes above the shutters. Removes with a thumb screw.

Craig’s bracket in place. Plate stowed in the Frunk.

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

The Sto N Go quality is hands down much better and robust. I bought it first. The first curb/parking stop hit bent it a bit. I double downed and added two additional bolts to mount it to the underside of the air damn. The single screw and tape did not do well with the curb hit. The second curb/parking stop hit, almost ripped it off and really bent the frame. If you are really cautious about curbs, and parking stops, this is a great bracket. I liked the look of it low on the car. I did not have any sensor issues.

I went with Craigs next since I knew I was going to hit more curbs/parking stops. The quality of the bracket seemed to be good. It is more of a permanent solution since it does not have the option to remove via the pull pin. I did not trust just the tape, even if it is 3M and has a great reputation for adhesion. Since it is on the underside, I drilled a hole from the top down through and put in a bolt. Fairly simple if you have a long bit and extension. Just have to remove the front trim for the frunk. The hole is on the bottom side so, no concerns. Nothing like a 1/4-20 to hold something in place. No sensor issues either.

I also ordered the Vinyl Plate, since I am in California and they are legal. I am still thinking about which one I will use. Will probably go with the vinyl. I plan to mount the vinyl on a strip of PPF and then put it on the car. This allows me to remove it, if needed.

I think both brackets are good options. It depends upon your situation and look you want.

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