How to Install Window Rain Guards on Ford F150 | Two Methods

Installing window rain guards on a Ford F150 requires choosing between in-channel or tape-on styles, then cleaning the window track and following a careful step‑by‑step process.

If you’re ready to install window rain guards on your Ford F150, the method you pick depends on the style you bought. In‑channel (tapeless) guards slide into the window track, while tape‑on guards stick to the exterior frame. Both work on 2015–2025 F‑150 models, including crew cabs. Below we cover how to do each one right, along with common mistakes to avoid.

Which Guard Style Fits Your F‑150?

The two main types differ in installation and cure time. The table below compares them at a glance.

If you’re not sure which style to buy, check our tested list of the best F150 window rain guards – it includes top picks for both types.

How to Install In‑Channel Rain Guards

This method is cleaner because no adhesive touches the paint. It works on most 2015‑2025 F‑150s with a deep window channel.

1. Prepare the window. Roll the window all the way down. Clean the upper track thoroughly with an alcohol pad or degreaser and a microfiber cloth – any oil or dirt will prevent a proper seal.
2. Dry fit first. Place the guard in the channel without removing any backing to confirm it’s the correct size and orientation.
3. Insert the guard. Slide the front edge into the groove first, then push the rear edge into the channel. For WeatherTech deflectors, bow the guard slightly outward and leave a ¼‑ to ½‑inch gap at the top initially.
4. Seat with the window. Roll the window up slowly. You’ll feel light resistance – that’s normal. Do not use the “auto‑up” feature; manually raise the window to avoid damaging the guard. For WeatherTech, roll the window up and down five times slowly.
5. Cure the rubber. Keep the window closed for at least 24 hours (or 12 hours per WeatherTech’s instructions) so the rubber adapts to the deflector.

How to Install Tape‑On Rain Guards

Tape‑on guards stick to the outer window frame. They require more care to align and cure.

1. Clean and prime. Roll the window down. Clean the mounting surface with a degreaser pad or alcohol, then apply the adhesion promoter (one per window) to the area where the tape will contact.
2. Prepare the tape. Remove the backing from the double‑sided tape, but peel back only 1–2 inches of the liner from both ends, creating “flaps” for final removal.
3. Align and press. Position the guard against the frame. Press firmly along the tape for 30–60 seconds to start the bond.
4. Remove the liner flaps. While pressing the guard down, pull the remaining tape liner out from underneath.
5. Cure fully. Keep the window closed for 24–72 hours. Avoid washing the truck or exposing it to heavy moisture for 48 hours. If the temperature is below 50°F, allow extra curing time.

For a visual reference, see WeatherTech’s official installation guide – it walks through each step for their deflectors.

Common Mistakes That Ruin the Installation

• Skipping the prep wipe. Without alcohol or degreaser, the tape won’t bond. If the supplied pad is dry, use rubbing alcohol.
• Using auto‑up during seating. The motor’s force can bend the guard or strain the window regulator – always roll manually the first few times.
• Painting in‑channel guards after purchase. If you want to match the truck’s color, paint them before installation. Once installed, returns are not accepted.
• Ignoring obstructions. Use a flat tool to check for debris in the track before inserting the guard.