Just got the latest Octavia Elegance estate (and very nice it is too) but, unlike the last version, the top of the rear bumper is painted, not covered with a black plastic strip. My dogs' nails are going to ruin the surface.

Skoda doesn't sell one. A company called RearGuards seems to be the only one who does anything remotely acceptable so far as I can make out from the interweb.

What does anyone else do? (I'm afraid I got utterly hacked off with searching the forum. if you enter "bumpers", the first result is "Audi A6" or something completely unrelated).

Thanks

dilly

Rearguards is who I'll be using when my Scout arrives

Let me know if it fits the Scout OK pls.

Ideally with pics.

FYI, last year I bought a Rearguards bumper protector for my Octavia hatchback and it's spot on. Fits the bumper perfectly and looks like a OEM product.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

skoda dont do a black one but have just realeased a clear version

http://www.accessories.skoda.co.uk/productdetail.aspx?p_no=1Z9071133

Other than that places like superskoda sell black ones whihc liik nice

I am getting my one done with ventureshield in a couple of weeks to stop the dog scratching it. Its basically the same stuff as what skoda are selling

I too have a dog and was worried about scratches so ordered a bumper protector made by RGM mouldings. Part number for latest Octavia Estate is RBP 364. It arrived this week and I have not had time to fit it, but would confirm it is a quality product and having done a quick "dry run" by positioning it on the bumper it is a perfect fit. I can't obviously comment on how it will stand up to wear and tear/weathering/aging etc but perhaps there are some users out there who can tell us of their experience.

My father bought one for his SX4 from them and although its really strong and fits really well, it has begun to fade after 2 years, we have to treat it with that 'black to black' stuff every now and again just to bring it back from greay to black. He bought it direct from the dealer as they instruct you to onlinefor the Sx4.

skoda dont do a black one but have just realeased a clear version

http://www.accessories.skoda.co.uk/productdetail.aspx?p_no=1Z9071133

Other than that places like superskoda sell black ones whihc liik nice

I am getting my one done with ventureshield in a couple of weeks to stop the dog scratching it. Its basically the same stuff as what skoda are selling

I have this one: 1Z9071133 - Protective foil of the rear bumper

Rearguards is who I'll be using when my Scout arrives

I had the same concerns and intended to buy a rear bumper protector for my Scout when it arrives, but looking more closely at this picture I wonder whether specifically with the Scout, there is any need? Looks like the hard plastic bumper comes all the way up to cover the vulnerable area for loading/unloading, dogs claws etc.

No it doesn't. You have at least 3 cm lip when you open the tailgate.

Thanks for the heads up CEPi

Thanks everyone. Looks like RearGuards will do the trick. Its £50 delivered, so £30 for the Skoda film (and you've got to go and get it) looks rather expensive for a bit of clear Fablon!

Dilly

I've been emailing RGM about the various versions of their RearGuards, and they are going to have a look at the Scout in a dealers. I've suggested that they keep us updated through the forum where they can not only use it as a shop window (subject to the normal procedures), but also get feedback and comparisons with competing products. Although I've got a 3 year old 35+ kg Labrador who is best lifted in and out to preserve the bumper (something my wife can't do), its the 9 week old puppy that we've just got that is most likely to do the damage or initiate an unconrolled emergency exit for the older one. Thankfully, as I fitted my own tow bar I know how the interior comes apart for easy replacement...

Has anyone used this type ? it looks like helicopter tape.

I don't want it for dog's paws but just to protect from superficial scratches from loading/unloading stuff out of the car.

I've been emailing RGM about the various versions of their RearGuards, and they are going to have a look at the Scout in a dealers. I've suggested that they keep us updated through the forum where they can not only use it as a shop window (subject to the normal procedures), but also get feedback and comparisons with competing products. Although I've got a 3 year old 35+ kg Labrador who is best lifted in and out to preserve the bumper (something my wife can't do), its the 9 week old puppy that we've just got that is most likely to do the damage or initiate an unconrolled emergency exit for the older one. Thankfully, as I fitted my own tow bar I know how the interior comes apart for easy replacement...

Jeeves! That dog is young enough to jump a 5-bar gate! You're not giving him/her too many snacks between meals are you?

Ref. Skoda "film". £30?! Theyreavinalarf! A roll of clear Fablon costs £3.99... Call me sad but for an extra £4, I bought a roll of carbon fibre lookalike Fablon (the famous "sticky back plastic" that we all knew and loved). It looks (if I may say so) very nice indeed. And the great thing is I've got loads left in the roll to re-do it over the life of the car.

OK you have to make a template (but only once and its not difficult).

dill

Has anyone used this type ? it looks like helicopter tape.

I don't want it for dog's paws but just to protect from superficial scratches from loading/unloading stuff out of the car.

Had a similar 3M product from a company called PaintShield. In fact I still have a complete spare front valance for the most vulnerable (read speedy) version of the old A6 Avant so I'll cut that up to give interim protection whilst awaiting a more discreet non-glossy plastic version. Glad I didn't sell it now...

It was good at preventing stone chips, as you say being developed for helicopter blades, but time will tell regarding scratch/abrasion wear and tear.

Hi I work with my dogs and have to take them to work daily in the back of my vrs estate. I have had my last two vrs's covered in venture shield on the rear bumper by a company called bodyguard.co.uk who are based in daventry, it is really good stuff stops all scratches from claws etc and keeps the factory look.

I have had a RGM Rearguard on my X-Trail for a while now - to avoid 'the dog problem'. I absolutely recommend it. Will fit one to my new Octy estate as soon as it arrives.

I have a carbon effect Milotec protector on my vRS estate. I think it looks rather good, but it does work out at about £65 posted.

Here's the link to Milotec website:

http://milotec.de/index.php?cat=c253_Exterior-equipment.html&page=2&XTCsid=37020e72bb04fa34b060e96a5f24509a

However can be ordered from the UK Importer as follows:

http://www.rsdcars-uk.co.uk/acatalog/Milotec.html

I have a protector shield thingy that folds out and then hangs down over the bumper . It is basicaly a bit of stiffened fabric, which has elasticated clips that attach to the load hooks inside the boot - a bit like using a towel over the bumper, but it is attached and grippy, so doesn't just slide off when the dog stands on it. Covers the actual bumper as well as the lip, then concertinas up to sit in the back end of the boot. It's actually from my previous Saab, but Skoda do do a similar plastic version ("Rear Bumper Foil"), don't know if it clips in to the load hooks, but is only £7

Got an email today from RGMouldings saying you can now get Rearguards for the Scout in black (RBP523 £55.28), silver (RBP6523 £64.09) and carbon (RBP9523 £64.09).

Seem to recall the group buy on the silver Milotec one being a fair bit less.

RGM Rearguards - great product, looks OEM, very good customer service..........but attached with three strips of double-sided sticky tape. Result, started rising up after a few months and catching the underside of the boot lid (Mk 2 Estate) on closing.

Result - was wearing through the paint and, more worryingly, left the boot lip sitting in a pool of water on the top of the Rearguard every time it rained.

Solution - Rearguard off, back to bare back bumper......would rather a scratch or two than a rusty tailgate. Admittedly, it helps that we're just past the pushchair stage (and don't have a dog).

For years we used a dog blanket/quiltie with a removable bumper protector from this company http://www.overthetop.co.uk/

It must be 10 years old and can & has been transferred to any vehicle we've owned or used. They can do custom fit if preferred. has coped with all our dogs and a fair bit of building rubble too.

They are a really good UK company, and I'd buy from them again, if I ever wear this one out!!!

I still think this option takes some beating. Having fitted it to my Scout, it looks absolutely like a factory OEM part and complements the look of the car really nicely.