[UnderseaLcpl]

Sadly, putting spikes or steel plates on the side of your truck would likely violate a number of Texas vehicle safety statutes, not to mention the liability if your ever got into an accident and either of those things damaged another person's car or (God forbid) injured them.

The best ways to prevent door dings are also the most practical:

1)Don't let anyone else drive it.
2) Don't park next to other vehicles, or even near where other vehicles might park. One can always use the exercise gained by walking from the back of the parking lot, anyway.
3) In situations where reasons 1 and 2 are not practical, employ a cheap, used, economy car or truck that you don't care about. One can be bought for less than the price of fixing multiple door dings, and you'll save money on gas.


If you really want to get creative you could sell advertising space on the sides of your truck to friends with businesses, provided that you insist upon 1/8"-thick magnetic signboards and strategically place them in areas likely to be dinged. If you don't have friends with businesses, go make some. Your realtor is a good place to start. Play your cards right, and you may even be able to earn a small commission by acting as a representative for whatever business your signs endorse.