1986 Chevy C/K Pickup 3500 Truck Mud Flaps & Splash Guards

Why Should You Install Mud Flaps or Splash Guards? 

Mud Flaps are a worthwhile investment for any pickup, Jeep®, or SUV, especially those sporting lift kits or oversized, low-offset wheels and knobby tires. These inexpensive and easy-to-install modifications help to protect your vehicle’s paint, the finish of your trailer, and even the paintwork of unsuspecting drivers from rock chips, kicked-up debris, and tire sling.

Besides functionality, mud flaps are a stylish mod that gives your ride a premium appearance. Most high-end trims even sportmud flaps and splash guards off the assembly line, whether paint-matched or textured black. Mud flaps add a touch of style and class to any vehicle.

Mud Flap Materials

Mud flaps come manufactured from several materials, with each featuring unique benefits. 

Rubber

Rubber mud flaps are constructed from high-grade natural rubber or synthetic polymers, providing exceptional elasticity and impact resistance. Where other, more rigid materials may crack or dent, rubber mud flaps easily deflect rocks and other road debris. However, rubber mud flaps may degrade with age and repeated abuse, leading to cuts, tears, and punctures.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Truck Hardware Gatorback Mud Flaps

Why we love it: 

• Heavy-duty rubber construction

• T-304 stainless steel plate

• Available in polished, black, and gunmetal

• Large variety of vehicle manufacturer logos to choose from

• Includes self-tapping screws for mounting

• Sold in pairs

• American-made

• Limited lifetime warranty

Plastic

Plastic mud flaps are rigid and durable, offering mild elasticity and exceptional impact resistance. Unlike soft rubber, plastic mud flaps are often molded to match your vehicle's contours for a factory-style fitment. Plastic mud flaps are also the least expensive, saving money for paint-matching or other modifications.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Husky Liners® Mud Guards

Why we love it: 

• Tailored to fit your fenders perfectly

• Maximum width for full-tread coverage

• Nail-tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic construction

• Stands up to a lifetime of abuse

• Installs in minutes, protects for life

• Gives you that factory look, only better

• Husky Shield® Film provides an invisible layer of protection

• Limited lifetime warranty

Alloy

Alloy mud flaps are the most durable of the three constructions, manufactured from aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. These rugged mud flaps guard against impacts and are minimally affected by extreme temperatures. However, they are prone to dings and scratches.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Dee Zee Diamond Plate Mud Flaps

Why we love it: 

• Durable aluminum construction

• Long-lasting Brite-Tread finish

• Protects against rocks, mud, and debris

• Sold in pairs

• Made in the USA 

• Limited 3-year warranty

Universal Fit Vs. Custom Molded Mud Flaps

Mud flaps come in two general styles—universal and molded—but what’s the difference? 

Universal-fit mud flaps are designed to work well on numerous applications but not perfectly on any single one. They often require modifications to the product and your vehicle to install, which takes longer than their custom-molded counterparts. 

On the other hand, custom-molded mud flaps are engineered specifically for your application. They typically require no drilling, trimming, or other modifications to install and produce a clean, factory-style appearance.

Specialty Mud Flaps

Aside from conventional mud flaps, we also offer specialty options that are ideal for wide and heavy loads. These styles include hitch-mounted and towing mud flaps.

Top Hitch-Mounted Mud Flaps: ROCTECTION™ Hitch Mounted Mud Flaps

Why we love them: 

• Extra-large profile—19-in. wide by 18-in. long

• Fits 2-in., 2.5-in., and 3-in. ball mounts

• Works with single rear wheel trucks and SUVs

• Constructed out of black-coated aluminum and rubber with corrosion-resistant hardware

• Assembles to 76–82-in. frame

• 5/16-in. rubber withstands extreme temperatures

• Made in the USA

• 1-year warranty

Top Towing Mud Flaps: ROCKSTAR Full Width Tow Flap

Why we love them: 

• 5/16-in. composite rubber construction

• Heavy-duty black urethane-coated aluminum frame

• Full-width design offers maximum protection

• Stainless steel mounting brackets

• No drilling or hitch required

• Bolts to frame under bumper using existing holes

• Optional adjustable rubber for trucks with oversized tires and lift kits

• Attach or remove in seconds with the simple mounting bracket and quick clip design

• Made in the USA

• 1-year limited warranty

Installing Mud Flaps

Installation is quick and easy for whichever mud flap style you opt for. The job can typically be accomplished in 1–2 hours, though some minor modifications may be required to fit universal variants.

While most mud flaps include brackets and hardware, some universal variants include only rubber/plastic flaps. In these instances, check out our mounting bracket selection, including products like the Gatorback Mud Flap Brackets.