Mud flaps - RV-Dreams Community Forum

contra · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mud flaps

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Connie and Tracy,

I also saw those. When Jo and I went to Tribune, Kansas a while back to visit relatives, we also drove up to Sydney, Nebraska to Cabela's. They carry them as well. I looked at them and kind of liked what I saw, so far as quality is concerned.

In reading other postings on various forums, one person was even recommending that one have the permanent ones installed as well. It seems that he thought that the permanent ones under the fender of the pickup weren't quite good enough to completely protect the front of the trailer.

I like the idea of being able to take off the Rock-Tamers when one wasn't actually pulling the trailer. However, it may require partly disassembling them into two parts to stow away to prevent them being stolen.

You can probably use your browser search functions using "Rock tamers" as the subject to find the forums that I found. It seems like it was an Airstream forum where I saw the comments.

Terry

Mallo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Want them don't want them isn't really a question are you legally required to have them that is the question. It's very likely that they will be legally required for your F450 in at least some of the states your driving through and or going to license it in.

Now it's possible that your truck bed will go low enough that it won't be required but if you have 4 wheel drive you may not be legal every where without them.

That said...

I have mudflaps since I have a flat bed they're required at least in the states I've checked.

They also catch a lot of mud, spray and debris that would of been slung into the trailer.

I would not have a duel rear wheel without them in my opinion assuming any sort of clearance from the bed to the ground. Sure if you lowered the truck you could get away with it but... could you still tow would be the next question.

Mallo

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've always had them, so don't know if they help protect the front of the fiver...I'm sure they offer quite a bit of protection, plus reduce the amount of road grime thrown back.

First truck had aftermarket attached to "L" shaped angle iron bracket bolted to the frame. They were the type used on semis cut down to fit the 1ton dually. They were on the truck when I bought it.

New truck has factory molded mudflaps made out of PVC plastic. They look great and no possibilty of flapping.

The truck we use at work, a chevy 2500 with flat bed has mud flaps, on one side the flap flipped back up over the exhaust pipe and has a nice big chunk melted out of it. So make sure the flaps won't get damaged if they flap around too much. I've seen some that have been worn by the tire from flipping up on top of the tire.

Here's a tip- On my first truck the flaps hung down just a little too low and if I backed over a curb the flap would get stuck between the curb and the tire. The flap was ripped away from the bracket a couple of times. Adjust the height.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I put the factory mud flaps front and rear on my Dodge.They look good and protect well. To me the rock tamers look like over kill and just added weight not really needed.None of them will stop 100% of road spray or rocks. I bought my Factory mudflaps off of e-bay for half the price the Dodge Dealer wanted.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

We had them, but they came off and ripped the fender well lining on my cheaply made Ford and I couldn't put them back on. We've been without them for few years now and don't really miss them. When driving in rain there will sometimes be some mud splashed up on the underside, but it's no big deal to just rinse it off.

They would be nice, but in no means are they necessary. I've never heard of them being mandatory in any state regs I've read either.

Mallo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Luvglass wrote:

They would be nice, but in no means are they necessary. I've never heard of them being mandatory in any state regs I've read either.

For your truck they're likely not you have I suspect an F350 pickup I have an F350 Cab and Chassis with a flat bed. I can't pass inspection in PA without mud flaps.

The OP has an F450 which a lot of police will see as a "commercial" type vehicle as it's a medium duty truck which has a different set of rules.

Your mileage will vary.

Mallo

BillA · RV-Dreams Family Member

I was told here in TX on a dually (commerical or non-commercial makes no difference), they are required. I suspect that is due to the risk of a rock or other foreign object becoming lodged between the duals and later at higher speed being slung out causing injury/damage or an accident.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Texas does require rear Mud flaps if your Truck is registered. Don't know what they will say or do about out of State DRW Trucks. I have always used Dura Flaps, very professional and they are non-drilling mounted. They are pricey but so is your Truck. GBY...

P.S. Just Google Dura Flap...............

-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Friday 19th of February 2010 06:38:06 PM

adeline and ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

I purchased some tow tectors last year and was very happy with. check out their web site.

contra · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks all for your responses. As usual, you've enlightened me. I never even considered that mud flaps may be required. Thanks for the suggestions. I will check them out and try to find a balance between cost, quality and necessity.

RodnReal · RV-Dreams Family Member

See, you just thought your research was finished. LOL

--Rod