Fender flares, mud flaps, or both?

alderin1987 · August 22, 2019

I've tried researching options but haven't come up with much. I know there isn't going to be a complete fix but wanted to see what others are doing. I have 305/55/20s that like to kick up rocks, and since they stick out past the fenders the like to throw them all over the body of the truck. Can't do anything about not going down gravel because our horses live down a gravel road. I also am not looking to break the bank for a solution, but will spend a considerable amount. My question is what are you guys going with? Wider mud flaps, fender flares, or both? And what brand or style are you using? I honestly don't really care for the look of fender flares and don't really want to go with them but if it will cut down the rock chips then I will do that.

As always thanks for your input.

Penguin VII · August 22, 2019

I just recently bought those flares you see on every lifted truck, with the fake bolts. I don't generally like the look but my trucks wheels extend beyond the well because of the knuckle lift. There are a bunch of options, assuming you don't need that much coverage bushwacker makes flares that look more smooth and would look ok painted in my opinion. I like the look of mud flaps but I don't think they look as clean as flares.

Your wheel width will be the biggest factor here.

Kubs · August 22, 2019

What about paint protection film (PPF)? It goes on clear and most people wont even see it. It will protect against rock chips a good amount. I was quoted $450ish to do the lower sides of my crew cab 6'6" bed truck.

aseibel · August 22, 2019

I think the fender flares look silly/ cheap.

I installed Husky brand Molded rear mud flaps to keep snow/slush out of the rear bumper and I was shocked at how good they work. If they can stop slush, they should stop gravel.

Mine aren't even oversized, as there are several larger/wider flaps you can buy. But I think black mudflaps blend in better, and since a lot of vehicles have them, they don't look weird when you see them.

Edited August 22, 2019 by aseibel

L86 All Terrain · August 22, 2019

I just have Gator back flaps and am running 33x12.5's which are wider than yours. They do not stick out past the stock GMC flare with the stock GMC Snowflake wheel +25mm offset. You must have a negative offset, or a less aggressive positive offset. Some people love the looks of the tire sticking way out to the side, but then you run into the issue you are having. With GM paint being 1/64th of 1mm thick these days, anything will damage it if contact is often. Flares usually look kind of dumb, the low profile ones can look nice, but the ones with the fake bolt heads are hideous but they do hide the tires sticking 3"+ out of the wheel well. Mudflaps wont really help you as rocks will get stuck in the outer lugs and toss up on the body. Flares or more positive offset are your answer. Any pics of your set up? Here is what my 12.5's look like on stock rims, they do rub considerably FYI.

alderin1987 · August 23, 2019

12 hours ago, L86 All Terrain said:

I just have Gator back flaps and am running 33x12.5's which are wider than yours. They do not stick out past the stock GMC flare with the stock GMC Snowflake wheel +25mm offset. You must have a negative offset, or a less aggressive positive offset. Some people love the looks of the tire sticking way out to the side, but then you run into the issue you are having. With GM paint being 1/64th of 1mm thick these days, anything will damage it if contact is often. Flares usually look kind of dumb, the low profile ones can look nice, but the ones with the fake bolt heads are hideous but they do hide the tires sticking 3"+ out of the wheel well. Mudflaps wont really help you as rocks will get stuck in the outer lugs and toss up on the body. Flares or more positive offset are your answer. Any pics of your set up? Here is what my 12.5's look like on stock rims, they do rub considerably FYI.

Here are a couple pics, they aren't the greatest pics, but I also hate the look of tires sticking way out. mine do stick out a little as you can see in the pics.

BCMoto · August 23, 2019

Your tires don't stick out that bad, I have a -44 offset so my wheels stick out a bit but I think I will be going with flares with the fake bolts

Nascarnate326 · August 29, 2019

I have the GM heavy duty "Splash Guards" that require drilling into your truck. They do a pretty good job containing the mess.

That being said I have 275 55 20 Goodyear Duratrac so they are not as wide as what you are running. IMO they are the best of the available guards/mudflaps.

typ0 · August 29, 2019

Fender flares or both. Which is the lesser of the evils for you? Fender flares or your tires sticking out?

Mud flaps will protect down low, but won't stop anything being thrown forward or up. I don't think they will do much for the sides. And if you don't like the look of your tires sticking out, fender flares will take care of that too.

PPF is an interesting idea, but comes with its own caveats keep up.

Wolfey450 · October 16, 2019

I recently purchased my truck and it came with Bushwacker Smooth Extend-a-flares and 375-60-20 BFG KO2. See picture below. I personally don’t like the look of flares and would prefer the OEM fender trim (wheel opening molding). I would be open to a trade, if anyone is interested.