do you need mudflaps?

[steve8]

Looking at a SLT with running boards and from the factory it comes with "small mud flaps"?

Do you feel it's worthwhile taking those off and putting on better ones?

[Thomcat]

.02

As far as use of mud flaps, depends upon the driving surface...OEMs are basically rock shields, running boards will help with the rocker panels. But in mud/snow/sleet the larger mud flaps will keep the tops of the running boards clean otherwise a whole pile of crap will build up as the tires extend past the rock shields when turning.

[Grumpy Bear]

3 hours ago, steve8 said:

Looking at a SLT with running boards and from the factory it comes with "small mud flaps"?

Do you feel it's worthwhile taking those off and putting on better ones?

 

Go Rhino tubular step bar and Weather Tech No Drill flaps plus added front box protector (OEM).

This combination has kept the lower third of this truck chip free five years and 106,000 miles.

I agree with Tomcat. Front flap needs to extend below the running board and be close to it.

 

I do not drive off pavement FYI.

[AlaskaErik]

They're absolutely worth it.  They keep the mud and snow splatter to a minimum.  I have OEM mudflaps front and rear on both of my Silverados.  I don't go off roading either, but I have to deal with winter and construction zones.

[steve8]

I should have added to my original post that I have always been a firm believer in mud flaps. Was curious if the factory ones were good enough. I can definitely see adding better ones than what it comes with.

[OnTheReel]

The factory front ones have been more than good enough for me. No chips or other issues in a year. But I have retractable running boards so they wouldn’t get covered in junk either way.
 

The rear, on the other hand, I did add some, just to protect my trailers a little bit. Frankly I still think they are ugly but it is what it is.

[Thomcat]

14 hours ago, steve8 said:

I should have added to my original post that I have always been a firm believer in mud flaps. Was curious if the factory ones were good enough. I can definitely see adding better ones than what it comes with.

Factory molded ones are more expensive and better than the quickie mount competitors. Mount anchoring is more secure for when loaded with 20-30 lbs of built up snow and ice, nice clean contour that flows with body lines and polymer is durable heavy enough to take plenty of rock hits in sub zero and last the life of the vehicle....some come in factory body color.

Edited January 2, 2020 by Thomcat

[Thomcat]

1 minute ago, Thomcat said:

 

Forgot Photos

[aseibel]

I don't have steps, and i don't drive on many gravel roads. But i do drive in snow and slush. i was sick of the large amount of buildup on my rear bumper. I bought the rear ones from Husky and those have almost eliminated frozen buildup. So, yes, you could say I'm a fan. If I was getting build-up on steps, i'd put the front ones one too, but i haven't noticed any issues with rock chipping and the snow mostly slides off my rockers, so I'm still running the front end naked.

Edited January 2, 2020 by aseibel

[Donstar]

23 hours ago, steve8 said:

Looking at a SLT with running boards and from the factory it comes with "small mud flaps"?

Do you feel it's worthwhile taking those off and putting on better ones?

No, I don't think this is worthwhile.  The factory mud flaps do the job and look good.  Changing them would be different but not an improvement.  There are lots of other neat ways to spend your mod money! 

[Minnvmax]

2019 The fronts are minimal but work. The rear has none. But they have that stub "in front" of the tires that does nothing. Adding a flap to the other side might look weird with both on the truck. 

[Grumpy Bear]

27 minutes ago, Minnvmax said:

2019 The fronts are minimal but work. The rear has none. But they have that stub "in front" of the tires that does nothing. Adding a flap to the other side might look weird with both on the truck. 

That 'stub' is part of the aero package. FYI

[RyanbabZ71]

Take them off and your next topic will be

“How to eliminate rock chips on lower body panels”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[oldmann]

Weathertech no drills all the way around for sure.  I have used them the last 4 trucks.  

[oldmann]

23 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

 

Go Rhino tubular step bar and Weather Tech No Drill flaps plus added front box protector (OEM).

This combination has kept the lower third of this truck chip free five years and 106,000 miles.

I agree with Tomcat. Front flap needs to extend below the running board and be close to it.

 

I do not drive off pavement FYI.

My experience with tube steps is where they return to the body 90 degrees they force rocks directly into the bottom of the rocker and remove all the paint.