Here is the real dirt on mud flaps for truck campers. Warning: Evidently some choice language was spoken in English, German, and Norwegian in the making of these responses, along with something called a BORF.
Thank you to Paul Kroeker for sending in his question. This week’s Question of the Week was, “Do you have mud flaps on your truck camper rig and, if you do what kind of mud flaps do you have?”
“Yes, we have rear mud flaps. They are semi-truck mud flaps cut to length from the top. 24-inch stainless weights keep them hanging straight. The hanging brackets are home made. There are no flaps in front. Just like my wife, Linda, and Bulldog, Dixie, I would never leave home without them!” – Denver and Linda Woods, 1997 Ford F350, 2001 Lance 1121
“I have DuraFlaps mud flaps installed on both front and rear. They are a little pricier than others, but they fit perfectly and don’t require any drilling to install. I put them on just after I got the truck in February of 2008 and they are still in excellent shape.” – Doug Stefano, 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 2007 Lance 1191
“I guess I don’t think too much about it because the mud flaps were on the truck when I bought it. I do like them and would probably put them on the next truck. Being a dually, the tires could throw a lot of rocks.” – Frank Niehus, 2007 Ford F350, 2007 Arctic Fox 1150
“Wow, as a new truck camper owner, I hadn’t even thought of this. So, I’ll add my thanks to Paul for the question. No, I do not have mud flaps, but I am going to investigate getting some starting today!” – Jim McIrvin, 2015 Ford F350, 2012 Lance 1191
“I have front and rear mud flaps on the Ram and use a full one-piece mud flap (from one side of the bumper to the other side) when the 855S is on the truck.” – Ben Boulet, 2006 Ram 2500, 2012 Lance 855S
“We have Husky front and rear molded mud flaps on the truck. We’ve had them since September 2011. No problems. They’re durable and do what they’re supposed to do. Installation was an easy DIY. I’d buy the same ones again if one med flap was damaged or we replaced the truck.” – John and Marylou Wells, 2011 Chevy 3500, 2012 Chalet Ascent S100F
“I have Ford mud flaps from the dealer. Texas requires mud flaps on dual wheel vehicles. I don’t have them behind the steer tires.” – Paul Roberson, 2014 Ford F350, 1988 Lance 980
“The flatbed came with large mud flaps. I would have added them if they weren’t included.” – Pete Haidinyak, 2016 Ram 5500
“I have WeatherTech no drill mud flaps. The installation is generally easy, but aligning GM’s steel bracing rod with the hole that supports the wide fenders was frustrating. It didn’t take long, but bad words were said in English, German, and Norwegian. There was some tension on that rod so keeping it and the mud flap in place while reinserting the bolt was tricky.” – Philip Tron, 2009 Chevy 3500, 2012 Lance 1050
“I have GMC Splashguards, but the camper still gets dirty.“ – Marcy Jones, 2015 GMC 3500, Northstar 9.5 Igloo U
“We do not have mud flaps on our truck, but we are very interested in installing them. I’m very interested in seeing what others are using, especially on similar rigs.” – Rick Guffey, 2012 Ram 2500, 2013 Hallmark Everest
“I made my own, both front and rear, from the stock mud flaps they carry at the “Big Rig” store (18 wheeler kind). You can also purchase mud flap weights. They are usually in-stock at the store and will last a couple of seasons before the chrome plate wears off. I went with the stainless version for about double the cost. I have stainless running boards as well. The running boards help keep the road damage on the truck sides to a minimum.” – Bob Holland, 2012 Dodge 3500, 2013 Adventurer 910FBS
“I have hand made front and rear mud flaps with a 1/4-inch rubber sheet with kevlar thread. I bought it from a rubber and foam sales shop. The rear mud flaps have chrome weights. The front mud flaps are plain. Both sets are cut to size and screwed with black silicone. Every vehicle I have, always has mud flaps.” – Douglas Packer, 2012 Ram 3500, 2014 Eagle Cap 1160
“Mud flaps are a must! The mud flaps that come with new trucks are a joke. They stop very little mud and dirt from flying around. After market rubber flaps are the first thing I install on any new truck I am using.
Truck body, camper, and trailer damage prevention is a priority. All you can do is your best. There is still some debris that gets through to leave its mark, but the difference is dramatic. It’s false economy not to spend a little time and money to install these protection devices (as well as others ) on your rig. There will come a time to sell or trade up, and then you easily realize their value.
I usually end up at a farm supply store and purchase the large truck rubber flaps. I have a dually, so I installed them on the rear of our truck. The third one I purchased, I cut in half and attached to the front fenders. It’s not expensive, it’s easy to work with, and lasts forever.” – Wes Hargreaves, 2016 Ford F450, 2006 Snowbird 108DS
“Yes, I have front and rear mud flaps, and would definitely get them again! Although I do not know the brand, the front flaps are molded plastic, and the rear dually ones are heavy duty rubber. However, I also believe the side molded steps are just as important. These go from front to rear and, based on the molded design, prevents anything from being thrown up onto the sides of the truck.” – Charles Coushaine, 2001 Ford F350, 2012 Chalet DS116RB
“We have the factory option front and rear mud flaps. They help, but I’m always looking for better!” – Robert Mayton, 2014 Ford F450, 2015 Lance 1172
“Our first truck was a 1974 three-quarter ton and I typically buy a new one every seven years. We have always had standard manufacture issue mud flaps on the front and back of all our trucks. We bought our first truck camper in 1974 as well.
In my opinion bed liners, a bed rubber mat, and larger mud flaps are a waste of money. This is really a personal preference and a desire to gain a specific look or appearance. As an example, Ford zinc coats its body so it will not rust if you scratch the bed. While larger mud flaps will help from a few rock dings, the large mud flaps look terrible.
I’ve never had water damage associated to the lack of larger mud flaps. Remember we are suppose to re-caulk areas around the camper as necessary to prevent water leaks – including top, sides, and front – annually.
There is a more simple choice – slow down on gravel roads. You have a lot of other things to worry about like tree branches, low bridges, hail damage and normal wear and tear. A few hardly noticeable rock dings is not that big of a deal.
Be happy! Camp more. Love life. Enjoy the outdoors. See our national parks. But don’t take my camping spot, okay?” – Tom Bender, 2011 Ford F250, 2009 Sun Valley Apache Chief 8.65 WS
“We have pre-formed plastic extensions both front and rear. Being a dually, the rears are extra long and they are wider. We have not found a lot of excess water and crude splashing up. Our sewage tote is stored on our hitch extension, under the rear overhang. We don’t get a lot of debris there.” – Eric Devolin, 2007 GMC 3500, 2006 Adventurer 106DBS
“I have put splash guards on both the front and rear wheel wells of all my vehicles. While these are not the full Husky mud flaps, they do a lot to reduce the amount of debris thrown up on the lower sides of the vehicle.
Since my camper does not extend beyond the tailgate, I do not need to protect an overhang.” – Bill Peters, 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2013 Four Wheel Camper Hawk
“I have mud flaps only on the rear. I have DuraFlaps made here in Oregon. I have had them in my last two trucks and I highly recommend them. They look great and provide excellent protection. I would definitely have them on any truck I purchased.
I added factory fender flares to my truck and have not found a need for front mud flap. While I am sure they offer more protection I have not made the investment.” – Jeff Marcus, 2011 Ram 3500, 2015 Arctic Fox 1150
“We installed skirts on the back of our unit primarily to keep the rear of our unit clean from road debris. The skirts are easily removable.” – Ernest Wallace, 2006 Chevy 2500HD, 2006 Lance Max 881
“I have front and rear DuraFlaps with stainless weight plates. I would buy this product again. They are pre-drilled for easy install, and are a rugged product.” – Keith Lincoln, 2012 GMC 3500, 2014 Host Mammoth
“To anyone installing mud flaps, make sure that a tape is placed under the mud flap contacting the body paint area. In the Dodge Ram forums there is a lot of talk about mud flaps wearing through paint in a very short amount of time because of movement while driving. Much of this for the people who have dealer installed flaps is being covered by warranty – if discovered and pushed at the dealership. Also, applying silicone during install helps.” – Ken Snider, 2016 Ram 3500, 2016 Lance 995
“I have no mud flaps. The funny thing is that, even after escaping the primordial ooze of Arizona’s Mormon Lakes at last year’s Overland Expo West, I had no appreciable accumulation of mud on the camper at all. My clothing, boots, and floor mats are another story!” – Mark Obert, 1999 Ford F250SD, 1999 Lance 920
“I have WeatherTech mud flaps on both front and rear. They work great. Also my 265/70/R16 tires do not extend outside the wheel well. The Weathertech mud flaps were easy to install and look great on my truck. I have not noticed any big problems with water spraying up on the camper wing skirts since the mud flaps were installed.
They are very durable. The mud flap was the only part to survive a recent blowout of a rear tire. The side of the truck box and fender well was badly damaged and the inner fender liner was destroyed by the disintegrating tire, but when I went back to look through the remnants of my tire after the blowout, I found my mud flap in like-new condition. It was the only piece I was able to salvage from the mishap.” – Arn Chamberlain, 2000 Ford F250, 2004 Palomino Maverick 8801
“We put mud flaps on this winter as we got tired of the running boards being full of road gunk and snow, and the vehicle we tow being covered as well. The rear flaps are GMC OEM molded, hard plastic flaps, and they work and fit excellently. The OEM pair for the front didn’t fit with the wheel well trim (even though they are for our truck specifically), so we ended up getting a set of Husky front flaps. They are very easy to install and they work great. We will definitely have mud flaps on our truck, front and rear, from now on!” – Tracy Schuster, 2014 GMC 3500, 2012 Lance 992
“I have both front and rear mud flaps. All are rather large. I will always have mud flaps on my trucks!” – Dean Curtis, 2002 Ford F250, 2002 Arctic Fox 990
“I do. They came with the flat bed set up. I thought they were a mandatory item. While I’ve never paid much attention to them, I’m always open to something a little different. The flatbed manufacturer was using some old snowmobile treads. I wanted those, but there was something about them not being legal. Anyway, I just have the “BORF”s (Big Ole Rubber Flaps).” – Frank Poole, 2016 Ram 5500HD, 2016 Arctic Fox 990
“Yes, we have front and rear mud flaps. We had them put on the truck long before we even considered having a truck camper. They are Dodge factory flaps. And, yes, we would put them on again.” – Victoria Buie, 2007 Dodge 3500, 2012 Lance 1050S
“We have DuraFlap mud flaps. They are made in the USA in Medford, Oregon. They are heavy duty, feature mounting holes that match factory bolts, and offer excellent anti-sail and and anti-spray capabilities. I drove the Alaskan Highway without any issues from them. I have a front and rear set. They helped prevent rock chips and dings. Excellent product and customer service. Well worth the money.” – Thomas Cole, 2015 Ram 3500, 2013 Adventurer 86FB
“Yes. I have them in the front and rear. Heavy duty polymer mud flaps are a must have items on your truck.” – JaLyn Sheesley, 2008 Ram 3500, 1993 Lance LC980
“Yes, I have mud flaps on both the front and rear of my truck. My camper stops six inches outside the bed. They keep a lot of road debris off the rear of the camper. The fronts help to protect the body of the truck from rocks and stuff. Also, if you plan to travel through the great state of Texas, they are mandatory if you have dual rear wheels.
Mine are made by AVS. I got them the same time as my window vent shades and bug deflector for the hood. Yes, I would buy them again.” – Michael Davis, 2016 Dodge Ram 3500, 2011 Eagle Cap 800
“I have Ram mud flaps. They came from the dealer, and are really thick (1/2-inch maybe) and heavy duty that cover the full width of the dual rear wheels. They are so heavy they don’t blow up in wind or slip stream of the truck at speed.
They hung almost to the street without the camper when I bought the truck, and touched the pavement when loaded, so I trimmed the top off and raised them up. Now they clear the street by about 2-inches with the camper on.
I tow a Jeep so I’m convinced that they offer some protection to my toad. I have the stock Ram front mud flaps and they help to keep mud off the nerf bar steps. I also use a rubber bed mat.” – Casey Myers, 2010 Ram, 2005 Alpenlite Cheyenne 950
“Yes, we have mud flaps on our dually truck. I don’t know the brand name. I had them put on at the truck dealer when we took delivery of the truck. They have a chrome strip along the bottom edge and were attached directly to the truck with some screws that have a coating on the threads to protect the metal. We also have front flaps. If I bought another truck I would buy mud flaps.” – Michael Rodriguez, 2011 GMC 3500, 2011 Arctic Fox 1140
“Yes, I have the factory add-on molded mud flaps on both the front and back. I would definitely have them on my next truck.” – Jerry Smith, 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 992
“When I took delivery of our custom-ordered Ram 2500, I had the dealer install Mopar mud flaps on the front and rear fenders. They are black, heavy-duty (1/2-inch thick around the edges), stay stiff at highway speeds, and are easy to spray clean. I would certainly get them again on my next truck.
The front flaps protect the running-board steps and rocker panels from mud and winter salt spray. The rear flaps protect the exhaust pipe, camper truck bed overhang, and rear tie-down brackets. They also add a more rugged look to my rig.” – Dave Thalman, 2013 Ram 2500, 2013 Northstar 850SC
“I have front and rear mud flaps on our Ford F250. I bought them from Amazon. They are the custom fit molded for the specific truck mud flaps. They are installed easily and are attached in the pre-existing holes using screws and clips. It was not necessary to remove the wheels or tires.
The front flaps help keep mud off the running boards, and the rear helps keep mud off the camper. We live five miles off pavement on a gravel access/ranch road in northeast Arizona. Rain equals mud! I would get both front and rear mud flaps on any other truck I buy.” – Kenneth Reynolds, 2015 Ford F250, 2015 Adventurer 89RB
“We just have the Chevy factory body colored front and rear fiberglass optional permanently mounted flaps behind all four wheels (not a dually) and have never noticed any build up. The camper and rear bumper extends almost 48-inches behind the bed. We just came through some pretty heavy rain and the underside of the camper is spotless. It’s been like that for over 20,000 miles.” – Joe Sesto, 2015 Silverado 3500, 2015 Bigfoot 2500 10.6
“Yes, I have rear mud flaps. I don’t know the brand. They were on the truck when purchased the truck used. I do have front mud flaps that are attached to full length running boards. Yes, I would get front and rear mud flaps on my next truck.” – Ronnie Willford, 1997 Ford F350, 2010 Travel Lite
“We converted our dually into a flatbed last year and included were full size rubber mud flaps, advertising the conversion company, of course. We do not have front mud flaps and would probably only get rear flaps in the future.” – Dan and Peggy Sego, 2005 Dodge Ram 3500, 2011 Lance 992
“I have WeatherTech mud flaps on the front and rear wheels. They are a big help in keeping mud off the running boards (and therefore, out of the cab). I don’t envision a next truck, but will replace these if they are worn off or torn off.” – R. Shaffer, 2016 Ram 3500, Four Wheel Camper Hawk
“I have Go Industries mud flaps on my pick up. They are the largest ones I could find. They also have the anti sail bracket on them. The ones that came with the pick up were worthless. They curled towards the tire and didn’t do much to stop anything.
The Go Industries mud flaps that I have now work great. My camper, as you know, has a very large over hang and these mud flaps really stop the junk from hitting it. The front ones came with the truck. I didn’t see much advantage to changing those.” – David Donovan, 2007 Chevy 3500, 2012 Chalet TS116
“We had rear mud flaps installed when we bought our truck new in 2000. They certainly help keep the underside of the camper clear of dirt. We do not off road, but do find ourselves on wet roads which have a coating of mud that sprays up under and along the sides of the truck and camper. The underside of the camper does not show an accumulation of dirt which we attribute to the rear mud flaps. Would we put them on our next truck (if we ever get one)? Darn right we would.” – Bill Billyard, 2000 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008 Palomino Winter Creek 115RS
“I have factory mud flaps from Chevy front and rear. I would get both again.” – Damon Trumps, 2011 Silverado 2500HD, 1994 Lance 480
“The mud flaps on my Dodge dually are a Mopar product. I’m happy that the previous owner had these installed when the truck was purchased new. The idea of throwing all kinds of road debris on the underside of our camper does not appeal to me. It still gets dirty, but not as bad if the flaps weren’t there.
I don’t have have front mud flaps, but may consider putting them on at some point. There have been times of fresh road tar sticking to the lower fenders where mud flaps would have really helped. So definitely, mud flaps are essential.
The rubber bed mat is also an important item to have for a camper. I had considered doing a spray in bed liner, but at a cost of over $500 dollars, it did not seem worth it, especially when you never see it. I found my bed mat at Camping World. It was made to fit the Dodge bed for $49.
The camper stays well planted on the mat. The only one time has the camper slid forward is when I severely braked to miss a deer. Re-adjusting the camper was a lot easier than replacing headlights and front grills!” – Roger Odahl, 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 2004 Eagle Cap 950
“I have factory front and rear molded mud guards and Rock Tamer flaps on the rear of truck to protect towed trailers. I definitely would have front and rear guards on all trucks, especially since we live in a northern environment with ice and snow.” – Carlton Basmajian, 2012 Ford F350, 2016, Wolf Creek 850
“We have the factory mud flaps, front and rear, and would get mud flaps on our next truck.” – Buzz and Sherri Merchlewitz, 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, 2015 Hallmark Ute
“Yes, I have both front and rear mud flaps. The truck comes with them from the factory.” – Steven Lowery, 1999 Toyota Tacoma, 2010 Travel Lite 690FD
“The mud flaps I have on our truck are the factory mud flaps. They are installed terribly. They are attached right to the fenders with four 1/4-inch screws that are cheap looking. I have been thinking of designing something better. I have just never got around to it.” – James Tedford, 2012 Ram 3500HD, 2007 Arctic Fox 990
“I had the dealer install factory GMC mud flaps on the rear when I bought the truck because he offered a discount. Other than that offer, I would not have gotten the mud flaps. I suppose they help keep the mud and debris off the camper and are a good idea. I’d probably do it again on the rear.” – David Miller, 2012 GMC 2500HD, 2012 Travel Lite SBRX890
“Yes, I do have mud flaps. I purchased DuraFlap brand for both front and rear. I ordered standard length on the front and extra long on the rear. If I were to do it over again, I would order extra long on the front as well. I definitely have mud flaps on all my trucks.” – Matt Arnold, 2013 Ram 3500, 2016 Arctic Fox 990
“I have flaps on the front and rear. Ford factory mud flaps are in the rear, and after market in the front. The front flaps could be wider to protect the dually fender better. I have always had flaps and always will.” – Klaus Jager, 2014 Ford F350, Lance 1131
“My truck did not come with flaps but needs them ASAP. I contacted WeatherTech for the molded style, but they do not offer a product for this truck yet. I’m on the mailing list for as soon as they do.
By the way, my truck has less than 2-inch clearance between the back edge of the fender well and the start of the side factory running boards. There is a selection for this in the product compatibility search on their website. When selected, it states this product is not yet available.” – Erik Russell, 2016 Ram 3500, 2001 Lance 1010
“I installed Husky Flaps, front and back. The dually flaps cover both wheels. The OEM GM dually flaps just covered the outside dual tire.” – George Visconti, 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD, 2016 Arctic Fox 990
“I have front and rear DuraFlap mud flaps on my truck. I chose DuraFlap’s for many reasons; no drill installation, heavy rubber/polyethylene flap with polished stainless steel weights, and rain grooves to help with excess water/mud spray. I wouldn’t own a truck without real mud flaps. Those little splash guards I see on some trucks don’t do much for protection.” – Allen Jedlicki, 2012 GMC 2500HD, 2014 Wolf Creek 850SB
“Yes, I have full size anti-sail type flaps. It covers both rear tires. They are full width and top to bottom. It keeps the back of the rig clean and protects the front of the 1967 CJ5 Jeep that we tow.” – Ron Meredith, 1994 Ford F350, 1991 Lance 835
“I wanted to put mud flaps on my F550. I had mud flaps on my previous F350s and found lots of reasons to continue using them, especially since I pull a 14-foot motorcycle trailer behind my truck. Then when I installed solar panels on the side of my trailer, it was something that was a must do.
My mud flaps are pretty simple. I just rode down to the NAPA store, about 38 miles away, and got the width that was my wheel well for a dually. I had measured the height from the ground, too. I did have to notch them to fit the wheel well, as well as the exhaust. I purchased the rubber ones, passing on the lighter vinyl/plastic ones.
Now, with multiple years of use, they are performing perfectly in minimizing the damage to my camper’s overhang as well as the front of my motorcycle trailer.” – Bryan Appleby, 2008 Ford F550, 2009 Lance 1191
“I have the stock factory (Ram logo) dually mud flaps. I do not have front mud flaps, which has not been a problem. If I had a Torklift Hidden Power, frame-mounted spare battery, I probably would get front mud flaps.” – Tom Miner, 2004 Dodge Ram 3500, 2005 Host Yukon 11.5 SS
“We can’t say enough good things about our Owens mud flaps. We got them from the guys at Mudflaps.com in Colorado. There is simple mounting and they’re built to last. Because we have running boards and they do a good job, we don’t need front mud flaps.” – David Weaver, 2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2006 Lance 845
“Yes, I have mud flaps in the front and rear. It is especially important to have rear mud flaps on dual rear wheels. Mine are made by WeatherTech. I also have WeatherTech running boards. I would have the same set-up on any future truck and camper combination.” – Ray Steinmeyer, 2007 GMC 3500, 2007 Host 115DS
“I installed custom fitted flaps front and rear when the truck was new. I don’t know the brand, but they fastened on using the existing screws. They save a lot on gravel, mud, and dirt wear on the truck and camper. They will definitely be on my next truck, too.” – Randall Rice, 2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD, 2015 Bigfoot 2500 10.4
“I have the stock flaps front and rear that were on the truck when we bought it. They are small in size and made of plastic. I have always had mud flaps on my pickups, both front and rear.” – Mike Ricci, 2006 Chevy 2500 HD, 2006 Bigfoot 15C9.5 FS
“I have diamond plate mud flaps on the rear and diamond plate running boards on the truck. The running board had a diamond plate flap on the front end.” – Chris O’Connor, 1986 Chevy K30, 1996 Fleetwood Caribou 11
“I have front and rear mud flaps that were purchased from the factory, so the fit is perfect. And yes, I’d get mud flaps again. In fact, I have them on both Subarus as well.” – Dave Riddle, 2015 Chevrolet 3500, 2006 Host Tahoe
“I ordered factory front and rear mud flaps when I ordered truck. My previous F150 did not have mud flaps. Mud and gravel were thrown on the cab steps and under the rear wheel wells. I also ordered inner fender liners just to keep suspension a little cleaner. I would definitely get them again. They are not that expensive.” – Dwight Norris, 2016 Ford F350, 2016 FWC Hawk
“I have factory mud flaps on the front and back. The rear of the camper gets really bad on gravel and dirt roads. Does anyone know if there is a way to keep that limited?” – Tom Elliott, 2007 Ram 2500, 1999 Lance 835 Lite
“I have front and rear mud flaps. Custom diamond plate is on the front that is part of step along doors. On the back, I’m not sure of the brand. I would like them a little bigger on the back. I ‘d do it again for sure.” – David Vigal, 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 2007 Arctic Fox 811
“The Tundra comes standard with front and rear mud flaps. I also have a four-wheel drive Ford Ranger XLT that came standard with front and rear mud flaps. Yes, my next truck will have mud flaps.” – Dave Scobie, 2007 Toyota Tundra, 2015 Outfitter Caribou lite 6.5 and a 2005 Ford Ranger, 1998 Roamin’ Chariot
“I have rear mud flaps from Big R farm supply and I am very happy with the purchase. The front set are Ram factory flaps and they seem okay.” – Bill and Shellia Sargent, 2012 Ram 3500, 2009 Lance 971
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