Every mile of a Minnesota winter, your tires throw salt brine, sand and slush at your truck. It sandblasts the rocker panels, chips the paint behind the wheels and coats your tailgate and anything you tow. Mud flaps are one of the cheapest ways to protect your truck from rust.
Why winter trucks need mud flaps
- Rock chips start rust. Sand and gravel chip the paint, and road salt goes to work on the bare metal.
- Gravel roads. Up north, a lot of driving is on gravel. Flaps keep rocks off your doors and off the car behind you.
- Towing. Rear flaps keep spray off your trailer, boat or camper.
Molded, no-drill mud flaps
These are shaped to fit your truck's fender exactly and bolt into existing holes.
- WeatherTech No-Drill mud flap kits mount in minutes with stainless steel fasteners. There is no drilling into your paint, and most installs do not need the wheels off.
- WeatherTech No-Drill DigitalFit MudFlaps are sold front or rear, with versions for trucks with fender flares.
Flat rubber mud flaps and splash guards
Flat flaps are larger and cover more area, which is good for bigger tires and work trucks.
- ROCKSTAR splash guards are made from 5/16 inch extruded rubber, with optional polished stainless steel trim plates.
- LUVERNE mud guards use textured heavy-duty rubber with stainless steel plates along the bottom edge.
- Gatorback mud flaps are made for specific vehicles and come with or without a plate.
Full-width tow flaps
A full-width tow flap hangs behind the rear bumper and covers the whole width of the truck. It protects what you tow and the vehicle behind you, and it is a popular choice for lifted trucks with big tires. See full-width tow flaps and commercial tow flaps.
Front, rear or both?
Front flaps protect your rocker panels and doors. Rear flaps protect your tailgate, bumper and trailer. For winter driving, a full set of four gives the most protection.
Install tips
- Install in a warm garage if you can. Rubber is stiff in the cold.
- Clean the wheel well lip first so the flap sits flat.
- Check the fasteners after the first few hundred miles.
- Long flaps can catch on snowbanks, so pick a length that suits how you drive.
Protect the inside too
Salt does damage inside the cab as well. Read our guide to the best floor liners for Minnesota winters.
Shop mud flaps
Browse all mud flaps by your truck. Questions about fit? Call Truck Covers MN at (218) 308-0045, Monday to Friday, 7:30 to 5, or stop by our shop at 3002 Bemidji Ave N in Bemidji, MN.