If you own a truck, SUV, or van, you know that mud or dirt can be a major problem. It can get all over your paint job or even inside the truck bed. Several trucks come equipped with a set of factory-installed mud flaps on the bumper to avoid this problem, but these aren't always the best option. Hitch-mounted mud flaps can make all the difference if you need a more durable solution.
Which Hitch-Mounted Mudflap is the Best?
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What are Mud Flaps?
Also called splash guards or mud guards, they are tear-resistant fabrics that prevent road debris such as mud, pebbles, rocks, rainwater, snow, and mud from splashing all over your vehicle as you drive. They are great car accessories that protect your car's paint, undercarriage, and even your fellow drivers when no elements are flying around.
Mud flaps are attached behind tires to catch all flying road debris. They are made of tear-resistant material such as thick rubber or metal and mostly cut into large sheets or aerodynamic vented louvers customized for model-specific vehicles.
Hitch mount mud flaps are installed differently from other mud flaps. They work on vehicles with a tow hitch, tow bar, or trailer hitch used for towing, making them universal for various car models so you can easily remove them in better terrains.
So, when you are in the market for these truck accessories, we have compiled a list of five truck mud flaps you can get today. These come with durable frames, are easy to install, and are easy to remove after the towing season. So, let's get right into it!
1. Rock Tamers Mudflap System
Rock Tamers Mudflap System 00108 2" Hub with Matte Black Stainless Steel Trim Plates
- Fits most vehicles ranging from small size to dually
- Overall width is adjustable from 66.75 inches to 97 inches
- Easily secures to most 2-inch ball mounts and receiver hitches
- Center hub requires only 1 inch of free space on ball mount shank
- No drilling required on vehicle for installation; Hub length:...
Do you need the best hitch-mounted mud flaps for any vehicles on your driveway? The Rock Tamers have a universal fit to fit small cars, dually trucks, and trailers. They are available in stainless steel or matte black and are powder coated for more weather resistance.
The mud flaps are adjustable from 66.75 inches to 97 inches and come on an aluminum frame that will last long. They have an easy installation that secures nicely to 2-inch ball mounts and receiver hitches with one-inch clearance. If you have different ball mounts, you can also find mud flaps that secure to 2.5-inch and 3-inch ball mounts.
The frame and flaps resist heat damage, so you can drive on any terrain. If the flaps are too long for your underground clearance, you can easily cut them to size using the clearly marked lines drawn. Overall, they are your best hitch-mounted mud flaps that will protect your vehicle, other cars on the road, as well as your towed vehicle.
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2. Tow Tuff TTF-2418AMF Mud Flaps for Towing
Tow Tuff TTF-2418AMF 18" x 24" Universal-Mounts Mud Flaps Adjustable Width Adjustable Height, Rubber...
- VERSATILE SPLASH GUARDS: 18 x 24-inch mud flaps protect your...
- ADJUSTABLE WIDTH & HEIGHT: Width adjusts between 66 and 77 inches...
- DURABLE RUBBER CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty rubber construction is...
- STABLE MOUNTING BRACKET: Stabilizing mounting bracket reduces...
- FITS 2-INCH HITCH: Receiver fits onto 2-inch hitches; a 1-inch...
If looking for the best truck mud flaps to trap most road debris, these Tow Tuff 18" x 24" mud flaps are a great option. They are width adjustable from 66" to 77" with consistent increments to fit most trucks. In addition, you can adjust the flap heights to maintain consistent ground clearance for easier and quieter driving.
The splash guards are made of durable rubber that protects your towed vehicle from damaging debris. In addition, the stabilizing mounting bracket makes installation easier and more perfect. At the same time, it is compatible with a 2-inch receiver hitch leaving a 1-inch clearance between the back of the ball mount face and the receiver opening.
Your most affordable hitch-mounted mud flaps come in a black color weighing 42 pounds. In addition, you will also get a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
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3. Roadmaster 4400 RoadWing Mud Flap System
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Roadmaster 4400 RoadWing Removable Mud Flap System
- 77 inches - fits most full size trucks
- Fits most 2" receivers
- Anti-sail design
- Slides over your ball mount or tow bar stinger and is easily...
- 24" x 24" flaps can be trimmed to fit nearly any vehicle
These truck mud flaps are compatible with two-inch hitch receivers and come with all the bolts required for installation. The unit comes with 24" x 24" flaps that you can easily trim for your desired ground clearance.
The mud flaps come in a minimalistic anti sail design with a 77-inch width coverage, so they are ideal for most vehicles. You can customize the flaps for a more personal style, and they are heavy enough to withstand debris force as you drive at high speeds.
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4. Access C100001 Roctection Hitch Mounted Mud Flaps
This unit is compatible with most 2-inch ball mounts, and the package comes with a stabilizer plate that keeps the flaps in place. The adjustable frame is compatible with most trucks, while the package comes with all installation bolts.
Also, the rubber flaps are heavy enough to withstand debris pressure on rocky terrain. The unit comes with a 1-year warranty and is made in the USA.
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5. Rockstar A10100812 Mud Flaps
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Rockstar Mud Flaps A10100812 ROCKSTAR Mud Flap 2XL
- Designed specifically to fit your bumper with a close contour...
- Vinyl capped stops allow for easy receiver pin alignment
- Rustproof aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware
- One Year Limited Warranty
- Attaches with an adjustable clamping system
You know of significant investments if you own trailers and boats, but it is not easy to transport them from one place to another; unless, of course, you have the best tow hitch. Still, it would be best if you protected your towed vehicles from damaging road debris, which is where the Rockstar splash guards come in.
They are designed for truck bumpers, and with a contoured fit, will deflect any debris off your vehicles. The splash guards come with a stabilizing plate that keeps the flaps in place. In addition, the set comes with vinyl caps that allow easier receiver pin alignment.
The mud flaps have an aluminum frame and durable stainless steel hardware, with the frame sporting convenient openings that offer visual access to the vehicle's wiring, safety chains, and receiver pin. You also get a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer and can attach with an adjustable clamping system.
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Benefits of installing the Best Hitch Mounted Mud Flaps
Mud flaps are beneficial for any car, from SUVs, dually trucks, trailers, and any other vehicle with an installed ball mount. When you limit the reach of road debris as you drive, you enjoy the following benefits from any mud flap.
- You keep your car clean. In most cases, off-roading can leave your car covered in debris, which then deserves a trip to the car cleaner, not to mention your fear of touching the dirty door handles and covered side mirrors that pose a safety risk. With mud flaps installed, mud, snow, and other types of road debris will not travel far to leave your car dirty.
- They protect your vehicle's paint. When these splash guards catch flying mud and debris, they prevent scratches and dings plus types of corrosion the debris can cause. These mud flaps are money-saving as there are fewer costly repairs on the car body in the long term.
- They improve the safety of other drivers. Picture when you drive on uneven terrain with potholes or water puddles; you will need to drive slowly to not splash dirty water, mud, and other debris to other cars. But, with mud flaps, you don't have to worry because they limit your car's splash radius.
- They do not affect your driving. Contrary to popular belief, mud flaps do not affect your vehicle's aerodynamics, such as lowering your gas mileage.
- Mud flaps are affordable and durable. The hitch mount mud flaps are quite affordable, and since you can remove them when traveling on cleaner roads, they will also last longer than other splash guards mounted differently. In addition, the mud flaps are made of metal sheets or thick rubber material.
- They are customizable, so you can add a touch of personality on the road. Though most mus flaps come in a black color bearing the manufacturer's name, you can paint them to your liking.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Best Hitch Mounted Mud Flaps
Mud flaps are a necessity for any truck or SUV. So, we have compiled a list of the best features to look for before you buy. But first, try to answer the following questions.
- Where do I want to drive, and what amount of debris am I likely to face?
- Will my vehicle allow dirt through the fender wells?
- Will the mud flap look good on my vehicle?
- Is it cheaper or easier to wash and repair my car?
- Do I have a ball mount on my car?
If the answers indicate you need a mud flap, here are the factors to consider before you buy.
a) Compatibility
An essential feature to understand before you buy a hitch-mounted mud flap is that you need to have a tow hitch already installed on your vehicle. In addition, you have to understand the installation process, including how much clearance you need between the hitch receiver and the ball mount.
Another important compatibility feature includes the hitch receiver size the mud flaps will work with. In addition, also understand how customizable your mud flaps are so you don't end up sweeping the road behind you as you drive.
Finally, make sure you understand how well the splash guards will fit on your model-specific vehicle. Again, you can find this information on a manufacturer's website, so you won't need t go back to your vehicle shop or online looking for better-fitting mud flaps.
b) Mud flap material and construction
Depending on the debris you encounter on the road, you will know which material will prevent nasty splashing. Most mud flaps are made with thick rubber or plastic materials which can keep mud, snow, water, and more debris at bay. However, looking for vented, metallic mud flaps may be better when off-roading on challenging terrain with pebbles and tougher debris.
The last thing you need to consider is the frame onto which the mud flaps are installed. It could be best to look for an aluminum frame that will stand the test of time and resist rusting and other damages.
c) Weight
You need heavy mud flaps that do not fly backward when hit by road debris. The main reason you want the flaps is to limit the splash radius of the debris and prevent too much debris from sitting on the fender wells. Therefore, the mud flaps must be heavy, and, luckily, they will never affect your vehicle's aerodynamics.
d) Aesthetics
Are you too classy to drive around with plain black mud flaps behind your rear wheels? It is no secret overtaking can be more fun when the car behind you gets a taste of your style. So, when buying mud flaps, look for customizable mud flaps that can either display the brand you bought from. If you'd like more style, look for a material you can customize to display your interests, such as flags, sports teams, colors, quotes, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hitch Mount Mud Flaps
a) Do the mud flaps work?
Yes. These hitch rear-mounted mud flaps will prevent road debris from flying all over your car and to other cars on the road with you. However, when there is too much road debris, they might only limit the amount of debris you end up cleaning.
b) Are hitch-mounted mud flaps easy to install?
Yes, they are the easiest mud flaps to install since you don't need drills or special equipment. When you have a tow hitch on your vehicle, you only need to find the most compatible mud flap frame and fasten it onto the hitch receiver. Ensure to leave enough clearance between the receiver and the ball mount for the mud flaps to work.
c) Are hitch-mounted mud flaps expensive?
The best hitch mount mud flaps are affordable and durable. They cost anywhere between $150 to $500, with the only remarkable differences being the flap and frame materials, customizable designs, and brands.
d) Will the hitch-mounted mud flaps fit my truck?
While you need to understand the model-specific recommendations from your brand, you can get adjustable mud flaps that will fit any vehicle with a center bumper step. Normally, these mud flaps are considered universal, which means you can also use them on different vehicles since they are easy to install and remove.