Do our F150 really need mud flaps?

[stlgrym3]

do our F150 really need mud flaps? if so, do all four wheels or just the rear?

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[dhrandy]

I put all 4 on my 4x2. I put on the plastic Ford ones to help prevent rocks from hitting my travel trailer. I think it looks better with 4.

 

[nrmedic]

Put all four on mine, the basic Ford ones. My points covered those and wheel well liners.

 

[oncechance]

^^^^
Same as above.

 

[12Lariat21]

No, you do not need them...I would recommend them to help reduce rock chips. They will not prevent all rock chips, but they certainly help.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

I prefer them to lessen the junk thrown on side of truck in any season. Never really been in the mud so can't say they help with that.

I did remove the weird front mud flap thing in front of the rear wheels and replace with the version that is flat against truck.

 

[jeffrt]

I've got the Ford ones. They really help with snow buildup on the step bars (probably not important for you in California). I was also trying to protect the inside of the painted bumpers from chipping and rusting like my 2010 did.

 

[stlgrym3]

I have the Lariat see picture below. Do I need the splash guards with or without wheel-lip molding? Which two below fit my truck? Thanks.

 

[Davexxxx]

I prefer them to lessen the junk thrown on side of truck in any season. Never really been in the mud so can't say they help with that.

I did remove the weird front mud flap thing in front of the rear wheels and replace with the version that is flat against truck.

Anyone know anything about this? What is it called, whats it's purpose? And do you have a name or number for what you replaced it with?

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Anyone know anything about this? What is it called, whats it's purpose? And do you have a name or number for what you replaced it with?

I don't know the purpose. I bought my truck used on Saturday and one was already messed up from obviously getting caught on something. Had these ordered before I picked up the truck.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/installed-smaller-stone-guards.8831/

 

[nrmedic]

These are what I put on, they slip right over the factory plastic, no removal of anything.

 

[powerboatr]

i have all four ford plastic things, used points
i used to use weather techs, but these seem to work and are supported a bit better in the rear wheel area
they are surprisingly flexible, yet strong
they do keep a good bit of crap off the sides and out back

 

[eharri3]

I have mid guards on all corners. In Winter they make a big difference in the amount of gunk caked low on the truck's flanks after a short drive. I always eventually go to aggressive all terrains that tend to throw rocks so they're one of hte first things I put on.

 

[RuggedGoods]

Anyone know anything about this? What is it called, whats it's purpose? And do you have a name or number for what you replaced it with?

It's for aerodynamic benefit. Generally speaking, rotating wheels and tires in an open wheel well create a LOT of turbulence that spills out onto the side of the vehicle in a drag-inducing manner. So blocking some of the airflow that would otherwise hit the rear tire and add to this drag is a clear benefit. Nearly every car produced now has flaps in FRONT of both the front and rear wheels for this reason.

If Ford saw fit to engineer and manufacture these flaps, they clearly do something positive for aero. You might not see the 0.05 to 0.1 mpg drop from removing them (wild guess) but if you don't hate the look, leave them there.

 

[Blue]

Not for me, hate the cheap look.

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