Rear mud flaps…what’s the point?

[Tdub0527]

I’ve never put mud flaps on a vehicle before (never had to), but when I saw the mud on my doors and people talking about rock chips I obliged and got myself some Ford mudflaps front and rear and installed them.

I really do not like the looks of the rear flaps and it got my wondering why do I need rear mudflaps? Is it a courtesy to those behind me? Is it to keep my bumper cleaner? Thinking of taking them off but wanted to make sure I’m not missing something obvious for why they should stay on.

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[TX_Bronco77]

Is it a courtesy to those behind me?

Yes, if the tires are as bad at throwing rocks as people say it's the right thing to do to protect the paint and windshields of those behind you.

 

[5280Bronco]

Besides courtesy, I think it's personal preference. I think it looks really weird to just have front flaps on any vehicle with mud flaps, and it needs the rears to make it cohesive. But, you are the opposite, so it's just a choice.

I really don't know if any primary reason other than courtesy.

 

[Mortonm]

courtesty to those behind (or your trailer/boat)

Is it a courtesy to those behind me?

Yes, if the tires are as bad at throwing rocks as people say it's the right thing to do to protect the paint and windshields of those behind you.

Also if you are pulling a trailer or boat, and agreed it might look a bit weird without the matching front and back mudflaps

 

[Drex]

you have it right, might keep some spray off your vehicle, but it mainly keeps you from throwing rocks, water, mud, whatever your rear tires pick up that you neglected to clean off your tires before getting on a public roadway and subjecting innocent people to broken windshields, blinding rain/snow from the road, etc.

There is a reason why rear flaps (in good condition and coverage) is required by law on commercial trucks in most places. It is just being responsible for any material you missed during your cleaning or that your off road tires pick up when on public roads.

Folks will disagree and I respect their God-given right to be as wrong as they want, but I would not run a vehicle with off road tires on the road without adding rear flaps, for I am an adult that respects other people, their safety, and their property.

 

[rws]

In the "old days" there was a lot more vehicle behind those rear wheels to protect. With the Bronco being so short back there, I have to agree with others, the primary reasons for rear flaps:
- courtesy to those behind (I've had my windshield cracked more than a few times by flying debris)
- uniform look - if they are on the front, perhaps having them on the back provides "balance"

 

[Tdub0527]

I am not a huge fan of the look but being considerate of others is enough reason for me to keep them on. I appreciate the responses and I’ll treat others as I’d like to be treated and keep the rocks off their vehicles!

 

[KEM IA]

I only have the fronts and that's because there isn't a reasonable back set for my back bumper without modifications.

 

[cyberfalco]

I just bought a set of front flaps from WeatherTech until I can find a reason to pay $300-$500 (oof) for mud flaps from these other companies. Which will probably be never.

https://www.weathertech.com/ford/20...e-size-6/yes/bronco-bumper-style-315/style-2/

 

[Tdub0527]

I will say, for those that have the plastic bumpers like me, I do think the Ford ones are a great fit and finish. Highly recommend and not too difficult to install.

 

[dadjoke]

I just bought a set of front flaps from WeatherTech until I can find a reason to pay $300-$500 (oof) for mud flaps from these other companies. Which will probably be never.

https://www.weathertech.com/ford/20...e-size-6/yes/bronco-bumper-style-315/style-2/

Totally agree on price, but after looking at others' reviews and what was available cheaper (and I absolutely do not possess the skills to build my own, RESPECT to the people who have) I bit the bullet on a mid-price with these from RekGen for ~$230, fast shipping, very well packaged, great looking product. I'll be installing over the weekend

https://rekgen.com/products/2021-ford-bronco-trophy-sport-mud-flaps?variant=39612079538234

 

[5280Bronco]

Totally agree on price, but after looking at others' reviews and what was available cheaper (and I absolutely do not possess the skills to build my own, RESPECT to the people who have) I bit the bullet on a mid-price with these from RekGen for ~$230, fast shipping, very well packaged, great looking product. I'll be installing over the weekend

https://rekgen.com/products/2021-ford-bronco-trophy-sport-mud-flaps?variant=39612079538234

Those are definitely a great option. Unfortunately, it looks like they still haven't figured out how to get them to work on the rear with the steel bumper.

 

[mul1gan]

I am looking for an inexpensive set for my BL, are the Ford OEM ones any good?

 

[IDyeti]

Well my trailer looks like this.

 

[Tdub0527]

I am looking for an inexpensive set for my BL, are the Ford OEM ones any good?

I like them a lot (except for the looks of the back ones), I don't think they work with factory rock rails or side steps if you have either of those. I have Go Rhino 6DS and they work well with those.

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