Am I the only one?

[Zachlovesfood]

Been meaning to ask about these for a while, but I finally saw someone that had them taken off, so I took one off of my truck to inspect further. It only take (4) T-15 bolts.

I don't know how to describe them other than front "mud flaps" on the rear wheels...

I guess they're there to maybe direct water and avoid spray? What do they do?

Furthermore, is there a different attachment? Like the flush plastic piece on the back side of the rear fender well (third picture), I like how that looks.

Trimming it seems like it would leave it looking funny; it appears to be hollow...

When they're removed (second picture), it looks like something's missing.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

-Zach

[dbcooper748]

Been meaning to ask about these for a while, but I finally saw someone that had them taken off, so I took one off of my truck to inspect further. It only take (4) T-15 bolts.

I don't know how to describe them other than front "mud flaps" on the rear wheels...

I guess they're there to maybe direct water and avoid spray? What do they do?

Furthermore, is there a different attachment? Like the flush plastic piece on the back side of the rear fender well (third picture), I like how that looks.

Trimming it seems like it would leave it looking funny; it appears to be hollow...

When they're removed (second picture), it looks like something's missing.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

-Zach

From what i understand, they are there for aerodynamics

[chuckl1218]

Here you go...from the 2014 All New Chevrolet Silverado brochure...

AEROSPATS

What’s an aerospat, you ask? They are new air deflectors positioned in front of the rear tires to direct air around them, helping reduce turbulence and drag. The result is a more efficient driving experience

[Zachlovesfood]

Aha! Aerospats. Thanks Chuck! I remember searching for hours for just the name of it a while back, to no avail. While the thought of aerodynamic engineering there seems interesting, I'm willing to sacrifice that little bit for aesthetics... If I can! And if the aerodynamic effects are too drastic, I can always put them back on. But I'll definitely be searching for a flush replacement to try it out.

[smrr1]

i hate them. look super goofy. took them off my 14 and 15 day 1.

 

 

[GMC-AT]

aerodynamics - GM spends millions and millions on wind tunnel testing....like all the auto makers. They know a lot more than we do. All these little things add up ... and at the end of the day if they can achieve 1 mpg better than Ford or Dodge.. they will sell thousands of more trucks. It's all about the MPG. Goofy mud flaps, front air dams that sit so low they nearly scrape the road underneath, Terrible drive ability ... all for MPG gains...

[Robert.jean1]

Holy crap, I have wondered what those things I removed were called?

[scott19677]

[TXTruk15]

looks so much better, and the less plastic on my truck, the better!