Pros and cons of mudflaps (splashguards)?

[siume99]

I have a 2001 Tahoe with the running boards.  I'm looking at getting some Husky mudflaps for the rear tires (the running boards catch alot up front).  I'm hoping this will keep my paint nicer longer on my rear quarter panels and also keep my rear window a little cleaner from dirt and water spray.  I also think it will help keep down my rooster tails and allow people behind me a better chance of seeing me   .  Are there problems with mud, snow, ice, slush...etc?  Are there any other pros and cons of having mudflaps?

 

Thanks

[MountaineerTom]

Some people have complaints that some of them have rubbed the paint off where the flaps meet the paint.  Some have also cured that by installing some of that camper foam tape, or something similar, between them.  I have my mud flaps installed over fender flares that are not painted, so I guess I'm good to go.  

[THE BIGPUNN]

look for ones that already have pre-drilled holes. you may still have to drill a hole but, it will save on time. you may have to take off your rear wheels to put on the rear ones so plan for extra time if you install yourself.

[Shaners]

The Husky flaps come with a piece of clear paint protector tape to put on the body before install.  You will have to drill one hole for correct install.  I didn't do that on mine because I didn't want to remove the rear tires.  I just used dbl face foam tape where the last hole should be.  I'll drill it when I rotate the tires next year...

[siume99]

I'm not totally pleased with drilling any holes in the sheet metal.  I've heard this voids warranties.  Is this correct?  The dealer that I saw them at said that an additional hole is required (I think it is up high).  Is securing the top of the mud flap that important?  If it is, will double sided tape work as a permanent fix?  Has anyone found drawbacks to having mud flaps?

 

PS If I do drill the sheet metal, are there preventive steps to prevent corrosion (candle wax or anything)?  It seems to me the first place to rust out on any vehicle would be something in the wheel well.  Tires kick up water even when it hasn't rained.

 

Thanks

[RyanbabZ71]

Pros

 

Saves your rear from rock chips (i know mine have)

Also stops from throwing things at other vehicles (courtesy thing)

 

I had to drill 1 hole for each of my husky flaps.  1/8" (not a huge hole)

 

So far in a yr and a half (plus last winter and salt) the flaps and holes are fine.  No rust whatsoever

[MountaineerTom]

I've never heard of anyone having their warranty void for something like that, but I guess anything is possible.  

 

What I've always done when I have to drill a hole is:  squirt some RTV or some kind of silicone sealant (I always try to use clear because it's less noticable) in the hole you drilled, them put some on the screw before you screw it in, then I added some more on top of it and around the edges to seal it up.  

 

You don't really have to over do it, so it doesn't look like a mess.  Just enough to seal it all up.  I've never had a problem with rust by doing that.  

 

I'm not in the snow belt areas too much, where the roads are salted.  Usually just a few times a year at the most, when we visit family at home, so I'm not sure how it would hold up there.  But I think it would work good.  

[Markeaux]

I have an 01 Tahoe w/o flares ... I got the Husky molded flaps a year ago but just installed them a couple months ago.  Mine did not come with any protective tape/foam so I got some single-sided 1/4" dark grey foam tape at Pep Boys and put it all the way down where the flap lip would contact the the paint.  Since I did not want to take the wheels off I just drilled the extra hole on the fronts since it is easy to do after turning the wheels.  The rears have stayed on fine w/o the extra hole.  I used only 1 screw per front and none in the rear - for all the other holes I used the same GM plastic fasteners that are used to fasten the stock flares - they fit right in and secure great but I guess are a b***h to get out.  I drove at high speed thru some deep puddles at the coast causing some huge rooster tails - was afraid this woulda knocked em loose or off but they held up fine.

[THE BIGPUNN]

the husky mud flaps come with little metal re-enforced clips that cover the hole you'll need to drill and the other holes. these clips will help with non=striping and future rust trouble.

[siume99]

Thanks for the help.  I've ordered the rear Husky mudguards.  They get in on Wednesday.  I'll have to decide then if I want to take the chance of drilling.   ??? I also have some Husky heavy duty floor mats coming (black).  The gray didn't look good in my truck.

[xrayspex]

I got the factory ones (like husky but with a bowtie). They look and perform great You''l like the husky's they're pretty much the same if not identical.Don't know the cost...it was one of the those throw 'em in deals after beating my dealer up as humanely as possible.

Only possible downside was I wondered if they might interefere with a later addition of step bars. No probs there though...just got some go rhino wheelwell to wheelwells nerf bars  put on today without a hitch.

[MountaineerTom]

Quote from xrayspex, posted on Oct. 30 2001,10:25

just got some go rhino wheelwell to wheelwells nerf bars  put on today without a hitch.

 

Post a pic of those wheel well to wheel well steps if you don't mind.  I've seen them on a Dodge, but would like to see how they look on the GM's.

 

Welcome to the site.