Mud flaps necessary to prevent rock chips?

Is this your experience with sliders with fill plates? I just got some and am apprehensive about removing mud flaps because of rock chips

 

Yep! I had all pro apex sliders with fill plates and no front flaps. It doesn't block everything, but I would always here "ting!" As rocks would fly out of my tires and hit the sliders. I had some wide tires, and didn't have any rock chips, and that was with going off-road.

 

Thanks for the input. I have Duratracs and mud flaps and have come to realize they pick up some pretty big rocks in the tread. Bought some SOS concepts sliders with filler plates and was hoping I'd be at ease removing the mud flaps

 

Thanks for clarifying that it's "or" -- with the way it was worded, and that I don't think any of us are currently removing our fenders, it'd seemed like you meant "and". Glad it's clear now.

 

I noticed the same thing with my duratracs. I do a fair amount of gravel and offroad and would cringe with every ping! I picked up some factory mud flaps and have noticed a difference.

 

Thanks guys.....I didn't realize there was a marketplace. I apologize!

 

I just read the rules and see I need 50 posts first. I am getting close but will not be able to post it for sale for another week or so. It is still avail. if anyone wants it or I will post it next week once I hit 50 posts. Thanks everyone!

 

Did I mention that I covered the rear wheel moldings with clear bra? My hope is this is all that is necessary to prevent rock chips as I will not be going off-road. Anyone else clear bra these areas?

 

Every new truck I've bought came with mud flaps except for this one. But they have never prevented the rocks from having a ding party on my trucks!

Having said that I like the way they look and I'm sure they help keep the party down so I'm ordering some plasticolor

 

This is the first truck I have ever purchased that did not come with mudflaps from the factory!

 

That is at least one reason I'm not buying from them...

 

I see what you did there...

 

Mud flaps and OEM running boards or step tubes will prevent most rock chips on the lower body panels. Mudflaps will not do the job alone. We have had three Gen 2 Tacomas with mud flaps and OEM step tubes. We drive on eight miles of gravel road daily. Almost no chips even after putting 90,000 miles on the trucks.

 

I have flaps and still hear rocks pinging off the sides. That's one huge reason I put my vinyl on the lower parts of the doors

 

Huh maybe 3rd gens are different, my 2015 already comes with a thick protective coating from the factory on the lower parts of the door.

 

Mine does to. Had 2 spot where the rocks hit so hard that it went through that thick paint down to the metal.

 

Right on man...!!!
That's what I got (except I have the BOARDS) and had on them my 2006 Taco also.... They provides great protection..... However, If I off roaded, the flaps would need to be changed out to soft, flexible ones so I don't rip these hard F'ers off...!

 

So I have the weather tech mud guards, which are hard plastic bolted to the fender. Do I have to pull these for off roading? Is there a risk of tearing the fender apart if I catch on a rock or something?

 

It could or it might strip the mounting hardware and cause problems when you want to reinstall. Better to have something that will tear easily, I'd think?

 

Yes, I agree that would be better. But, alas.