Molded vs. Flat vs. Kickback: Which Mud Flaps Fit Your F150 Build?
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You just washed your 2015–2020 Ford F-150. The paint looks like a mirror. Then you take a drive down a gravel road—or even just a highway undergoing construction.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
That is the sound of your expensive all-terrain tires picking up rocks and hurling them at 60 MPH directly into your rocker panels. The 13th Gen F-150 has an aluminum body that won't rust, but paint chips are still ugly and expensive to fix.
The solution is simple: Mud Flaps. But buying them isn't as easy as it sounds.
If you buy Molded Flaps (like WeatherTech) for a stock XLT, they won't fit a Lariat with fender flares. If you buy standard flaps for a lifted truck with 35s, your tires will rip them off the first time you turn the wheel.
In this guide, we break down the three main styles of mud flaps and help you navigate the "With vs. Without Fender Flares" trap.
Compare Mud Flap Styles
Factory Look or Heavy-Duty Protection?
|
Style |
Material |
Coverage |
Best For |
|
Molded (WeatherTech) |
Hard Plastic. Rigid shell. |
Standard. Matches tire width. |
Stock Trucks. Clean, "OEM Plus" appearance. |
|
Rubber / Flat (Gatorback) |
Heavy Rubber. Flexible/Weighted. |
Maximum. Wide & long. |
Towing/Work. Stops rocks from hitting your trailer. |
|
Kickback / Offset |
Steel/Rubber. Brackets push flap back. |
Wide. Covers offset wheels. |
Lifted Trucks. Clears 35s and covers "poke." |
|
Flexible (Husky) |
Soft Plastic. Won't crack. |
Standard. |
Off-Road. Bends instead of breaking on rocks. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Mud Flaps)
Do I have to drill holes in my truck?
Usually No. Brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners offer "No-Drill" kits for the 2015–2020 F-150. They utilize the existing factory holes and plastic push-pins in the wheel well liner, combined with a clamp system. Exception: Heavy-duty rubber flaps (Gatorback) usually require drilling a few screws for stability due to their weight.
Will these fit with my oversized tires?
- Molded Flaps: Generally No. If you have 33s or 35s, they will rub against the molded plastic when you turn.
- Flat/Kickback Flaps: Yes. These are thin and mount further back (or "kick back" via a bracket), providing the necessary clearance for big tires to turn without rubbing.
Why are Gatorback flaps so expensive?
They are the "King Ranch" of mud flaps. They use premium virgin rubber (not recycled plastic), feature stainless steel plates (often with "F-150" or "Ford" logos), and are officially licensed by Ford. They are designed to last the entire life of the truck without fading or cracking.
Don't let gravel ruin your paint.
Get the right coverage for your tire size. Shop our verified collection of [2015–2020 F-150 Mud Flaps].