Before Specifying Mudguards for a Truck Fleet

1. Define which vehicles the specification covers

Start by defining the scope. A fleet can contain different:

• truck makes and models
• trailer types
• tyre sizes
• wheel configurations
• axle arrangements
• self-steer applications
• operating environments.

A specification that works for one vehicle type should not automatically be copied to another. Document which vehicle groups can legitimately share the same mudguard system.

2. Record the wheel and tyre specification

Record the complete tyre information for each vehicle group and identify whether the wheel arrangement is:

• single
• super single
• dual
• tandem
• self-steer
• another specialist configuration.

Use the RHINO Tyre Size Guide as a starting point, then check the actual vehicle.

See Truck Mudguard Types Explained

3. Measure the required guard dimensions

Record the measurements required to identify and repeat the specification. Relevant information can include:

• guard span
• guard width
• radius or profile
• wheel clearance
• chassis relationship
• mounting position.

For repeat builds, retain the dimensions rather than relying only on what was fitted to the previous vehicle.

4. Check the axle configuration

Axle arrangement can change the guard configuration required. A conventional wheel arrangement and a self-steering axle may require different products even where the nominal wheel diameter is similar.

Identify self-steer or other specialist configurations explicitly in the fleet specification.

5. Select the material for the application

RHINO provides mudguard options in plastic, stainless steel and aluminium. Material selection should reflect the actual vehicle and fleet requirements rather than an assumption that one material is always superior.

Questions to consider include:

• Which materials are available in the required size and configuration?
• Does fleet colour form part of the specification?
• Is a particular metal finish required?
• Is recycled plastic relevant to procurement requirements?
• What product evidence supports the chosen specification?

How to Choose the Right Truck Mudguard Material

Plastic vs Stainless Steel Truck Mudguards

6. Specify the complete mounting system

Do not specify the mudguard and leave all associated mounting decisions undocumented.

The complete system may involve:

• chassis poles
• saddles and clamps
• mounting brackets
• infill spacers
• associated hardware.

Where practical, record the approved components for each repeat vehicle specification.

7. Specify mudflaps and spray management

The mudguard is part of a wider wheel-area system. Check requirements for:

• mudflaps
• mudflap dimensions
• mounting arrangement
• spray suppressant
• related channels or fittings.

Any legal or regulatory requirement applying to mudguards, mudflaps or spray suppression should be checked against the current rules for the vehicle and jurisdiction.

8. Consider the operating environment

Record how and where the vehicle group operates. Relevant conditions may include:

• on-road use
• off-road use
• forestry
• construction
• agricultural environments
• long-distance highway operation
• regular exposure to mud or debris.

The purpose is to give the person making the specification sufficient application information rather than making unsupported assumptions about which material will perform best.

9. Decide how important fleet appearance is

Mudguards are visible components, so appearance can form part of a fleet specification.

Selected RHINO plastic products provide colour options, while stainless steel and aluminium provide different metal finishes.

A fleet specification can document:

• approved material
• approved colour
• approved finish
• permitted alternatives.

10. Plan for replacement before the first installation

Record:

• RHINO part number
• product description
• dimensions
• material
• colour or finish
• mounting hardware
• associated mudflap
• approved alternatives, where relevant.

This makes it easier for procurement teams and workshops to identify the intended replacement later.

11. Standardise where the vehicles genuinely match

Fleet standardisation can simplify:

• purchasing
• stockholding
• replacement identification
• workshop instructions
• vehicle presentation.

Standardisation should not override correct fit. Create separate approved specifications where wheel, tyre, axle or vehicle requirements differ.

12. Evaluate initial price separately from whole-of-life performance

Initial purchase price is one procurement input, but fleet teams can also record real operating information such as:

• purchase price
• installation requirements
• replacement frequency
• repair or replacement labour
• associated vehicle downtime
• replacement availability
• observed service life.

This allows the fleet to assess its own whole-of-life experience rather than relying on unsupported generic assumptions.

13. Identify the evidence procurement needs

Depending on the organisation, this may include:

• technical drawings
• product dimensions
• material information
• testing information
• recycled-material documentation
• installation information
• design files
• current pricing and supply arrangements.

See how RHINO works with fleet, procurement and engineering teams .

14. Build a fleet mudguard specification record

When should the specification be reviewed?

• when tyre size changes
• when a new truck or trailer design enters the fleet
• when an axle configuration changes
• when repeated fit or damage issues occur
• when a product becomes unavailable
• when procurement or material requirements change
• when workshop feedback identifies an installation issue.