Choosing a truck mudguard material starts with the vehicle and its intended application.
RHINO offers truck and trailer mudguards in plastic, stainless steel and aluminium. The appropriate option depends on factors such as wheel and tyre configuration, dimensions, mudguard design, desired appearance and the wider vehicle specification.
There is no single material that is automatically the best choice for every truck or trailer.
Start with fit before material
Material is important, but the mudguard first needs to suit the wheel and vehicle configuration.
Before comparing materials, identify:
- wheel and tyre size
- single, dual or other wheel configuration
- required mudguard span
- required mudguard width
- available clearance
- axle arrangement
- required mounting arrangement.
Use the RHINO Tyre Size Guide as a starting point for common plastic mudguard applications, then check the actual vehicle dimensions and required clearance.
You can also use RHINO's mudguard selection guide .
Plastic truck mudguards
RHINO plastic mudguards are rotationally moulded from polyethylene. The current range includes virgin-plastic products and selected recycled-plastic options.
The plastic range covers multiple configurations, including:
- single and super-single
- dual
- tandem
- self-steer
- quarter guards
- other application-specific configurations.
Selected plastic mudguards are also available in multiple colours, which can be relevant where fleet colour or vehicle presentation forms part of the specification.
RHINO publishes separate technical information about the UV performance of its plastic mudguard material.
Stainless steel truck mudguards
Stainless steel provides a metal mudguard option where a stainless finish suits the vehicle specification.
RHINO's current stainless range includes different guard styles, including smooth, ribbed and rod-edged designs.
Stainless steel may be worth considering where:
- a stainless metal finish is specified
- the mudguard needs to complement other stainless components
- a particular stainless guard profile is required
- the available RHINO dimensions suit the wheel arrangement.
Aluminium truck mudguards
RHINO also supplies aluminium mudguards. Aluminium provides another metal option where the available dimensions, profile and finish meet the vehicle specification.
Aluminium may be worth considering where:
- aluminium forms part of the wider vehicle specification
- a metal finish is preferred
- the required profile is available in aluminium
- the product suits the planned mounting and vehicle design.
Compare the complete specification
| Selection factor | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Fit | Is the required span, width and profile available? |
| Tyre configuration | Does the guard suit the wheel and tyre arrangement? |
| Axle arrangement | Is a standard or specialist configuration required? |
| Material | Does plastic, stainless steel or aluminium suit the build? |
| Finish | What visual finish is required? |
| Colour | Is fleet colour or customisation important? |
| Mounting | Which poles, saddles, clamps or brackets will be used? |
| Spray management | Is spray suppressant required? |
| Operating environment | What conditions will the vehicle regularly operate in? |
| Replacement | Can the specification be identified and sourced later? |
Think in terms of the complete mudguard system
The guard itself is only one part of the specification. Depending on the application, the system may also involve:
- chassis poles
- saddles and clamps
- mounting brackets
- infill spacers
- mudflaps
- spray suppressant
Do not choose material from appearance alone
Appearance is a valid specification factor, particularly where a finished vehicle represents the fleet's brand. It should still be considered alongside fit and application.
Start with the vehicle requirements, then choose from materials and finishes available in a suitable size and configuration.
Compare plastic and stainless steel in more detail
If the decision has narrowed to these two materials, see: Plastic vs Stainless Steel Truck Mudguards .
When should you ask RHINO for help?
Contact RHINO when:
- the tyre size does not clearly match an existing guide
- the vehicle has an unusual wheel or axle arrangement
- you are changing from one guard material to another
- a self-steer application is involved
- the existing mudguard part number cannot be identified
- you are specifying a fleet or repeat vehicle build
- design information is required
- you need to confirm current product availability.
Frequently asked questions
Which truck mudguard material is best?
There is no single best material for every truck or trailer. The appropriate choice depends on fit, vehicle configuration, operating requirements, desired finish and the products available for the required dimensions.
Are RHINO plastic mudguards available in different colours?
RHINO offers multiple colour options across selected plastic mudguards. Check current product and colour availability before specifying a combination.
Does RHINO make recycled plastic mudguards?
Selected RHINO products are available using recycled plastic. Confirm the current product specification and availability before ordering.
Should I choose the material before measuring the vehicle?
Usually, establish the wheel, tyre, dimensions and clearance requirements first. You can then compare the materials available in an appropriate size and configuration.