Truck mudguards are produced in different shapes and configurations because trucks and trailers use different wheel, tyre and axle arrangements.
Terms such as single, dual, tandem, quarter and self-steer describe mudguard configurations rather than the material from which the guard is made.
RHINO's current range includes plastic, stainless steel and aluminium products across a variety of truck and trailer applications.
Single and super-single mudguards
A single mudguard is designed around a single-wheel arrangement. The term super single is commonly used for wider single tyres used instead of a dual-wheel arrangement.
Check:
- tyre size
- wheel width
- guard span
- guard width
- required clearance
- mounting position.
Dual mudguards
A dual-wheel arrangement has two tyres fitted side by side. The mudguard therefore needs the appropriate width and profile for the wheel arrangement.
Do not select a dual guard using nominal wheel diameter alone. Width, dimensions and overall fit also need to be checked.
Tandem mudguards
A tandem mudguard covers a longer wheel-group arrangement rather than one individual wheel position.
Because the guard covers a longer wheel group, dimensions such as span, width, profile and axle spacing become important selection inputs.
Quarter guards
A quarter guard covers part of the wheel area rather than forming the longer curved profile of a conventional single or tandem guard.
RHINO supplies quarter guards within its current product range. They should be selected as part of the wider mudguard, mounting and mudflap arrangement.
Self-steer mudguards
Self-steering axles introduce wheel movement that needs to be considered when establishing the mudguard configuration and required clearance.
RHINO's product range includes self-steer mudguards across multiple tyre applications.
Because wheel movement and vehicle geometry matter, select a self-steer guard against the actual vehicle specification rather than substituting a conventional guard solely because the nominal tyre size is similar.
Low-profile tyre applications
Low-profile tyres can require mudguard dimensions suited to the tyre profile and available vehicle space.
Check span, width, profile and required clearance rather than assuming a standard guard will fit because the wheel diameter is similar.
Specialist mudguard configurations
RHINO's current product taxonomy also includes application-specific products such as logging and spreader configurations.
For specialist applications, provide wheel, tyre, axle and vehicle information rather than choosing from the product name alone.
Mudguard type is different from mudguard material
Configuration and material answer two separate specification questions.
- Configuration
- What shape and arrangement does the vehicle require?
- Material
- Should the suitable guard be plastic, stainless steel, aluminium or another available material?
Mudguard size is a separate decision
Two mudguards can have a similar configuration while having different dimensions.
RHINO publishes product information including measurements such as:
- span
- width
- radius or profile
- intended tyre/application
- product reference.
The RHINO Tyre Size Guide provides a starting point for common plastic products, but the actual application still needs to be checked.
A practical mudguard selection sequence
- Identify the wheel and tyre. Record the full tyre information.
- Identify the axle and wheel configuration. For example, single, dual, tandem or self-steer.
- Measure the required fit. Check dimensions and available clearance.
- Identify suitable guard configurations. Use current RHINO product information and sizing resources.
- Select material and finish. Compare the available plastic, stainless steel and aluminium options.
- Specify mounting components. Check relevant chassis poles, saddles, clamps and brackets.
- Check mudflaps and spray management. Treat the guard as part of the wider wheel-area system.
Related RHINO products
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a single and dual mudguard?
A single guard is designed around a single-wheel arrangement, while a dual guard accommodates a wider dual-wheel arrangement. Check actual dimensions for the tyre and vehicle.
What is a tandem mudguard?
A tandem mudguard covers a longer wheel-group arrangement. Exact fit depends on the vehicle, tyre and axle dimensions.
What is a quarter guard?
A quarter guard covers a smaller portion of the wheel area than a conventional full-length guard. Its suitability depends on the complete vehicle specification.
Why does a self-steer axle need different consideration?
A self-steering wheel moves through a steering arc, so the mudguard configuration and clearance need to accommodate that movement.
Does tyre size tell me the exact mudguard I need?
Not always. Tyre size is an important starting point, but dimensions, clearance, axle configuration and vehicle design should also be checked.