Truck Hardware Gatorback RAM Text Mud Flaps - 14" Wide - Anodized Brackets
Add a touch of rugged sophistication to your lifted truck with the Truck Hardware Gatorback RAM Text Mud Flaps - 14" Wide - Anodized Brackets. Designed specifically for trucks with oversized tires, these premium mud flaps provide exceptional protection against road debris, mud, and rocks, while showcasing the iconic "RAM" text logo. The officially licensed Mopar logo adds a distinct and bold look, making these mud flaps the perfect choice for RAM truck enthusiasts.
The Gatorback RAM Text Mud Flaps are crafted from high-quality virgin rubber, ensuring maximum durability and flexibility. Measuring 14" wide and adjustable from 18" to 12" in length, these mud flaps are customizable to perfectly fit your truck. The anodized aluminum brackets feature a 1.5" kickback, which provides extra clearance for oversized tires, reducing the risk of rubbing. The 304 polished stainless steel plate with a die-stamped RAM text logo adds a powerful and distinctive aesthetic.
These mud flaps are designed with a universal fit, allowing you to install them on either the front or rear wheels, offering versatility for various truck setups. The anodized aluminum brackets are corrosion-resistant, ensuring they withstand even the harshest conditions. Installation requires drilling into the lip of the wheel well, and all necessary hardware, including self-tapping screws, is included.
Key Features
- Premium Virgin Rubber: Crafted from high-quality virgin rubber, providing exceptional durability and resilience against mud, rocks, and road debris.
- 304 Polished Stainless Steel Plate with RAM Text Logo: Features a die-stamped, Mopar-licensed RAM text logo, adding a rugged and custom look to your truck.
- Anodized Aluminum Brackets with 1.5" Kickback: The anodized aluminum brackets provide additional tire clearance, making them perfect for lifted trucks with oversized tires.
- Customizable Length: Mud flaps are adjustable from 18" down to 12" in length, allowing for a tailored fit to your specific truck setup.
Additional Features
- Universal Fit: These mud flaps are designed to fit both the front and rear wheels, providing flexibility for installation.
- Secure Installation: Anodized aluminum brackets attach to the lip of the wheel well using self-tapping screws, ensuring a stable and durable fit that holds up to tough road conditions.
- Flexible Bracket Design: The offset brackets come without pre-drilled holes, allowing for easy alignment and customization during installation.
- Heavy-Duty Protection: Built for lifted trucks with oversized wheels, these mud flaps offer outstanding protection against road debris, keeping your truck clean and well-guarded.
Installation
The standard installation requires drilling into the lip of the wheel well to provide a secure attachment. The anodized aluminum brackets do not have pre-drilled holes, allowing for customizable alignment and precise fitting during installation. It is crucial to attach the brackets to the metal lip of the fender rather than aftermarket flares for a stable setup. Self-tapping screws are included for added convenience, and custom-fit brackets are available separately for a more tailored installation.
What's Included
- Two 14" wide mud flaps (one driver side, one passenger side)
- Anodized aluminum brackets with 1.5" kickback (one driver side, one passenger side)
- Self-tapping mounting screws for secure installation
Care & Maintenance
Rubber: Regularly clean the rubber mud flaps using mild soap and water to maintain their flexibility and appearance. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the rubber.
Stainless Steel: Clean the stainless steel plates with a soft cloth and mild soap to maintain their polished and rust-resistant finish.
Anodized Aluminum:
Anodized aluminum is a durable, corrosion-resistant material featuring a specialized coating that enhances protection against rust while providing an attractive finish. To preserve its appearance and functionality, appropriate cleaning methods are essential. Incorrect cleaning practices may compromise the coating, resulting in fading or pitting. This guide provides detailed instructions on maintenance, including routine procedures, advanced cleaning techniques, precautions, and considerations regarding touch-free car washes.
Routine Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance
Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the accumulation of contaminants that could impair the surface. Employ non-abrasive methods to safeguard the thin protective layer.
- Frequency: Perform cleaning every 3 months, or more frequently in environments with high pollution, proximity to coastal areas (where salt may accelerate corrosion), or high usage.
- Basic Method:
- Begin by rinsing with plain water to remove loose debris. Utilize a soft sponge or cloth for gentle wiping.
- For minor soiling, prepare a solution of mild, pH-neutral soap (such as dish detergent) with warm water. Apply using a soft cloth, employing circular motions without excessive force.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to eliminate any residue.
- Dry the surface promptly with a soft towel to avoid water spots.
- Tools: Select non-abrasive items such as soft-bristle brushes or cloths. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads, as they may scratch and damage the coating.
- Preventive Measures:
- Apply a suitable protective wax or sealant designed for anodized aluminum following cleaning (e.g., automotive-grade waxes for vehicle parts).
- In urban or industrial settings, monitor for acidic precipitation or organic deposits, which may etch the surface if not addressed promptly.
- Store items indoors when feasible to mitigate ultraviolet fading of colored finishes.
Deep Cleaning for Persistent Contaminants
For significant buildup, such as oxidation or embedded grime, employ more intensive yet cautious approaches. Always test methods on an inconspicuous area first.
- Mild Abrasive Methods: Form a paste with baking soda and water for gentle application with a soft cloth, followed by thorough rinsing. For oxidized sections, use fine-grit sandpaper (600-1000) lightly with water and polish afterward, though this should be infrequent to prevent thinning the coating.
- Commercial Products: Select cleaners formulated for anodized aluminum with a neutral pH. Citrus-based options are suitable; refrain from using unverified household cleaners.
Practices to Avoid
Anodized aluminum is susceptible to substances that may dissolve or abrade its protective oxide layer.
- Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric or phosphoric) or alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide), as they may cause etching, discoloration, or removal of the finish.
- Abrasive Tools: Avoid vigorous scrubbing implements or polishes that could dull the surface and expose the base metal.
- High-Pressure Washing: While suitable for initial rinsing, limit pressure to under 1,000 PSI to prevent intrusion into seams.
- Environmental Exposures: Minimize contact with chlorine, fluoride, or heavy metals, which may induce pitting.
Impact of Touch-Free Car Washes on Anodized Aluminum
Touch-free car washes offer convenience and minimize paint scratches by employing high-pressure jets and chemical applications without physical contact. However, they may adversely affect anodized aluminum elements, such as trim or wheels, owing to the intensity of the processes and chemicals.
- Potential Damage: These systems frequently utilize high-pH alkaline detergents and acidic pre-treatments that can interact with the coating, leading to discoloration, dulling, etching, or fading. Alkaline agents are particularly detrimental, potentially dissolving the layer and resulting in a chalky or pitted appearance. Repeated use may exacerbate issues, especially on colored anodizing, causing inconsistent hues or loss of gloss.
- Risk Factors: The absence of mechanical brushing necessitates more potent chemicals and elevated pressures (up to 1,500 PSI), which may infiltrate seals or aggravate minor imperfections. Although generally compatible with standard automotive paint, these washes can deplete protective sealants on anodized components more rapidly.
- Recommendations: Avoid touch-free car washes for items featuring anodized aluminum whenever possible, particularly those with high-alkaline formulations. Prefer manual washing with pH-neutral solutions. If utilization is necessary (e.g., for seasonal salt removal), rinse affected areas thoroughly afterward and apply a protective coating. Verify the chemical composition of the wash or conduct a test on a small section if gentler options are claimed.
Common Harsh Chemicals in Touch-Free Car Washes
Touch-free systems depend on robust chemical blends for effective cleaning without contact. These typically include:
- Alkaline Detergents: High-pH (9-14) compounds such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which emulsify oils and grime but may etch anodized aluminum by eroding the oxide layer.
- Acidic Pre-Treatments: Low-pH (2-5) solutions incorporating hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, or citric acid to dissolve mineral deposits and salts. These can induce pitting or discoloration if not adequately neutralized.
- Surfactants and Solvents: Components like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), glycol ethers, or petroleum distillates that facilitate cleaning but may include irritants capable of degrading seals and finishes over time.
- Additional Agents: Chelating compounds, foam enhancers, or corrosion inhibitors intended for protection, yet potentially abrasive in elevated concentrations. Multi-step processes alternating acidic and alkaline applications heighten risks for sensitive materials such as anodized aluminum.
These formulations prioritize efficiency and compatibility with paint, rendering them less ideal for specialized coatings like anodized aluminum.
Effective maintenance of anodized aluminum requires consistent application of gentle, neutral cleaning agents to prolong its durability and preserve its attributes. By eschewing aggressive chemicals and abrasive techniques, irreversible damage can be averted. Although touch-free car washes provide convenience, their dependence on potent alkaline and acidic substances presents notable risks to anodized surfaces, potentially causing discoloration or deterioration—manual methods are preferable where feasible. In the event of damage, seek professional assistance for restoration. Adhering to these recommendations will ensure the material retains its optimal condition for an extended period.
Terms
- Virgin Rubber: Rubber that has not been previously processed or recycled, ensuring maximum durability, flexibility, and resilience for long-term use.
- Anodized Aluminum: Aluminum treated with an anodic oxide finish, enhancing corrosion resistance and giving it a sleek, polished appearance.
- Kickback Bracket: A bracket with a setback design that provides additional clearance between the mud flap and the tire, preventing rubbing and allowing for better fitment for lifted trucks.
- Self-Tapping Screws: Screws designed to create their own threads in the mounting surface, allowing for easier installation without pre-drilling holes.
Manufacturer Warranty
Gatorback mud flaps are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers rubber replacement (e.g., tear-offs) for the lifetime of the product to the original owner. It does not cover damage caused by abuse, or regular wear and tear on brackets, plates, or mounting hardware.
The Truck Hardware Gatorback RAM Text Mud Flaps - 14" Wide - Anodized Brackets offer the perfect combination of durability, functionality, and style. With high-quality virgin rubber, anodized aluminum brackets, and a polished stainless steel plate featuring the Mopar-licensed RAM text logo, these mud flaps are built to withstand harsh road conditions while adding a customized, rugged look to your truck. Whether cruising the highway or tackling tough off-road trails, trust Gatorback to provide superior protection and style.