The Truck Hardware Gatorback Stainless Plate Mud Flaps set of 4 combines serious protection with a formed, polished 304 stainless steel plate for the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer. Gatorback is a premium mud flap built to a higher standard than typical aftermarket splash guards, and it shows the moment you pick one up. Each flap is made from heavy 1/2" thick virgin rubber, custom made for the Explorer's wheel wells, and backed by a lifetime warranty on the rubber. The result is a flap that hangs straight, stays put at highway speed, and keeps doing its job for the life of your SUV.
These 10" wide flaps protect your Explorer from rocks, mud, gravel, snow and road debris, so you will see your SUV staying cleaner longer, less dirt on your step bars, and fewer rock chips in the paint. The polished stainless steel plate adds a classic, refined look that stays bright and resists rust. Truck Hardware Gatorback flaps are known as some of the highest quality, heaviest duty mud guards in the industry, and they are proudly made in Canada. If you are looking for mud flaps you buy once and never think about again, this is them.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty 1/2" thick virgin rubber - Many aftermarket flaps use thinner, recycled rubber that can curl, sag or tear over time. Gatorbacks use thick, premium virgin rubber that stays flexible without cracking, from highway drives to off-road adventures.
- Formed 304 stainless steel plates - Premium 304 stainless steel plates, 8 1/8" x 2 7/8", resist rust and corrosion and keep a polished, refined look through harsh weather and road salt.
- Custom fit, no drilling - Custom made for the 2020-2027 Explorer, the flaps use the factory fasteners and mounting locations, with brackets and hardware included, and install in about 15 minutes per flap.
- Lifetime rubber warranty - If a flap comes off or is damaged from normal wear and tear, Gatorback sends replacement rubber at no charge for as long as you own the vehicle.
Which Gatorback Is Right for Your Vehicle?
Gatorback mud flaps for the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer come in several versions. Use this quick guide to make sure you pick the right one:
- Trims that fit - Truck Hardware lists fitment for the 2020-2024 Limited, Timberline and XLT; 2020-2027 Platinum and ST; 2022-2027 ST-Line; 2025-2027 Active; and 2027 Tremor. Base and King Ranch trims are not listed, so check your trim before ordering.
- Complete set of 4 - This listing includes all four flaps (2 front, 2 rear), so every wheel well is covered.
- Sized for the Explorer - The flaps are 10" wide with 5" of front and rear tire coverage, made to fit the Explorer's wheel wells on a stock, unmodified vehicle.
- Choosing a style - This version is the polished stainless steel plate style. This set is also available in: orange Tremor on black anodized aluminum, plain rubber (no plate), black Ford oval and orange Tremor on black wrap stainless.
Features and Benefits
These flaps are made from premium, heavy-duty virgin rubber, 1/2" thick, a high-quality rubber that has not been recycled and offers superior flexibility, durability and resilience. It handles everything from highway drives to off-road adventures without cracking or deteriorating, and the weight of the thick rubber keeps the flaps from sailing at highway speed. Each flap measures 10" wide, with 5" of tire coverage front and rear, measured from the bottom of the fender to the bottom of the flap. That coverage helps keep the sides of your vehicle cleaner, reduces rock chips, mud splatter and grime, and keeps road spray from affecting other drivers.
Each flap carries a formed 304 stainless steel plate measuring 8 1/8" x 2 7/8". 304 stainless steel is a premium grade known for its excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, so the plates keep their polished, refined look for years. You will appreciate the attention to detail in these flaps.
Fit is built in. These flaps are custom made for the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer for precise coverage, and Truck Hardware lists fitment for the 2020-2024 Limited, Timberline and XLT; 2020-2027 Platinum and ST; 2022-2027 ST-Line; 2025-2027 Active; and 2027 Tremor. They use your Explorer's existing factory fasteners and mounting points with no body drilling, preserving the original condition of your vehicle, and they fit flush inside the wheel well, so they work with step bars, power boards and side steps. Gatorback mud flaps are proudly made in Canada.
Installation
Installation is a breeze, with no body drilling required. The flaps use your Explorer's existing factory fasteners and mounting locations, and the custom fit brackets and all necessary hardware are included. Each flap takes about 15 minutes to install with basic tools you already have at home. The flaps fit flush inside the wheel well for a clean, factory look. Install videos and installation instructions are available so you can see the full process step by step before you start.
What's Included
- (2) Gatorback Stainless Plate front 10" wide mud flaps with stainless steel plates
- (2) Gatorback Stainless Plate rear 10" wide mud flaps with stainless steel plates
- Custom fit brackets and all necessary mounting hardware
Care & Maintenance
- Clean the rubber regularly with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt, mud and grime. Regular cleaning helps keep the rubber flexible and extends the life of the flaps.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and petroleum-based cleaners, which can degrade rubber over time.
- Rinse thoroughly and let the flaps air dry for best results.
- Clean the stainless steel plates with a mild soap and water solution. For tougher stains or minor surface corrosion, use a stainless steel cleaner made for automotive use, avoid abrasive materials, and dry the plates thoroughly to maintain their polished appearance.
- Inspect the fasteners periodically to make sure they remain secure, especially after off-road or rough-road driving.
Warranty
Gatorback mud flaps are backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the rubber portion of the flap only. This warranty covers rubber replacement in the event of wear and tear for the lifetime of the product to the original owner. If a flap gets damaged or comes off during normal use, let us know and we will send you a replacement piece of rubber at no charge.
Plates, brackets and mounting hardware are not covered by the warranty, including regular wear on those parts. The warranty also does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse or improper installation. To start a warranty claim, please provide product photos and proof of purchase.
Terms to Know
- Virgin rubber - High-quality, non-recycled rubber that offers superior flexibility, durability and resilience compared to reclaimed rubber.
- No-drill installation - An installation method that uses your vehicle's factory mounting points, so no holes are drilled and the factory condition is maintained.
- Tire coverage - How far the flap extends below the fender (5" front and rear on this set). More coverage means more protection.
- Sailing - When a lightweight flap lifts and flaps at speed. The heavy 1/2" rubber keeps Gatorbacks from sailing.
- 304 stainless steel - A premium grade of stainless steel known for excellent rust and corrosion resistance, so it keeps a long-lasting, polished appearance.
Specs at a Glance
- Brand: Truck Hardware Gatorback
- Part Number: GCR402K-1
- Position: Set of 4 (front and rear, driver and passenger)
- Fitment: 2020-2027 Ford Explorer
- Trims: 2020-2024 Limited, Timberline and XLT; 2020-2027 Base, King Ranch, Platinum and ST; 2022-2027 ST-Line; 2025-2027 Active; and 2027 Tremor
- Style: Formed 304 stainless steel plates
- Plate: Formed 304 stainless steel, 8 1/8" x 2 7/8"
- Flap Width: 10"
- Rubber: 1/2" thick heavy-duty virgin rubber
- Tire Coverage: Front 5", rear 5" from fender to bottom of flap
- Installation: No body drilling, factory fasteners, about 15 minutes per flap
- Made In: Canada
- Warranty: Limited lifetime, rubber only (plates, brackets and hardware not covered)