History and Evolution of Great Dane Trucker Mud Flaps

The History and Evolution of Great Dane Mud Flaps

Mud flaps have been used on vehicles for over a century to protect against dirt, debris, and water spray. For truckers and RV owners, mud flaps are an absolute necessity to prevent damage and collisions. Great Dane is one of the most iconic and well-known brands of mud flaps and has become synonymous with trucker culture. In this article, we’ll explore the history and evolution of Great Dane mud flaps.

The Early Days of Mud Flaps

Mud flaps first came into use in the early 20th century as cars began to travel faster and farther. The flaps were mounted behind the rear wheels and made from treated canvas or rubber. They helped prevent rocks and other debris from kicking up and damaging the vehicle body. Trucks, being work vehicles, were outfitted with mud flaps early on. However, they were still rather small and utilitarian.

One of the earliest mass-produced mud flaps was the Firestone Champion mud flap introduced in 1936. Made of rubber with grommets for easy attachment, the Firestone flap heralded the beginning of mud flaps as common auto accessories. Several other major tire companies like Goodyear and BF Goodrich also produced their own mud flaps during this period.

The Rise of Custom Mud Flaps

In the 1950s and 60s, mud flaps evolved from plain black rubber strips into customized graphic accessories. Truckers would decorate their mud flaps with catchy slogans, nicknames, or racy pin-up girl silhouettes. The movie trucker nickname “Rubber Duck” in Convoy helped popularize the trend. Truck and mud flap manufacturers started offering more options to customize flaps with designs, logos, and chrome grommets.

This was the beginning of mud flaps becoming part of trucker identity and personalization. Having a unique set of mud flaps was a way for truck drivers to stand out on the road. The custom flaps also reflected the fun-loving free spirits of drivers who spent long weeks traveling state to state. The classic silhouette naked woman mud flap remains one of the most iconic trucker symbols even today.

Great Dane Emerges

Great Dane Trailers began in 1900 as Christianson Manufacturing Co., making farm equipment in Minnesota. In 1956, Great Dane introduced their first rectangular steel mud flap for use on their trailers and it became an instant hit. The rectangular flaps provided better spray protection than small round ones and the Great Dane logo added a level of class and brand recognition.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Great Dane established itself as one of the premier manufacturers of semi-truck trailers and mud flaps in the U.S. They led the way in technology and design advancements such as rounded corners, reflective tape, and chrome grommets. Great Dane flaps featured bright colors, gradient designs, and the iconic Great Dane dog silhouette.

The Rise of Bright Colors and Bold Designs

Starting in the 1970s, mud flap aesthetics expanded to include brighter colors and bolder graphic designs. No longer just plain black, mud flaps came in reds, blues, yellows, oranges, and chrome. Airbrush-style paintings depicted eagles, stallions, semi-trucks, and more intricate pin-up girl portraits. Mud flap text expanded from nicknames to include phrases like “Easy Rider” “High Roller” and “Gold Digger.”

Companies like Plas-Tech and L.E.T. Mudflaps became known for their decorative and customizable flap designs. Truckers viewed their mud flaps as another canvas for personal expression and fun. Competitions were even held at truck shows for the biggest, brightest, and most creative mud flap set-ups.

Reflectors for Safety

As mud flaps increased in size and visibility, manufacturers also started incorporating reflectors for extra safety. Red and orange reflective accents helped improve visibility of the flaps at night. Regulations eventually mandated that mud flaps must have reflectors to prevent road accidents. Great Dane led the way by introducing reflective stripes on their flaps in the 1960s.

engineering advancements also improved the durability and longevity of mud flaps. Heavy duty compounds and patented molded designs from companies like Go Rhino! created flaps that could handle all types of road conditions and last for years. Great Dane’s DuraFlap design set a new standard for strength while retaining flexibility to absorb impacts.

The Continued Popularity of Great Dane

Even with so many new competitors in the market, Great Dane continues to stand out as the top mud flap brand for truckers and fleet owners. Their rectangular flaps marked with the Great Dane dog logo have tremendous brand recognition across the U.S.

Great Dane offers options like classic chrome grommets, DOT approved reflective tape, and traffic yellow borders. Their patented SorGrip fasteners make installation quick and easy. Great Dane also allows for custom logo imprinting so companies can brand their flaps. While competitors may beat Great Dane on flashier designs, no one matches their quality and durability.

For over 60 years, Great Dane’s consistency and reliability have made them the go-to mud flap brand on the road. They’ve maintained their leadership position by continuing to evolve with new technologies while staying true to their classic image. Even in an age of high-tech telematics and autonomous trucks, a set of Great Dane flaps still symbolizes the spirit of the American trucker.

The Purpose and Function of Mud Flaps

Mud flaps are an important and often overlooked utility accessory for most vehicles, especially trucks. While they may seem like a small add-on piece, mud flaps serve vital functional purposes.

Protect Against Debris Damage

The rear wheels of a moving vehicle inevitably kick up all sorts of debris like small rocks, dirt clods, water, and mud. This spray can easily dent panels, crack glass, and chip paint on a vehicle’s body. Mud flaps mounted behind the wheels block the trajectory of rear wheel spray. The flaps take the abuse so your vehicle’s body doesn’t have to.

Prevent Damage to Other Vehicles

Not only do mud flaps protect the vehicle they are mounted on, they also prevent wheel spray from hitting other vehicles. Trucks and SUVs sit high off the ground so their tire spray can reach the windshield of lower passenger cars. Mud flaps contain this spray so it doesn’t obstruct other drivers’ vision or damage their paint. This makes the road safer for everyone.

Improve Visibility in Wet Weather

When roads are wet, water spray from wheels creates a constant mist around a moving vehicle. This “road spray” makes it harder for the driver to see and reduces visibility for other motorists. Mud flaps contain water spray and lift it higher to prevent blinding road mist. Truckers rely on their mud flaps to improve rear visibility and safety in the rain.

Meet Legal Requirements

Most states and provinces mandate the use of mud flaps on commercial trucks, trailers, and some large passenger vehicles. The laws specify flap dimensions, distance from the ground, and the presence of reflective material for night visibility. Failure to comply with mudflap regulations can lead to citations and fines for truckers and fleet operators. Mud flaps aren’t merely accessories, they are a legal requirement.

Whether to protect their own vehicle, other drivers, or comply with laws, anyone operating a large truck needs quality mud flaps installed. Great Dane flaps meet all the standards and requirements professional operators demand.

Selecting the Best Mud Flaps

Not all mud flaps are created equal. For optimal spray protection and durability, drivers need to consider these key factors:

Material

Mud flaps can be made from treated canvas, basic rubber, rigid plastic, or flexible molded compounds. Heavy-duty thermo-plastic blends provide the best balance of strength, flexibility, and longevity. Great Dane mud flaps use exclusive DuraFlap material engineered for over-the-road use.

Size

Larger flaps provide more coverage area to absorb wheel spray. Great Dane flaps are a full 24 inches wide and 30 inches tall – wide enough to extend beyond the tires for maximum protection. Legal minimum dimensions are 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

Splash Guards

Some mud flaps feature extra side panels or “splash guards” at 45-degree angles. These help contain spray from the sides of the tires so it doesn’t shoot directly backwards. Great Dane’s RP fluorocarbon splash guards keep spray under control.

Reflective Material

Quality mud flaps will incorporate DOT-approved reflective markings for visibility and safety. Reflective stripes or triangles on the lower area of the flap improve visibility when illuminated at night.

Brand Reputation

Established mud flap brands like Great Dane have decades of experience engineering products that perform and last in tough over-the-road use. Don’t risk buying cheap imported flaps that won’t hold up.

For truckers who depend on their safety equipment, Great Dane remains the premium trusted name in mud flaps. Get the spray protection and peace of mind that comes with the best.

Installing Mud Flaps Correctly

Putting on new mud flaps is a quick and straightforward process if done properly. Follow these instructions for secure and correct installation:

Measure First

Confirm the dimensions needed for your particular vehicle’s make, model, and tires. Measure the distance from the ground to establish the ideal flap length. Measure back from the tires to determine required width. This ensures you get mud flaps that maximize coverage.

Clean Surfaces

Use soap and water or alcohol to remove any grease, dirt or grime from the mounting locations. Proper cleaning promotes adhesion and prevents flaps from slipping or sagging later on. Let areas dry completely.

Apply Adhesive

For permanent custom installation, use a heavy-duty adhesive like 3M 5952 VHB tape. Apply a layer of adhesive to the back of the mud flaps and let it get slightly tacky before attaching. Adhesive provides a much more secure bond than grommets or screws alone.

Attach Securely

Mount the mud flaps in the ideal position to maximize spray protection. Use grommets or screws through pre-drilled flap holes to attach firmly to the vehicle frame or body panels. Do not rely solely on adhesive. Proper fasteners prevent flapping or detachment at high speeds.

Seal Edges

Run a thin bead of clear silicone sealant around flap edges to prevent moisture infiltration behind the flap. This keeps your truck or trailer body protected against rust or corrosion starting under the flaps.

With measurements, cleaning, adhesive, and fasteners, anyone can tackle a professional mud flap installation. Take your time and use quality components so they hold strong for the long haul.

Creatively Customizing Your Mud Flaps

Beyond just utilitarian truck equipment, mud flaps also serve as an expression of driver personality and style. There are endless options for customizing flaps with colors, designs, logos, and more. Here are some creative ideas:

Paint or Powder Coat

For a vibrant glossy finish, dismount flaps and bring them to an auto paint or powder coating shop. Any color or effect like metal flake or pearlescent is possible. This really makes your flaps stand out.

Airbrush Artwork

Many talented artists can airbrush stunning photo-realistic portraits or custom illustrations directly on your mud flaps. This is an opportunity to showcase your favorite photos, pets, fantasy art, or pin-up models.

Decals and Stickers

Pre-made vinyl decals and stickers allow anyone to customize their flaps. Names, nicknames, slogans, flags, and more can be added. Swap them out over time for a new look.

Badging and Logos

Show company pride by having custom badges, door logos, or other designs applied to flaps. Great Dane offers official branding packages. This gives commercial fleets a professional consistent image.

The possibilities are endless for making your mud flaps distinctly yours. Let your flaps reflect your passions, interests, and one-of-a-kind personality.

Fun Facts About Trucker Mud Flaps

Mud flaps have a rich history intertwined with trucker culture. Here are some fascinating facts about iconic truck mud flaps:

Pin-Up Girls

The earliest known use of a pin-up girl silhouette on a mud flap was back in the 1940s on a Mack truck. The iconic custom peaked in the 1970s and continues today.

Longest Mud Flaps

The Guinness World Record for longest mud flaps measures 36 feet long. They were created by a Canadian trucker named Michel Lauzière and attached to a big rig truck.

Registry

There is an official registry by artist Wolfgang Busch that records and catalogs the different designs and varieties of naked lady mud flaps. It contains over 230 unique flaps.

Original Duck

The famous “Rubber Duck” mud flaps that inspired the trucker CB handle in the movie Convoy were originally created by artist Lester Kaufman in the 1970s.

Custom Contests

The “Best Trick’d Out Mudflap” award has been presented at truck shows like the Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition for over 30 years. It honors the most creative mud flap set-ups.

Mud flaps keep trucking history rolling down the highway. Their custom designs reflect the spirit of the open road.

FAQs

What are the minimum legal size requirements for mud flaps?

Most states require commercial mud flaps to be at least 6 inches in height and 12 inches wide. They must be mounted to avoid tire spray and have DOT approved reflective material.

How long do quality mud flaps like Great Dane's typically last?

With proper maintenance, Great Dane mud flaps can often last 5 years or more in over-the-road use. Their DuraFlap material is extremely durable compared to cheaper flaps.

Should I use adhesive or mechanical fasteners to install mud flaps?

For the most secure attachment, use both adhesive and mechanical fasteners like screws or grommets. Adhesive alone may allow flaps to detach at high speeds.

What kind of customization options are available for mud flaps?

Custom mud flap options include airbrushed or vinyl graphics, custom badges or logos, painted/powder coated finishes, and stickers. Let your creativity run wild!

Are pin-up girl mud flaps still legal to have?

In most states, custom graphics like pin-up girls are still permitted as long as the flaps meet minimum size requirements. But some jurisdictions may prohibit overly risque designs.