Trailer mudguards are essential for a number of reasons but serve two main purposes: protection and prevention. They help protect your vehicle from rocks, debris, and other road hazards that can be kicked up by the tires. Trailer wheel guards also help keep your trailer clean and free of dirt and grime.
Trailer guards are particularly important if you frequently tow a trailer with off-road tires. Off-road tires are designed to provide traction in loose or muddy conditions, but they can also kick up a lot of debris. That's why it's important to have mudguards installed if you plan on doing any off-roading.
Another reason to install mudguards is to prevent rust and corrosion. Mud and dirt that get kicked up by the tires can contain harmful chemicals that can cause rust and corrosion on your trailer. You can help protect your trailer from these harmful chemicals by installing mudguards.
In Australia, all wheels of a trailer must be covered with mudguards. The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) define the minimum requirements for the design and construction of trailer mudguards. The technical specifications for a trailer mudguard required may vary from state to state but the following are a few general requirements common in each state.
Mudguards must:
- Be made of a material that is strong and durable
- Be attached to the side of the trailer so that it does not move or become detached
- Be the correct size and shape for the trailer
- Be suitable for the type of trailer
If you are unsure whether your trailer meets the ADR requirements, you should contact a qualified engineer or trailer manufacturer.
Trailer mudguards are typically made of toughened plastic, steel or aluminium and could be attached in the following two ways:
Hinged mudguards are the most common type of mudguards that are attached to the side of the trailer with hinges. Hinged mudguards can be raised or lowered, depending on your needs.
Fixed mudguards are typically made of metal and are attached to the side of the trailer with brackets. Fixed mudguards cannot be raised or lowered, but they provide more protection than hinged mudguards.
- Lightweight
- Resistant to corrosion
- Easy to clean
- Inexpensive
If you are looking for an inexpensive and lightweight mudguard, plastic is a good option. Plastic mudguards are also easy to clean and maintain. This is a very popular choice if you don't plan on going off-roading. This option requires minimum maintenance but it may not last as long as the steel one.
- Durable
- Heavy-duty
- Inexpensive
The type of mudguard you need depends on the type of trailer you have and how you plan to use it. If you frequently tow a trailer with off-road tires, you may want to consider a fixed mudguard made of steel to provide that extra durability and sturdiness to keep up with rough Australian terrains.
If you're looking for a way to improve the safety and longevity of your trailer, then look no further than trailer mudguards at Trek Hardware. We stock wheel guards by famous brands like Jagsingh and Dunbier which are famous for their design and longevity. Our products include mudguards made of steel/plastic in different shapes and sizes which come with or without step. If you need help choosing the right fit for your trailer, contact us today. Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you. Trek Hardware stocks a wide range of other parts and accessories for trailers. Check it out here.
