Mud flaps for T6 tailgate van without drilling bumper

The Problem

The owner wanted rear mud flaps for a T6.1 tailgate but OEM VW mud flaps and many aftermarket sets require drilling new holes into the bumper, which he wanted to avoid. He also discovered that mud flap sets listed for barn door models will not fit the tailgate due to its distinctly wider, sharper-edged bumper profile.

Solution

1. Confirm your van is a tailgate model — on tailgates there is a visible and growing gap between the arch liner edge and the lower bumper that does not exist on barn door vans.
   • Avoid any mud flap set described as 'barn door' or 'twin rear door only' as the bumper profiles are not compatible.
2. Source mud flaps listed specifically for T6/T6.1 tailgate models that are described as using existing mounting holes (Amazon ASIN B0CYCCTLFD was used here; equivalent sets were also sourced from Ali Express for around £13).
3. Unscrew the existing screws from the original mounting points on the bumper and rear arch area.
4. Offer the mud flap up to the mounting points and secure it using the supplied fitting kit and the original holes — no drilling into the bumper is needed.
5. If you have aftermarket arch mouldings, use a heat gun to gently warm and stretch the mud flap material where the moulding extends onto the bumper until the flap sits flush.

Safety Notes

• Keep the heat gun nozzle moving at all times when working near the plastic bumper and arch mouldings — holding it in one spot will warp or melt the surrounding panels.