12:22 am
I’ve searched the forum for topics regarding fender flares or tube fenders. So I apologize if this topic has been beat to death.
Some guys say plastic and poly flares are junk while others say they are nice and flexible or they break I tend to like the flat fender look but a few traditional styles Bushwhacker etc look sweet.
I have a 03 TJ Rubicon. I have done tons of research and have come to the conclusion I have no idea which to purchase and install. My current lift install is a 3.5 RE with 33x12.5 15's. The stock flares leave approx 2in of tire exposed which is rather annoying i.e. water, mud, snow, pebbles etc fly all over the place. The stock flares are pitted and rough and need a face lift so I figured I would ask what the wheelin vets recommend.
Fender Flares or Tube Fenders? What’s been your experience? What companies to stay away from?
Thank you in advance for your input.
Sean
12:45 am
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline Steel tube fenders.
Flares are nice, but one hit and they are either creased or permanently marked.
Tube fenders can be repeatedly flash sanded and shot with satin black. Wha-la looks like new! And, they take a beating.
I run Poision Spyders front and rear and run different brands on my JK.
1:05 am
Need to decide what you want: body protection and durability or tire coverage.
1:39 am
Club Member
July 10, 2003
Offline My tube fenders have saved me from a lot more body damage than I would have gotten with just flares.
But like Joe said, the tire coverage isn't as good as with flares. You have to decide if you need the protection or like the look.
I used to wheel a lot. . .
3:01 am
Club Member
January 20, 2009
Offline Once I started hitting the harder trails my plastic flares didn't last very long. Installed Metalcloak all around. I've hit these pretty hard in the rocks and only came away with scratches. Quick shot of spray paint an you don't notice the scratches. 😀
3:39 pm
I liked the way the Jeep steel tube fenders took abuse so much that if they made them I would have had a set on the Toyota. 😀 I think Kevin kind of hit on it though, how hard do you want to wheel it?
1:04 am
Some great points were made. I figure if Im going to spend the money I might as well invest in something thats going to last longer and save me money from possible body damage in the future. The pros of tube fenders out weigh the traditional fender flares IMHO. Cost is more for tube fenders but as we all know you get what you pay for. Now I get to decide what brand and style. This is the fun part. 
Thank you to everyone who responded.
Sean
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