A warning about installing fender flares

[Mav_S13]

Just want to share my short experience with fender flares with everyone: they will accumulate dust/debri, and possibly salt underneath that could potentially cause rust issues later on.

I decided to install the Mabbet flares on mine to keep rock chips off around the wheels as I drive on logging/forrest service roads about once a month (and I think they also look great on the Mav). Took the fronts off (to prep for bumper removal/ DD fog lights install) after only a few weeks and with only about 15 miles of dirt/gravel road and found that there was already a good amount of accumulation underneath. This could be a serious issue for folks that live up north where they salt the roads in the winter.

I'm sure this issue isn't just for the Mabbet flares as all of the other aftermarket options seem install similarly. One way to prevent this would be to use some type of silicone sealant on the perimeter where there are no double sided tape installed. But as for me, I'm just going to leave them off and look into paint protection film around the wheels. I plan on keeping my Mav for a long time and I just don't want to risk any hidden surprises down the road.

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[White Thunder]

Just want to share my short experience with fender flares with everyone: they will accumulate dust/debri, and possibly salt underneath that could potentially cause rust issues later on.

I decided to install the Mabbet flares on mine to keep rock chips off around the wheels as I drive on logging/forrest service roads about once a month (and I think they also look great on the Mav). Took the fronts off (to prep for bumper removal/ DD fog lights install) after only a few weeks and with only about 15 miles of dirt/gravel road and found that there was already a good amount of accumulation underneath. This could be a serious issue for folks that live up north where they salt the roads in the winter.

I'm sure this issue isn't just for the Mabbet flares as all of the other aftermarket options seem install similarly. One way to prevent this would be to use some type of silicone sealant on the perimeter where there are no double sided tape installed. But as for me, I'm just going to leave them off and look into paint protection film around the wheels. I plan on keeping my Mav for a long time and I just don't want to risk any hidden surprises down the road.

That’s nasty looking.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Just want to share my short experience with fender flares with everyone: they will accumulate dust/debri, and possibly salt underneath that could potentially cause rust issues later on.

I decided to install the Mabbet flares on mine to keep rock chips off around the wheels as I drive on logging/forrest service roads about once a month (and I think they also look great on the Mav). Took the fronts off (to prep for bumper removal/ DD fog lights install) after only a few weeks and with only about 15 miles of dirt/gravel road and found that there was already a good amount of accumulation underneath. This could be a serious issue for folks that live up north where they salt the roads in the winter.

I'm sure this issue isn't just for the Mabbet flares as all of the other aftermarket options seem install similarly. One way to prevent this would be to use some type of silicone sealant on the perimeter where there are no double sided tape installed. But as for me, I'm just going to leave them off and look into paint protection film around the wheels. I plan on keeping my Mav for a long time and I just don't want to risk any hidden surprises down the road.

Wow.
You helped me decide not to get them.
Thank You.
Have a safe 4th.

GB

 

[Mr Pibb]

Wow.
You helped me decide not to get them.
Thank You.
Have a safe 4th.

GB

Might be able to get away with some vinyl decals.

 

[mepot101]

I wonder if that polyurethane like for the roof spoiler would seal those fender flares better.

 

[fossil]

thanks for the conformation OP

 

[Clarkdonbran]

Good to know! I’ll let the second owner worry about what lies underneath.

 

[White Thunder]

I had thought about fender flares way back when I first got my truck. But after all these different fender flare articles, no way.

 

[Sykotyk]

Yeah. Flares need to be well sealed to be worth it. Otherwise, as you show, it defeats the purpose. Why worry about rock chips when you're accelerating the rusting potential of your wheel wells.

That sticky tape used needs to cover the entire fender where it's covered AND then some type of silicone/sealant filling that void. There's no other way to get them to sit perfectly tight. Fine dust/salt will get in, especially via water.

 

[Montana]

I've been saying this about these applications for a while now. Same goes for the hood protectors that apply this way (and since someone else mentioned it, likely the rooftop spoiler too). They are terrible ideas. These cheaper flares are not protecting anything, they are aesthetic.

 

[Toddman45]

Shame doesn't make oem flares for the Maverick like the ones on the F-150. The PTM version look so much nicer than crappy black plastic!

 

[icegradner]

Almost every truck I've seen with aftermarket flares removed has had rust issues underneath. They look nice, at least some of them anyway, but they aren't good for the body.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Yeah, those flares look great (especially on your Azure) but there is no way I am sticking tape on my truck for anything that isn't absolutely permanent. ...And IMHO nothing plastic is permanent. Sealant would just be making a bigger eventual mess.

Glad you caught this before it was *too* late.

 

[The Metal Butcher]

I'll take the rock chips. Already got a nasty dent from a semi throwing a rock, 2" above the windshield. Would have certainly cracked the windshield if it hit it. Maybe my 4th dent? One was just from a fat guys belt buckle reaching into the bed. Can't keep it new forever....

 

[Zed79]

Almost every truck I've seen with aftermarket flares removed has had rust issues underneath. They look nice, at least some of them anyway, but they aren't good for the body.

and 80% had the rust when the flairs went on to be real.
Next will be the mod to pull all the lower cladding to stop it from getting dusty under the cladding nothing sealing it to the body held on with clips and big gaps to the road.

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