Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I installed a set of Bushwacker Extend-A-Fender flares last fall. I liked the looks and how they actually provided coverage for my BFG 285/75R-16 Mud Terrains, preventing much of the road crud, mud, and snow from being flung on my truck body.
All was well, even in the snow here, until the recent heavy snows. The last one was preceded by an hour's worth of freezing rain, making for some very heavy, sticky snow.
I plow with my truck and it gets used hard when the weather turns bad. My tires and, sometimes, when necessary, tire chains, definitely can fling some slush and snow and pack the wheelwells quickly.
The Bushwackers simply can't take it. The weight of the packed frozen snow in the wheel wells and the impacts from flung snow, ice, and sometimes rocks has torn two of them loose at the bottoms and one flare is totally destroyed along with the inner factory plastic well liner from a crossbar on a tire chain breaking.
I don't blame the flares for not being able to handle a tire chain breaking, but the weak mounting system (no. 10 stainless screws into the fender lip) is no match for the weight of ice and snow buildup. They also lack enough flexibility to absorb impacts well.
I hate to give up the extra body coverage they provide, but at $400+ per set, I can't keep replacing them either. Taking them off prior to snow season defeats their purpose and relegates them to being cosmetic only. I don't imagine they could hold up to much heavy mud, either. I really expected more for the money and from such a recognized off-road company.
Before spending more money on Bushwacker replacements or giving up on flares completely, I would like to know if anyone here has tried the Xenon flares? They are made of urethane and claim to be much more flexible and able to withstand abuse.
The Dodge wheelwells are very shallow and just don't allow for running even moderately wider tires without sticking out. They really need some type of flares or extensions. Most states even have seldom-enforced laws governing tires that protrude past the wheelwells or body, but they sure could enforce them if they wanted to.
Suggestions?
All was well, even in the snow here, until the recent heavy snows. The last one was preceded by an hour's worth of freezing rain, making for some very heavy, sticky snow.
I plow with my truck and it gets used hard when the weather turns bad. My tires and, sometimes, when necessary, tire chains, definitely can fling some slush and snow and pack the wheelwells quickly.
The Bushwackers simply can't take it. The weight of the packed frozen snow in the wheel wells and the impacts from flung snow, ice, and sometimes rocks has torn two of them loose at the bottoms and one flare is totally destroyed along with the inner factory plastic well liner from a crossbar on a tire chain breaking.
I don't blame the flares for not being able to handle a tire chain breaking, but the weak mounting system (no. 10 stainless screws into the fender lip) is no match for the weight of ice and snow buildup. They also lack enough flexibility to absorb impacts well.
I hate to give up the extra body coverage they provide, but at $400+ per set, I can't keep replacing them either. Taking them off prior to snow season defeats their purpose and relegates them to being cosmetic only. I don't imagine they could hold up to much heavy mud, either. I really expected more for the money and from such a recognized off-road company.
Before spending more money on Bushwacker replacements or giving up on flares completely, I would like to know if anyone here has tried the Xenon flares? They are made of urethane and claim to be much more flexible and able to withstand abuse.
The Dodge wheelwells are very shallow and just don't allow for running even moderately wider tires without sticking out. They really need some type of flares or extensions. Most states even have seldom-enforced laws governing tires that protrude past the wheelwells or body, but they sure could enforce them if they wanted to.
Suggestions?
