Bushwacker Extend-a-Fender Flares – Universal Rubber Fender Extensions
Our Extend-a-Fender system brings universal fit to fender flare coverage. The flexible rubber construction conforms to virtually any truck or SUV wheel well, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific mounting hardware. You install these flares in minutes using the included self-adhesive backing and industrial-grade fasteners — no drilling, no measuring complex templates.
The Extend-a-Fender system uses a molded rubber profile that bends around tight wheel-well radii without pre-heating or specialized tools. We engineered the durometer to hold shape under highway airflow while remaining pliable enough for quick trimming with standard utility shears. The self-adhesive backing bonds directly to factory paint or primer, and the included drill-point fasteners add mechanical retention at high-stress zones near suspension travel.
Coverage and fitment range
Bushwacker Extend-a-Fender flares ship in universal 10-foot rolls, allowing you to cut exact lengths for both front and rear applications. The profile extends 1.5 to 2 inches beyond the factory fender lip, which handles most aftermarket wheel packages that push tires outward by an inch or more. Drivers running 33-inch to 37-inch off-road tires commonly add Extend-a-Fender to close the gap left by leveling kits or suspension lifts.
Because the rubber flexes to match wheel-well curves, the same kit works on applications as diverse as compact crossovers and full-size pickups. We see frequent installations on work trucks that carry heavy payload — the extended coverage keeps bed-side panels cleaner when hauling gravel or landscaping materials. Popular applications include the Ford F-150 platform, full-size Chevrolet and GMC models, and mid-size trucks with aftermarket suspension.
Material durability and maintenance
We compound the rubber with carbon-black UV inhibitors that prevent surface chalking under direct sunlight. Field testing in Arizona and Florida heat confirms the material holds flexibility through five-plus years of exposure without cracking at the bend radius. Cold-weather trials in northern climates show the flares remain pliable down to -30°F, avoiding the brittleness that plagues lower-grade polyethylene extensions.
Care and cleaning
Routine maintenance requires only a hose rinse to remove caked mud. For stubborn road tar or bug residue, use a mild automotive degreaser and a soft brush — avoid petroleum solvents that can swell the rubber. The matte-black finish accepts tire dressing or rubber protectant to restore a deeper tone after long exposure. If you choose to paint the flares, scuff the surface with 320-grit sandpaper, apply a flexible automotive primer, then finish with color-matched paint designed for bumper covers.
What makes Extend-a-Fender unique
Extend-a-Fender solutions for popular truck models
Customer reviews
Common questions about Extend-a-Fender installation and fit
The universal-fit design works with most truck and SUV wheel wells. You trim the 10-foot roll to the exact length needed for your vehicle’s front and rear fenders. Measure your wheel-well perimeter before cutting to ensure you have enough material for complete coverage. The flexible rubber conforms to different arch radii, making it compatible with a wide range of body styles.
Extend-a-Fender typically extends 1.5 to 2 inches beyond the factory fender lip. The exact coverage depends on how you position the flare along the wheel-well edge. Drivers running aggressive wheel offsets or oversized tires use the full 2-inch extension, while modest lifts may need only 1 inch of added width. You control the final dimension by trimming the material to your preferred length.
Yes. The self-adhesive backing bonds directly to clean factory paint, and many installations rely solely on adhesive for daily-driver applications. We include supplemental screws for added mechanical retention, particularly at the leading and trailing edges where wind lift can occur at highway speeds. Most installers use two to four screws per flare for extra security, but drilling is optional depending on your use case.
Our UV-resistant rubber compound remains flexible in temperatures down to -30°F. Unlike rigid plastic flares that can become brittle and shatter in freezing conditions, the Extend-a-Fender material maintains its pliability through winter months. Cold-climate testing shows no cracking or surface degradation after multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
Peel the flare away from the fender starting at one end and working slowly to avoid tearing the rubber. The adhesive will leave residue on the paint, which you remove with an automotive adhesive remover or citrus-based solvent. Use a plastic scraper to lift stubborn spots without scratching the finish. If you installed screws, back them out first to prevent the rubber from tearing during removal.
Yes. Scuff the rubber surface with 320-grit sandpaper to create texture for primer adhesion. Apply a flexible automotive primer designed for bumper covers, then finish with color-matched paint or a flexible topcoat. The rubber accepts paint well when properly prepped, and the finish will flex with the material without flaking. Allow 24 hours of cure time before exposing the painted flares to water or road debris.
The low-profile design sits above most factory and aftermarket mud flaps without interference. Extend-a-Fender mounts along the horizontal fender lip, while mud flaps hang vertically from the lower edge of the wheel well. The two components occupy different planes and typically do not contact each other. Verify clearance during trial fitment before finalizing adhesive placement if you run oversized splash guards.