Bushwacker DRT Style Fender Flares | Rugged Protection for Off-Road Trucks
Our DRT Style Fender Flares are engineered for extreme off-road environments where trail debris, mud, and oversized tires demand maximum protection. The pronounced pocket-style design extends coverage up to 2.75 inches beyond factory fender lines, accommodating larger wheel and tire packages without rubbing. We build every set from our proprietary Dura-Flex 2000 material—a UV-stable thermoplastic that flexes on impact and returns to shape, resisting the cracking and fading common with cheaper ABS alternatives.
We manufacture DRT Style fender flares from Dura-Flex 2000, a proprietary thermoplastic blend formulated specifically for automotive exterior applications. Unlike conventional ABS plastic, Dura-Flex maintains flexibility across a temperature range of -40°F to 160°F, absorbing trail impacts without shattering. The material's UV stabilizers prevent the chalky oxidation and color shift seen on competitor flares after 12–18 months of sun exposure.
Extended Coverage & Tire Clearance
The DRT Style profile extends 2.75 inches beyond factory sheet metal at its widest point, creating clearance for wheel spacers, aftermarket offset wheels, and tire packages up to 37 inches in diameter. We measure coverage at the fender’s apex—the critical zone where suspension articulation on uneven terrain causes the largest tires to track closest to bodywork. The flare’s inner radius follows the OEM wheel opening contour with an additional 0.5-inch buffer, preventing contact even during full compression events like G-outs or landing from obstacles.
Our engineering team validates fitment using laser-scanned CAD models of each supported vehicle platform. The mounting surface mirrors factory fender curves within 0.05-inch tolerance, eliminating the gaps and misalignment common with universal-fit alternatives. For trucks running 33-inch tires with minimal lift, our Pocket Style fender flares offer a lower-profile option that retains the recessed bolt aesthetic without the DRT’s extreme extension.
Installation Process & Hardware
Drilling & Mounting
Each DRT Style kit includes vehicle-specific drilling templates printed on waterproof card stock. After positioning the template against factory body lines using the alignment tabs, you mark hole centers with a center punch, then drill pilot holes with the included step bit. Stainless steel bolts thread directly into factory-spec rivet nuts; we supply extraction tools for applications requiring original rivets to be removed. The entire process takes 90–120 minutes per axle for first-time installers following our photo-illustrated instructions.
No-Drill Applications
Select late-model trucks ship from the factory with pre-threaded mounting points that align with DRT Style bolt patterns. We identify these vehicles on our fitment guide and include alternative hardware for clip-on installation. No-drill setups trade the permanent security of through-bolt mounting for faster installation and full reversibility—ideal for lease vehicles or owners planning to return to stock configuration. The clip system uses spring-loaded retainers that engage factory apertures with 150 lbs of retention force per mount point.
DRT Style construction & coverage
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Common Questions About DRT Style Fender Flares
DRT Style flares provide up to 2.75 inches of extended coverage beyond factory fender lines, accommodating tire packages from 33 inches up to 37 inches in diameter depending on your vehicle’s wheel offset and suspension setup. The critical measurement is clearance at full steering lock under compression; we recommend maintaining at least 0.5 inches of gap between tire and flare during articulation. Trucks with aftermarket wheels featuring aggressive negative offset or wheel spacers will gain additional clearance from the DRT’s extended profile.
Most applications require drilling pilot holes through sheet metal to accommodate the included stainless steel bolt-through mounting system. We provide vehicle-specific drilling templates and a step bit to ensure accurate hole placement. Select late-model trucks manufactured with pre-threaded mounting points qualify for our no-drill installation option, which uses spring-loaded clips instead of bolts. Check our online fitment guide or contact our support team to confirm whether your vehicle supports no-drill installation.
Dura-Flex 2000 is a proprietary thermoplastic formulation that maintains flexibility across extreme temperature ranges, absorbing trail impacts without cracking. Standard ABS plastic becomes brittle in cold weather and prone to stress fractures from rock strikes. Our material also incorporates UV stabilizers that prevent the chalky oxidation and color fade common with ABS after prolonged sun exposure. Independent lab testing shows Dura-Flex retains 95% of its original tensile strength after 1,000 hours of accelerated weathering, compared to 60–70% for conventional ABS.
Yes, the Dura-Flex 2000 surface accepts automotive paint when properly prepared. Clean the flares with isopropyl alcohol, scuff the surface with 320-grit sandpaper, then apply a flexible plastic primer before base coat and clear coat. Use paint products rated for flexible substrates to prevent cracking as the material flexes. The textured matte black finish does not need to be removed; light scuffing provides sufficient mechanical adhesion. Most body shops charge $300–$500 for professional color-match painting of a four-piece flare set.
Our Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle. This includes manufacturing flaws, premature cracking unrelated to impact damage, and UV degradation that exceeds normal weathering. The warranty does not cover damage from collisions, incorrect installation, modifications to the flare, or wear from abrasive trail conditions. Approved warranty claims receive replacement flares shipped within 5–7 business days at no charge. Proof of purchase and photos of the defect are required to initiate a claim.
First-time installers working alone typically complete a four-piece DRT Style installation in 2–3 hours using basic hand tools. The process involves positioning drilling templates, marking and drilling pilot holes, inserting rivet nuts, and bolting the flares into place. Trucks requiring factory rivet removal add 20–30 minutes; we include extraction tools in the hardware kit. No-drill applications for supported vehicles reduce installation time to 45–60 minutes. Our photo-illustrated instructions walk through each step, and our support team is available via phone to troubleshoot fitment questions during installation.
Any fender flare extending beyond factory body lines introduces additional frontal area and surface turbulence, which can marginally impact highway fuel economy. Real-world testing on full-size pickup trucks shows a decrease of 0.2–0.5 MPG at sustained highway speeds with DRT Style flares installed. The effect is most noticeable on vehicles already running oversized tires, which create greater aerodynamic drag than flare profile alone. For off-road-focused trucks where DRT flares serve a functional purpose protecting oversized tire packages, the minor fuel economy trade-off is typically acceptable compared to the cost of repairing body damage from tire contact.