Whether you want to improve the aesthetic of your Ram 1500 or protect your wheel wells and other parts of your truck from potential damage, nothing provides a one-two punch like fender flares.
With numerous design choices to fit your tastes and an added layer of protection, these aftermarket parts are just what you need to turn your Ram 1500’s appearance and drivability into full-on beast mode.
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Comparison of the Best Fender Flares For Ram 1500
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What Are Fender Flares? What Do Fender Flares Do?
Fender flares are pieces of polypropylene plastic (typically) that fit just inside the wheel well with a portion extending outward to protect the fender. Reputable manufacturers contour fender flares to fit onto your Ram 1500 using existing holes that hold the fender liners in place.
The purpose of fender flares is threefold. First, fender flares can provide an aggressive aspect to any vehicle by adding another dimension to the look. Next, this product can protect the fender liners and wheel wells from damage due to debris from off-road and everyday driving. Finally, it can prevent your wheels from rubbing against the wheel wells, which can cause issues over time.
Monkey Autosports: ’09-18
Are Fender Flares Universal?
Both universal and model-specific fender flares are available on the market. In most cases, universal fender flares come in rolls of foam rubber with a peel and stick backing. On the other hand, model-specific fender flares are typically designed to match the contours of the vehicle and come in many different styles.
How to Choose Fender Flares For Ram 1500
Choosing the right fender flare for a Ram 1500 hinges upon what type of aesthetic or purpose you’re aiming for. At the simplest, you’ll find four different types of fender flares to select from.
Extended or Wide-Style
As the name implies, extended or wide-style flares extend the furthest off the fender than any other type of fender flare. While unnecessary for most daily drivers, these are ideal for off-roaders or Ram 1500 owners looking to make a statement on the road.
Street Style
Street style flares are just that—flares that provide a sleek appearance on the street while still providing the protection you want. If your Ram 1500 has a lift kit, these protect the wheel wells and fender while still showcasing the suspension underneath.
OE Style
OE style fender flares provide adequate protection to your Ram 1500, but without creating an overly showy appearance. They blend into the profile of your truck naturally, and few people will notice that you’ve installed them yourself.
Pocket Style
Pocket style flares also provide protection, but with a more dynamic appearance. Most of these have faux bolts along with them, giving the appearance that you’ve bolted them straight into the body of the vehicle. However, they attach using the existing holes in the wheel well just like other fender flares.
To Paint or Not to Paint
Nearly all manufacturers ship fender flares in a matte black finish. As a result, you can paint them to accent or match your vehicle as you see fit. In some cases, a neutral black finish will suffice. Note that if you decide to purchase foam rubber fender flares, you can paint them. However, this paint can wear off much faster than polypropylene fender flares.
MaxMate Rough-Textured Fender Flares: ’09-18
Review of the Best Ram 1500 Fender Flares
Now that you’re acquainted with fender flare basics, it’s time to start your search. Here are some of the top-rated fender flares for your Ram 1500.
Best Overall:Monkey Autosports OE Design Fender Flares: ’09-18
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PROS
- 24-month warranty
- Includes all hardware
- Durable quality plastic composite
- OE design matches the contours of the Ram 1500
- 100% UV protection to prevent chalking and cracking
CONS
- Flares may rub the paint off underneath
- No pre-drilled holes, making installation more difficult
What Recent Buyers Report
A majority of buyers report that Monkey Autosports OE Design Fender Flares come as advertised and match the contours of the Ram 1500. However, the lack of pre-drilled holes can cause problems for novice installers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With a Ram 1500 OE design, these fender flares look like they came off the assembly line. Add in an affordable price, and these fender flares are a great value buy.
Bottom Line
For an OE-specific fender flare, few other choices have the fit and appearance of Monkey Autosports OE Design Fender Flares. But those worried about paint rubbing off on a new truck may want to find an alternative.
Runner-up:MaxMate Rough-Textured Fender Flares: ’09-18
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PROS
- Pocket style for extra protection
- No drilling required for installation
- Instructions included for easy installation
- 60-month warranty against cracking and warping
- Faux rivets and textured plastic provide an aggressive look
CONS
- Have to remove the Hemi emblem on Hemi Ram 1500
- No protective tape of film to guard against paint scratching
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report that the rough texture and stainless steel rivets are a great asset to the appearance of the vehicle. These fender flares also provide excellent protection against scratches on the fender and damage to the wheel well. However, others report that a lack of hardware makes installation more difficult, as well as a lack of protection against the paint of the fender.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For pocket fender flares with accompanying rivets, no other company comes close to this level of affordability. In addition, a 60-month warranty is one of the best in the business, putting the buyer’s mind at ease if they’re unfamiliar with the brand.
Bottom Line
Despite several issues with paint scratching and a lack of hardware, MaxMate Rough-Textured Fender Flares provide excellent protection and aesthetics at a fraction of the price.
Best for the Money:Tyger Auto Factory Style Fender Flares for ’02-08 Ram 1500
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PROS
- Great value for the price
- Hardware and mounting instructions included
- Injection-molded plastic for enhanced durability
- 100% UV-resistant to prevent chalking and cracking
- Street style flares protect while blending with the body of the truck
CONS
- Only fit the 6.5-foot bed
- No adhesive along with the top leaves gaps between the body and the flare
What Recent Buyers Report
The sleek style of Tyger Auto Factory Style Fender Flares is an excellent choice to hide dents, scuffs, and rust along the fender. The holes lined up perfectly, allowing easy installation without the need for drilling or modifications. Like some other types of fender flares, buyers have had to pry off the Hemi decal, which caused some to return the product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Some buyers find it difficult to blend fender flares with the body of the Ram 1500, but these ones do it in exemplary fashion. Furthermore, a limited lifetime warranty is a nice benefit, especially in hot or sunny climates where UV rays can damage the flares.
Bottom Line
Ideal for the budget-conscious and those that want a sleek look without detracting from the rest of the vehicle, Tyger Auto Factory Style Fender Flares check most of the boxes. And with mounting hardware and instructions, installation is easy. That said, Ram 1500 owners that want something with more protection for the fender should continue shopping.
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Best Bushwacker Fender Flares Dodge Ram 1500:Bushwacker 50921-02 Matte Black Dodge Ram Fender Flare
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PROS
- Smooth plastic, not textured, for easy painting
- Made from thermoplastic for improved durability
- Stainless steel rivets add a bolt-on, customized look
- Pocket style combines excellent protection with a striking appearance
- Bushwacker’s “Max Coverage” provides more protection than traditional pocket style fender flares
CONS
- Expensive compared to other options
- Weather strip doesn’t adhere to fender, making installation difficult
What Recent Buyers Report
The bolt-on appearance of the Bushwacker Matte Black Fender Flares is a favorite among Ram 1500 owners. Adding to the sentiment, these fender flares also accommodate oversized tires and even duallies (two rear tires on each side). However, some people found installation difficult and frustrating, especially considering the price point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Bushwacker is one of the most reputable brands for fender flares, combining the utmost protection with a striking exterior allure. The Max Coverage feature is also a bonus, allowing even the biggest, baddest Ram 1500s full coverage of the fender and wheel well.
Bottom Line
If you’re willing to splurge a bit on fender flares, Bushwacker Matte Black Fender Flares are unbeatable in terms of exterior aesthetic and maximum protection. Thrifty buyers or those who drive on the road only should seek an alternative, as the price may seem excessive just for the sake of appearance.
Editor’s Pick:EGR Ram 1500 Bolt-On Style Fender Flares
PROS
- Limited lifetime warranty
- No drilling required for installation
- Pre-installed gaskets and bolts for simple installation
- Finish is lightly textured and fade-resistant for easy cleaning
- UV-protected material to prevent deterioration, even in sunny climates
- OEM approved design fits around headlights, decals, and other parts of the Ram 1500 without modification
CONS
- Seal and clips lack quality
- Some buyers report that the front fender flares are an inch or two too short for the Ram 1500
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers are more than satisfied with the sleek bolt-on appearance of the EGR Ram 1500 Bolt-On Style Fender Flares. In addition, the lightly textured surface provides some contrast while also being easy to paint. However, the seals may not adhere to the fender, leaving gaps between the fender and the flare, and the included hardware seems flimsy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Bolt-on style fender flares often come with a premium price, but this option is comparable to products that don’t offer such an aesthetic. EGR also throws in a limited lifetime warranty that should make buyers feel confident in their purchase.
Bottom Line
EGR Ram 1500 Bolt-On Style Fender Flares provide an above-average solution to Ram 1500 owners that want the bolt-on appearance without a premium price. While they stick out to some degree, they aren’t as over-the-top as similar products, providing more of a blend with the body of the truck. On the other hand, these flares come with lackluster hardware that can cause gaps or quick wear and tear. Even with a limited lifetime warranty, those that value higher-quality fender flares should go with another brand.
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Pros and Cons of Fender Flares
Like some other aftermarket parts, fender flares have benefits and disadvantages. However, knowing the upsides and drawbacks of these parts will help you decide which, if any, fender flares are perfect for your Ram 1500.
Pros
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May cover you legally in states where tires that stick out past the fender are illegal.
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Provide excellent protection to your wheel well and fender against debris, dirt, and rocks during regular or off-road driving.
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Prevents tires from rubbing against the wheel well, which may cause significant damage.
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Effectively hides dents and other fender damage from being visible
Cons
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Can rub on the paint around the fender, removing it over time.
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Some fender flares can hold moisture inside, creating rust and corrosion if not regularly removed and cleaned thoroughly.
MaxMate Rough-Textured Fender Flares: ’09-18
How to Install Fender Flares on Dodge Ram
In most cases, fender flares are one of the easiest parts to install on a vehicle. But if it’s your first time or you’re changing to a different style, use this step-by-step guide to properly install fender flares on your Ram 1500.
- Paint fender flares as necessary before installation.
- Remove mud flaps on the rear or decals on the front as necessary.
- Attach fender flares if you have a peel and stick tape.
- If you have clips or bolt-on options, remove the clips of the fender liner.
- Use these existing holes in the sheet metal to put the fender flare on using the clips that come with the kit for extra security.
- You can also use self-tapping screws for extra security
If you need more information or a visual presentation of how to install fender flares on a Ram 1500, click the video link below for some extra instruction.
It’s All About That Flare and Flair
While fender flares can offer some flair, the protection you get for your Ram 1500 is unbeatable. Just make sure to read the above reviews, conduct some additional research, and shop around. Chances are when you complete these tasks, you’ll be happy with the head-turning results of your new Ram 1500 fender flares.
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People Also Ask
Fender flares are a fairly straightforward addition to your Ram 1500, requiring little knowledge of mechanics or DIY to install. However, you may have some additional questions about fender flares before you buy. Here are some of the most popular questions people also ask.
How Much Are Fender Flares?
Depending on the style, fender flares can range from $50 to $800. The lower range is for foam rubber fender flares, while the high-end is extended flares that provide a striking boost to your truck’s exterior. Typically, the range in prices goes (from most affordable to most expensive):
- Foam rubber flares
- OE style flares
- Street style flares
- Pocket style flares
- Extended or wide-style flares
Will Ram 2500 Fender Flares Fit a 1500?
Fender flares from a Ram 2500 will fit a Ram 1500, as the holes still line up. However, the size of the tires will make a difference. So the Ram 2500’s tires will have to be a comparable size to the Ram 1500. Duallies may also cause fitment issues depending on the brand of the fender flares.
Do Fender Flares Make Rust Worse?
Not all fender flares are watertight. Therefore, Ram 1500 owners may have to remove the fender flares every so often to remove the moisture that causes rust. More expensive flares typically come with a strong adhesive on the fender flare to prevent this from happening. In addition, painting the fender flares has also been shown to decrease the chances of rust developing.
How Long Does it Take to Install Fender Flares?
Installing all four fender flares should take about an hour, even for a novice DIYer. Painting, of course, will add a few hours to the process. If you have to drill any holes, this may take up to two hours to install the fender flares.
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