Truckers like you probably spend most of their days on the road. You get to take in all the sights and sounds, and explore different places. However, you’re bound to encounter a few challenges along the way. To help you stay ahead of the game and avoid costly repairs, you can invest in truck fenders. These trucking accessories help preserve your cab. Additionally, they ensure your truck won’t put other drivers on the road in danger. Simply adding a set of truck fenders can make it easier to operate your semi truck and prevent debris spray on the highway. In today’s blog, we’ll go over why you need fenders on your semi truck.
What Are Truck Fenders?
Truck fenders have long been regarded as safety guards for truck drivers everywhere. These bolted panels are either made of metal or plastic and cover the wheels of a semi truck. Furthermore, they prevent environmental hazards such as debris spray from damaging your cab and other drivers on the highway. Also, semi truck fenders are customizable and help show off your personality.
The Importance of Truck Fenders
At some point, you’ll encounter a severe rainstorm or two. On the road, you’ll have to be prepared to handle changing weather conditions. Truck Fenders not only reduce the exposure to hazardous road elements, but also protect your truck against inclement weather. Since your tires collect debris, dirt and water on a daily basis, they can make your truck and cab pretty dirty. It helps to clean your truck, especially when driving in the winter time. All the salt on the road will eat away at the paint on your truck. Semi truck rear fenders prevent at least 30% or more of dirt splatters from harming your truck and other drivers.
Furthermore, fenders can improve the overall fuel-efficiency of your truck. On average, heavy-duty trucks burn a huge amount of fuel because they’re constantly fighting the aerodynamic drag. When you add fenders to your truck, you reduce the drag and also improve gas mileage. With the way gas prices are these days, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank at the pump anymore.
Size Classification of Truck Fenders
Semi truck fenders aren’t just durable, but they also come in a variety of sizes. While a truck fender’s appearances say a lot about you and your truck, size speaks volumes.
Moreover, there are three size classifications truck fenders fall under; full fenders, quarter fenders and half fenders. Of course, the various styles can make your truck’s appearance a standout act. However, safety always comes first when trucking. Invest in a fender that’ll protect your truck at all costs.
In keeping your truck safe, dimensions of your truck’s wheel well must be considered as well. The amount of space available to accommodate a wheel can greatly impact the size classification of your truck fender. It influences several aspects, one of the most important being if the fender can both fit inside the wheel well and provide enough clearance for the tire to freely rotate. Additionally, semi fenders are designed based on a wheel well’s shape. Overall, these aspects enhance the overall look and feel of the truck.
1. Full-Size Truck Fenders
If you’re seeking maximum protection for your rear axles, then Full Fenders are just the ones you need for your semi truck. These shields cover both drive axles and they provide optimal coverage for both tires. Clearly, the Full Fender does it all and more. Additionally, it’s the most effective truck fender at reducing road damage.
While Full Fender’s come with tons of benefits for your truck, they also pose some challenges. For instance, they’ll cost you a pretty penny and they can make it difficult to access parts for your truck. It’s much harder to conduct tire maintenance when there’s a Full Fender in the way. You might want to consider all your options with this mud flap.
2. Half-Size Truck Fenders
Half Fenders can act as another possible option for your truck. Though, keep in mind that they only cover half of your tire. Afterwards, it’ll curve down and around the rear tire. However, the Half Fenders for semi trucks don’t offer the same level of protection as the Full Fender.
Nonetheless, they still offer a form of protection against debris spray on the road. Thanks to their durable Polyethylene (plastic) material, they’re able to withstand any type of road condition. Additionally, they’re more affordable than Full Fenders. They even provide easier access to your tires when it’s time for a maintenance checkup. Actually, truckers that have low-sitting trailers prefer them over the other truck fenders. In some cases, these trucks don’t require all that much debris spray protection.
At Mytee Products, we offer all the fenders you’ll ever need for your semi truck. Our Half Fenders for semi trucks include several products, such as our Poly Fenders. At the end of the day, Half Fenders come in handy when paired with the correct truck and trailer.
3. Quarter Fenders for Trucks
Quarter Fenders come as another popular choice for semi truckers. They offer half the protection of a Half Fender and even less than that of a Full Fender. The name, of course, implies that these splash guards only cover a quarter of a tire.
Specifically speaking, a Quarter Fender will come down half-way near the top of the tire. Typically, they’re installed to the vehicle’s frame using bolts or clamps. Semi truck Quarter Fenders are positioned at a specific height and can prevent debris from flying everywhere. Additionally, they can take on the shape of the truck’s wheel and tire.
While the installation process is simple enough, the maintenance is just as simple and quick. Routinely cleaning your fenders with mild detergent, inspecting them for damage, and putting on a UV protectant will keep them looking brand new.
Not to mention they’re made out of durable rubber and plastic that promotes their long-lasting quality. Similar to the other splash guards, Quarter Fenders are designed to cut down on the debris spray that’s generated by the rotation of the truck’s tires when in drive. Unfortunately, they only block a minimal amount of debris spray. Like the other fenders, they help protect your cab, other vehicles and pedestrians from being hit by a mud splatter.
While that might not be great for some truckers, it may offer a cost-effective solution for trucks that don’t require all that much protection. If you’re not a long-hauler or don’t spend most of your time trucking, Quarter Fenders might be the right option for you.
At Mytee Products, we sell a variety of Quarter Fenders for semi trucks, such as 24”x24” Quarter Fenders with hardware, coming in a set of 2 pieces. If you really want to turn heads on the highway, you should invest in these poly fenders for semi trucks.
4. Poly Fenders For Semi-Trucks
Polypropylene (Plastic) Fenders, however, take the number one spot for the best fenders in the trucking industry. These protectors are constructed from heavy-duty plastics and are strong enough to hold up against even the strongest of rain storms.
Not to mention, they have a high resistance to dents, scratches, early signs of corrosion and UV rays. Their durability makes it possible to protect your truck and other drivers from debris spray. You won’t have to worry about your equipment getting damaged or constantly being replacing your fenders either. Should your poly fender become disconfigured, you can simply bend it back into shape.
Additionally, they’re easy to install on your truck and simple to handle. At Mytee Products, we offer a wide range of poly fenders for semi-trucks, such as Ribbed Poly Fender 24.5″ and the Smooth Poly Fender 19.5″. In the end, poly fenders are the best choice for semi-trucks. It makes sense to invest in these semi fenders.
How To Choose The Right Truck Fender Size
There’s much to consider when it comes to understanding the three main types of semi truck fenders. After you’ve chosen the style for your fenders, it’s time to pick the correct size for your setup. You’ll know you’ve selected the right size when it “fits like a glove” over your tires, all while providing enough clearance. That being said, you should have a minimum of 1.5 space at the top and another 0.5 around the sides. Otherwise, you run the risk of your tires rubbing up against the semi truck fenders. To help with spacing, you can check for the manufacturer’s suggested tire size for that fender. Next, check the tire’s diameter and confirm that the fender is the right size.
Additionally, you should also know what level of spray protection you’ll require and how accessible your tires will be. Also, make sure the “lip” on your truck fender is big enough to block debris spray. Though, not too big to the point where it becomes an obstacle course to reach your tires. Asking yourself these types of questions can help you make an informed decision in choosing the right truck fender.
5. Consider These Maintenance And Installation Tips
You also want to make sure your semi truck fenders are well kept. There’s nothing worse than driving around with a damaged fender for everyone to see. A few ways to maintain your fender’s appearance include, making repairs on it, waxing it down to prevent rust, cleaning it with soap detergent and maintaining good tire pressure. While it’s just that simple to maintain them, truck fenders are also easy to install on your semi truck.
However, you’ll have to consider the make and model of your truck and the type of fender you’re installing. In order to ensure you’ve properly installed your fender, you must remove the old fenders and prepare for the new one. Start by removing all the clips, brackets and bolts from the last one. Afterwards, map out where you want the new fender to go on your truck. Make sure it’s lined up with the wheels, tires and has enough clearance. After finding your sweet spot, start installing the fender and determine if it’s symmetrical. Right before you call it a done deal, make sure that your semi truck fenders aren’t interfering with its suspension system, steering and that the wheels can turn freely.
Making your job all the more easier, our company offers several installation kits to choose from. We have everything from Poly Fender Mounting Kit (Black Powder Coated) to an Installation Kit for Poly Quarter Fender Bracket 24″ x 24.” The job doesn’t get any easier than this.
FAQ’s
- Are quarter fenders required by DOT? The regulations for semi trucks to have Quarter Fenders varies from country to country. Though the Department of Transportation (DOT) may require it, the U.S doesn’t spell out that a truck must feature a Quarter Fender. However, every state may have their own regulations regarding these truck fenders. Be sure to refer to the American Trucking Association to look up the latest regulations.
- What are Minimizer Fenders made of? They are made out of durable and resistant material, often being High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This material gives these fenders their strength, flexibility and protection against inclement weather conditions.
- What is a fender on a semi truck called? A fender on a semi truck is sometimes referred to as a mud flap or splash guard.
- How do you install fenders? You install truck fenders by mounting them onto your truck’s frame. Take into consideration your setup, including the make and model of your truck and the type of truck fender you want to install.
- What do Quarter Fenders do? Quarter Fenders provide minimal protection against debris spray on the road. Though, that could benefit a trucker who doesn’t truck all the much. In the end, these fenders save you money.
- What are truck fenders made of? They are mainly made out of fiberglass, poly (plastic) and metal.
- What type of fenders are there for trucks? There are three main types of fenders on the market for semi trucks; Quarter, Full, and Half Fenders.
- Are Quarter Fenders required on semi trucks? Yes. Fenders are required on semi trucks in general to prevent debris spray from happening on the road.
Trucking Done Right
Trucking and the hardware that comes with it can be pretty expensive. Though, some things are just worth the extra bucks. Adding semi fenders to your trucking arsenal can ensure you’re staying safe on the road. Even better, your stylish fender could make the guys at work jealous. All jokes aside though, truck fenders are a must have.
Whether you need a Quarter, Half or Full Fender, they protect your truck and others from flying bits of debris that could otherwise cause a fatal car accident. Some states even made it a law for truckers to have mud flaps. Though, if you’re determined to find a good deal on semi rear fenders, then you should definitely check out Mytee Products. We sell a variety of high-quality and affordable mud flaps that’ll meet all your trucking needs. If you’re not trucking with semi fenders, then you’re not trucking the right way.
