Introduction
Tired of your truck looking like it just survived a mud wrestling competition every time you drive on anything other than perfectly paved roads? Do rocks and road debris constantly chip away at your paint, leaving a trail of cosmetic damage in their wake? Or perhaps you’re simply looking to inject some aggressive off-road styling into your ride. If any of these scenarios resonate with you, you’ve probably considered fender flares. Today, we’re diving deep into a hands-on installation review of Bushwacker fender flares, a well-known name in the automotive aftermarket.
Bushwacker fender flares are essentially extensions that attach to your vehicle’s fenders, providing additional coverage for your tires. They come in a variety of styles, from subtle, paintable options to bold, rugged designs. The primary purpose of fender flares is to protect your vehicle’s body from mud, rocks, and other road debris kicked up by your tires. They can also provide legal compliance in some regions if you’ve installed tires that extend beyond the factory fender line. Beyond functionality, they can dramatically alter the aesthetics of your truck or SUV, lending it a more aggressive and off-road-ready appearance.
In this installation review, I’ll be sharing my personal experience installing Bushwacker fender flares on my 2018 Toyota Tacoma. These were the “Pocket Style” Bushwacker fender flares, chosen for their bold look and perceived ease of installation. This isn’t just a generic review; it’s a detailed account of the entire process, from unboxing to final adjustments, highlighting both the successes and the challenges encountered along the way. I aim to provide an honest and comprehensive assessment of whether these fender flares are truly worth the upgrade, considering both the cost and the effort involved in installation. While the installation process presented some hurdles, the enhanced protection and undeniably aggressive aesthetic make the Bushwacker fender flares a worthwhile modification for the right truck owner.
Why I Chose Bushwacker (or Why You Might Choose Them)
The market is saturated with fender flare options, so why Bushwacker? Several factors swayed my decision. First, Bushwacker enjoys a strong reputation within the off-road community. They’ve been around for a long time, and their products are generally considered to be durable and well-made. Reputation matters, especially when dealing with parts designed to withstand harsh conditions.
Second, the breadth of Bushwacker’s product line is impressive. They offer a wide variety of styles to suit different tastes and vehicle types. The “Pocket Style” Bushwacker fender flares, with their simulated bolt heads, perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic I was aiming for on my Tacoma – a blend of rugged capability and modern style.
Third, the material quality seemed promising. Bushwacker typically uses a durable, UV-resistant plastic composite that is designed to withstand impacts and resist fading over time. This was a crucial consideration, as I live in an area with intense sunlight.
While considering alternatives, I briefly looked at offerings from EGR and Stampede. EGR flares seemed like a decent budget option, but I was concerned about their long-term durability. Stampede offered similar styling to Bushwacker, but ultimately, the Bushwacker brand recognition and positive online reviews tipped the scales in their favor.
My primary goal in installing fender flares was to provide better protection for my truck’s paint. I regularly drive on gravel roads, and the factory fender flares were simply inadequate in preventing rock chips. I also wanted to slightly increase the overall width of the truck’s stance for a more aggressive look. Finally, covering a small amount of tire that extended past the stock fenders was a concern, these flares helped to resolve that issue.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Bushwacker fender flares arrived in a large cardboard box, well-packed with foam inserts to prevent damage during shipping. The packaging was sturdy and professional, instilling confidence in the product within.
Upon opening the box, I found each flare individually wrapped in plastic, along with a separate box containing the necessary hardware and installation instructions. The contents included: four fender flares (two front, two rear), a bag of stainless steel screws and washers, edge trim, and a detailed instruction manual.
My initial inspection revealed that the flares were made of a thick, textured black plastic. The finish was consistent and appeared to be resistant to scratches. The simulated bolt heads were securely attached and added to the rugged aesthetic. The flares felt sturdy and had a slight amount of flexibility, suggesting they could withstand minor impacts without cracking.
The hardware kit appeared complete and the stainless steel screws were a welcome touch, as they should resist corrosion over time.
The instruction manual was surprisingly detailed, with clear diagrams and step-by-step instructions. While the manual seemed comprehensive, I noticed that it covered multiple vehicle types, which could potentially lead to some confusion during the installation process.
Tools and Preparation
Before embarking on the installation, I gathered the necessary tools. This included:
- A socket set with various metric sizes (specifically a millimeter socket was essential).
- A Phillips head screwdriver and a flat head screwdriver.
- A power drill with a driver bit.
- A measuring tape.
- Masking tape.
- A trim removal tool (optional, but highly recommended).
- A cleaning solution (I used automotive degreaser).
- A microfiber cloth.
The preparation process began with thoroughly cleaning the fender areas of my truck. I used the degreaser to remove any dirt, grease, and wax, ensuring a clean surface for the flares to adhere to.
Next, I carefully removed the existing mud flaps and any small plastic trim pieces that would interfere with the new flares. This is where the trim removal tool came in handy, preventing damage to the plastic clips that held the trim in place.
To protect the paint around the fender edges, I applied multiple layers of masking tape. This would help prevent scratches during the installation process, especially when test-fitting the flares.
Finally, I test-fitted each flare to ensure proper alignment and identify any potential issues before beginning the permanent installation. This revealed some minor discrepancies in the fit, which I addressed by carefully bending the flares slightly to conform to the shape of the fender.
Installation Process (Step-by-Step)
The installation process began with attaching the edge trim to the flares. This trim provides a clean, finished look and helps protect the fender edges from scratches. The trim simply pressed onto the edge of the flare.
Next, I carefully positioned the first flare on the fender and aligned it with the existing mounting holes. This is where the instructions became slightly less clear, as they referenced different mounting points depending on the vehicle type. I had to rely on visual alignment and careful measuring to ensure the flare was properly positioned.
Once aligned, I used the provided screws to secure the flare to the fender. I started by hand-tightening the screws to ensure proper alignment before fully tightening them with the drill.
Here’s where I encountered my first significant challenge. Some of the mounting holes on the truck were slightly misaligned with the holes on the flare. This required some patience and careful maneuvering to get the screws to line up properly. In one instance, I had to slightly enlarge the mounting hole on the flare with a drill bit to achieve proper alignment.
The process was repeated for the remaining flares, with similar challenges encountered along the way. One issue I faced was stripped screw heads. The stainless steel screws, while durable, were also relatively soft, and it was easy to strip the heads if too much pressure was applied. Fortunately, I had some spare screws on hand that I could use as replacements.
Another time-consuming step was ensuring that the flares were perfectly flush with the fender edges. This required constant adjustments and careful tightening of the screws.
In total, the installation process took approximately five hours to complete. This was significantly longer than I had anticipated, due to the fitment issues and the challenges with the hardware.
Post-Installation Review
Once the installation was complete, I took a step back to admire the results. The Bushwacker fender flares dramatically transformed the look of my Tacoma, giving it a more aggressive and off-road-ready stance. The “Pocket Style” design with the simulated bolt heads added a touch of ruggedness that perfectly complemented the truck’s overall aesthetic.
The fit and finish were generally good, although I did notice some minor gaps in certain areas. These gaps were not significant enough to detract from the overall appearance, but they were noticeable upon close inspection.
Functionally, the fender flares provided excellent tire coverage, preventing mud and rocks from being kicked up onto the truck’s body. I immediately noticed a difference during my first drive on a gravel road.
I didn’t experience any rubbing or interference with the tires or suspension.
The flares seem durable and well-made. The plastic composite feels thick and resistant to impacts. I’m confident that they will withstand the rigors of off-road driving and protect my truck’s paint for years to come.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Significantly enhanced the appearance of the truck.
- Provided excellent protection from mud and rocks.
- Relatively easy to install (with some caveats).
- Durable and well-made materials.
- Good tire coverage.
Cons:
- Installation challenges, including fitment issues and hardware problems.
- The provided instructions were not always clear.
- The stainless steel screws were prone to stripping.
- The flares are fairly expensive.
- The entire process consumed a significant amount of time.
Overall Recommendation and Conclusion
Overall, my experience installing Bushwacker fender flares was a mixed bag. While the installation process presented some challenges, the end result was undeniably positive. The flares dramatically improved the look of my Tacoma and provided the added protection I was seeking.
Would I recommend them to others? Yes, but with a few caveats. If you’re comfortable with basic automotive tools and have some experience with DIY projects, then the Bushwacker fender flares are a worthwhile upgrade. However, be prepared to invest some time and effort into the installation process. And be sure to double-check the fitment before beginning, and consider purchasing higher-quality screws as replacements.
These flares are best suited for truck owners who are looking to enhance the appearance of their vehicle, add protection from road debris, and/or cover larger tires.
My final verdict: I’d give the Bushwacker fender flares a rating of four out of five stars. Despite the installation challenges, the enhanced looks and added protection make them a valuable addition to my truck.
If you are looking to purchase Bushwacker fender flares, you can find them at various online retailers such as Amazon, AutoAnything, and directly from the Bushwacker website. (Note: Affiliate links could be inserted here with proper disclosure). Remember to verify the correct fitment for your specific vehicle year, make, and model before purchasing. Happy wrenching!
