Frequently Asked Questions About Freightliner Cascadia 116/126 Front Fenders & Acc.

Will these fenders fit my specific Cascadia model year?

Our front fenders are designed to fit Freightliner Cascadia 116 and 126 models from 2018 to current production years. However, there are variations between early 2018 models and 2019+ models due to minor design changes. When ordering, please specify your exact model year and whether you have a day cab or sleeper configuration. If you have a pre-2018 Cascadia (often called "Old Body Style"), these fenders will not fit - you'll need fenders specifically designed for 2008-2017 models.

What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket fender materials?

OEM fenders are made from high-grade ABS plastic or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) with UV protection built in. Aftermarket options vary in quality - our premium aftermarket fenders use similar materials to OEM but may be slightly thinner (typically 3-4mm vs 4-5mm OEM thickness). Economy aftermarket fenders often use standard fiberglass without UV coating, which can lead to fading and brittleness after 2-3 years. For best longevity, we recommend OEM or premium aftermarket options, especially if your truck operates in extreme weather conditions.

Can I install these fenders myself, or do I need a professional?

Installation typically takes 2-4 hours per fender for someone with basic mechanical skills. You'll need standard hand tools, a drill with metal bits, and ideally a helper to position the fender. The main challenges are: proper alignment with hood and doors (critical for preventing wind noise), drilling new mounting holes if brackets don't line up perfectly, and routing any marker lights or turn signals. Many customers successfully DIY the installation, but if you're not comfortable drilling into your truck or don't have experience with body panel alignment, professional installation runs $150-300 per fender.

Do these fenders come painted or primed?

Most fenders ship in black gel coat or gray primer finish, ready for painting. Pre-painted options are available in common Freightliner colors (Arctic White, Black, Silver) but add 5-7 business days for processing. If you choose unpainted fenders, they require proper prep work before painting: light sanding with 400-grit paper, cleaning with wax/grease remover, applying adhesion promoter, then primer and paint. Budget $200-400 per fender for professional paint matching and application if you're not doing it yourself.

What accessories or additional parts might I need for complete installation?

Beyond the fender itself, you may need: mounting brackets (if yours are damaged or rusted), stainless steel bolts and washers (usually 20-30 pieces per fender), fender liner/mud flap if not reusing existing ones, and LED marker lights if upgrading from incandescent. Some installations also require new rubber hood-to-fender seals ($15-25 each) to prevent water intrusion. Check if your state requires fender lights - if so, you'll need wiring pigtails and possibly a new junction box. We offer complete installation kits that include all hardware for $45-65 depending on configuration.