Find Rear Fender Styles for Freightliner Semi Trucks
Rear semi truck fenders are the perfect way to personalize your big rig. Some of the most popular styles include:
- Full Fenders: Full fenders give the most coverage front to back. They help control road spray, protect your trailer, suspension, and airlines, and keep the rear of your Freightliner cleaner in rain and snow.
- Half Fenders: Half fenders sit closer to the tires and leave more open space. They're a solid choice if you deal with low-hanging trailers, dock plates, or tight yards where clearance is an issue.
- Long-Drop Wrap Fenders: Long-drop wrap fenders come down lower and wrap around the tire. They offer strong splash control and help keep mist off tankers, hazmat trailers, and polished trailers. They also give your Freightliner a sharp, custom look.
- Quarter Fenders: Mount between the axles to protect the rear drive axle. They're compact, simple, and better than running bare if you just want basic protection from rocks and debris.
- Single Axle Fenders: Single axle fenders cover one axle per side. A practical choice if you're running a single axle setup or replacing fenders one axle at a time.
Find the Right Material
Material affects weight, durability, and how much time you spend cleaning and polishing.
- Polyethylene (Poly): Poly fenders are a lightweight and budget friendly choice for low-maintenance, heavy duty use. They won't rust and handle everyday commercial abuse well.
- Aluminum / Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is very durable and corrosion resistant. Aluminum is lighter, which helps when you're watching every pound of payload. Both offer a polished, professional look and need occasional polishing.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is lightweight and can be painted to match your cab or frame. It works best on highway or show-focused Freightliner semi trucks, not harsh off-road routes.
Find the right fender by thinking about how you drive and what your needs are.
- Abuse Level: Run rough jobs, construction, or bulk materials? Consider super duty or extra thick-gauge fenders with strong brackets. Highway-only routes can use rolled or long-drop styles for a cleaner look.
- Splash Control: Long-drop wrap fenders are ideal if you want to minimize road spray, especially when pulling tankers or hazmat loads.
- Weight vs. Appearance: Need to maximize payload? Choose lighter materials like poly or rolled aluminum. Want a show-quality look? Go with polished stainless or painted fiberglass.
- Maintenance: Poly fenders are the easiest to maintain. Metal fenders will need polishing to keep their shine. Fiberglass may need touch-up if chipped.
Buying a new rear fender setup requires sturdy mounting gear. We sell that too. You can find brackets, mounting plates, and hardware sized for Freightliner semi truck rear fenders so your aftermarket fenders stay solid, straight, and rattle-free.
You can also pair your new rear fenders with
Freightliner mud flaps, a
Freightliner Bumper and even add a
Freightliner visor to add more style.
Choose from models by top-selling heavy duty brands like Minimizer, Merritt, Fibertech, TPHD, Hogebuilt, and more, so you can match your budget, abuse level, and the look you want for your Freightliner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freightliner Rear Fenders
What are the material options for Freightliner rear fenders, and which holds up best against rust and road chemicals?
Freightliner rear fenders are available in three main materials: stainless steel, aluminum, and polymer plastic. Stainless steel fenders offer the best long-term durability against rust and road chemicals, making them ideal for trucks operating in harsh winter conditions with heavy salt exposure. Aluminum fenders provide excellent corrosion resistance while being lighter weight, though they may show pitting over time. Polymer plastic fenders are the most economical option and won't rust, but they can become brittle in extreme cold and may crack from impact damage.
How do I know if a rear fender will fit my specific Freightliner model and year?
Freightliner rear fenders are typically categorized by model series (Cascadia, Columbia, Century, Coronado) and specific year ranges due to design changes. Always check the product description for exact fitment details, including whether you have a single or tandem axle configuration. Key measurements to verify include the fender width (typically 24" or 30"), mounting bracket spacing, and whether your truck has aerodynamic fairings that may require specific fender designs. When in doubt, provide your OEM number to our customer service team for guaranteed fitment verification.
Can I install Freightliner rear fenders myself, or do I need professional installation?
Most Freightliner rear fenders can be installed by someone with basic mechanical skills and standard tools. Installation typically requires a socket set, drill with metal bits (for new installations), and approximately 2-4 hours per side. The process involves removing the old fender, transferring or installing mounting brackets, and securing the new fender with provided hardware. However, full wrap-around fenders or those requiring frame modifications may benefit from professional installation. Always test fit before final installation and ensure proper clearance from tires during suspension travel.
What's the difference between half fenders and full wrap fenders for Freightliner trucks?
Half fenders (also called quarter fenders) cover only the rear portion of the wheel, providing basic spray and debris protection while maintaining easier tire access for inspections and maintenance. Full wrap fenders extend further forward and downward, offering maximum protection against road spray and improving aerodynamics, which can enhance fuel efficiency. Full wrap fenders are required in some states for certain commercial applications and are generally preferred for long-haul operations, while half fenders are popular for vocational trucks needing frequent tire access.
Do aftermarket Freightliner rear fenders affect my warranty or DOT compliance?
Quality aftermarket rear fenders that meet or exceed OEM specifications will not void your Freightliner warranty when properly installed. However, modifications to the frame or suspension mounting points could potentially affect warranty coverage in those areas. For DOT compliance, ensure any fender extends to within 9 inches of the ground when the vehicle is loaded and covers the full width of the tire. Most aftermarket fenders are designed to meet federal requirements, but always verify that the fender provides adequate spray suppression for your state's specific regulations.