The "Rust Cover-Up": How to Save Your RAM 1500 with Fender Flares
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You love your 2009–2018 RAM 1500.
The HEMI runs strong. The interior is comfortable.
But then you look at the rear wheel wells.
Bubbles.
The dreaded "RAM Wheel Arch Rust" has started.
You take it to a body shop. They quote you $2,500 to cut out the metal and repaint the bed sides.
That’s painful.
But there is a $300 solution that not only hides the damage but makes your truck look tougher: Pocket Style Fender Flares.
By installing a set of wide, rivet-style flares, you cover the unsightly rust, protect the remaining metal, and gain extra tire coverage for those wide wheels you’ve been eyeing.
In this guide, we show you how to prep your fenders to stop the rust from spreading and explain why the "5-Lug Rule" is critical for ordering the right parts for your truck.
Compare Flare Styles
Rugged Protection or Factory Restoration?
|
Flare Style |
Coverage Width |
Look |
Best For |
|
Pocket / Rivet (Bushwacker) |
Max (2.0" - 2.5"). |
Bolt-On. Industrial/Tough. |
Rust Hiding. Covers the most sheet metal. |
|
OE Style (Lund) |
Low (0.75"). |
Smooth. Factory Clean. |
Restoration. Replacing faded/cracked stock flares. |
|
Extended / Street |
Medium (1.5"). |
Smooth. No bolts. |
Sport Trucks. Wide look without the "off-road" bolts. |
|
Cut-Out Flares |
Extreme. |
Aggressive. Requires cutting metal. |
Big Tires. Fitting 37s on low lift. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Fender Flares)
My rear fenders are rusted. Will these work?
Yes. This is the #1 reason owners buy Pocket Style Flares. They extend about 2-3 inches up the fender, effectively covering the common rust bubbling above the wheel arch.
- Important: We recommend sanding down the loose rust and treating the metal with a rust converter/sealer before installing the flares to stop the corrosion from spreading underneath.
Do I have to drill holes in my truck?
Generally, no. Most flares for the RAM 1500 use the existing factory holes in the fender lip. They use clips and screws to secure the flare without drilling into the painted body panels. The stainless steel "bolts" on Pocket Style flares are purely cosmetic; they do not go through your fender.
What is the rubber strip for?
Every kit comes with a roll of rubber trim. You stick this to the top edge of the flare before installation. It creates a seal between the plastic flare and your truck's paint.
- Warning: Do not skip this step! Without the rubber gasket, the hard plastic flare will vibrate against your paint, eventually wearing it down to bare metal.
Hide the rust. Widen the stance.
Save thousands on body work and upgrade your look. Shop our verified collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Fender Flares.