A Guide to the Best Boat Trailer Fenders of 2023
A typical boat owner uses their boat for more than 50 days throughout the year. They’re having a lot of fun making memories on the water through the summer.
Having a trailer that you love makes it so much easier to enjoy your boat. But then you have to invest in high-quality parts that are going to hold up to everything you put it through. That includes boat trailer fenders.
Finding the types of boat trailer parts you want can sometimes feel overwhelming. We can help! Check out this guide for everything you need to know about upgrading your trailer fenders and our top picks of the year.
Measure for the Appropriate Size
The first thing you need to do when looking for a new fender is to know what size you need. This will help you narrow down your options right from the start. The last thing you want is to waste time looking at options that won’t even work for you.
Finding the right size fender will mostly depend on the diameter of the wheels. Fenders are created to go around those, so there’s going to be a pretty specific size you’ll need. But you can adjust the clearance around the tire to fit your preferences.
Some people like there to be a large gap between the fender and the tire. Others like it to be much smaller. This gap is one way you can customize how your trailer looks.
Look for a Durable Material
When you’re making any kind of improvements to your vehicle, you want it to be as durable as possible. Not only do you not want to replace it again soon, but you also want it to be as safe as possible.
The last thing you want is for a part to break and cause you major problems in the process.
Typically, fenders are made of either metal or plastic. Though sometimes you may find a rubber option. Both metal and plastic have proven to be sturdy options that are great for hauling with trailers. If you have rough conditions to drive, discuss those with your trailer expert to find the best choice.
Consider the Look of the Fender with the Trailer
Nothing is more important than function when it comes to a trailer (or any vehicle). But, chances are, you want it to look cool too. So you have to consider how your new fender is going to look with the trailer as a whole.
If you don’t do this and just buy any fender, it can look like you patched everything together. And that’s just not a good look. Think about how the shape, color, and material will blend. A mock-up of the final look might also help create your dream boat trailer.
Aluminum Diamond Plate Fenders
One of our top choices this year has been the aluminum diamond plate fender. It comes in a variety of sizes, so you can custom-match your needs.
The aluminum is strong enough to withstand a lot of travel hours on the road. But it’s also lightweight enough that it doesn’t add more strain to the trailer or truck when pulling. It’s the perfect marriage between the two sides you want in a trailer part.
Adding a diamond plate pattern adds something extra special. It’s a classic look when it comes to tough, sturdy vehicles, making it perfect for a boat trailer. You can also choose between a round or squared-off shape to fit your style.
Galvanized Fenders
Another great option is the galvanized fender. This gives you all the strength of a metal fender without the added flair of a diamond plate pattern. It’s the perfect combination for those who want a more subtle finish to their trailer.
The nice thing about going with a galvanized finish is how easily it can fit in with the rest of your trailer parts. There won’t be any competing views for the look as a whole. Galvanized metal also has a brilliant shine that makes it a classic choice.
Plastic Fender with a Step
For those boat owners who will need to use their fender to reach their boat, a built-in step is key. We recommend a plastic fender with a step for those trailers. This option has a flat space on the top that works perfectly to boost you up to where you need to be.
The plastic is designed to be strong enough to hold up to all kinds of travel without any worry. This material holds up to many travel hours and always shines up to look as good as new!
Plastic fenders with a step can make using your trailer much more efficient.
Work with Pros Through the Design Process
Designing a custom boat trailer is a big task. There are a lot of details you’ll want to think through before getting it fabricated. The best thing you can do is work with experts from the very beginning.
They’ll take all the information you give them about how you plan to use it to make the best decisions.
An expert will also be able to walk you through each decision so you feel confident. You’ll know you’re going to get the trailer of your dreams with the highest-quality parts.
And then if you ever need trailer repairs, you’ll know exactly who to call. They’ll know your trailer inside and out!
Finding the Best Boat Trailer Fenders
Upgrading your boat trailer fenders can make your whole experience better. You’ll be able to trust that your boat is protected from all the road debris. Not to mention how much cooler a nice fender can make your trailer look.
Feeling confident in your boat trailer makes getting to the water much simpler. So it’ll happen more often.
At Owens and Sons, we care about each detail on your boat trailer. We’ve been helping create, upgrade, and repair all kinds of trailers for years, so we know how to deliver. Check out some of our work to see how we can help you!
