Half fender delema....

I use the plastic full fenders I got them used from salvage yard think minimizer they are strong look good and don't weigh much. They even make paintable ones. They run them on roll off refuse trucks in my area and they are indestructible . I like mine and would buy them new if I ever get another truck.

 

I love a good set of stainless ones.

 

You have pretty much covered it, but I have to ask what about longevity? After 2 sets of "Chrome Shop" fenders (1 aluminum, and 1 stainless) I had just about made my mind up that poly was going to be the only thing that would live thru what I put them thru. I have watched 4 different guys trash WTI's or some kind of fiberglass wannabe's. Then I called Noble Bros Fabrication, http://www.noblebrothersfab.com/ if you pull a coal bucket anywhere in the mid-west you already know all about them.

That shot is 2 mins. out of their shop. That is 2hrs later drip drying at Streakin' Beacon in Walton, Ky. You can literally walk on them.
That is one of the installers kneeling on the left one to drill the center mounting holes. In March of 2011 this set cost me 21 $100.00 bills, that's parts, labor, lights, mud flaps, out the door, it took about 6 hrs. The cost of aluminum has gone up since then, so I would guess that the price is up a little. A friend of mine pulls O.D. and went down and got a set made. And NO YOU CAN NOT have a set sent to you. They are a custom fab shop, they do half's, single and double humps, light boxes, deck plates, all custom built to fit your truck, all brackets are cut and drilled to use existing bolts already in your frame, they did how ever have to drill 2 holes in mine.(1 in each side). They are warranted against stress cracking for as long as you own them, and if you do figure out a way to tear them up, they will fix it or replace it (not free but you won't be buying another set, just try to buy 1 fender at the chrome shop next time you are there). When you call Denny Noble (he's the one that you will set the appointment with) be standing next to the exact truck you are going to have the fenders built for, with a tape measure in your hand, he is going to have you give him a couple of measurements so he can have the fenders rolled when you get there. If you have custom work done like my O.D. buddy it will take a little longer and you will be expected to help with the designing to make sure you are getting exactly what you are expecting. I don't know if you can see it very well in the picture but they built a step between the tandem fender and the lift axle fender for deck plate access. As you can see I can't quit bragging about them. I can honestly say they will be the last fenders you'll ever buy.

 

I was going to go with plastics, but they were more expensive than aluminum. If you get aluminum or stainless, make sure they have a rib of some sort on them, if it flexes, it will break after time.

 

I have 3 sets of east half fenders I like the way they mount with a steel tube across top of frame.they are vary strong and light I can stand on them I would never step on a set of SS half fenders.

 

For your application minimized is the way to go, we haul everything and anything from freight to end dumps and when in the mud or bouncing I love how this set.
Ill try to attach a pic.

 

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This has to be the hardest forum to attach a picture in!