Fair warning: Your rear bumper is an expensive, and delicate P.O.S.

It can be quite stressful, but there are certainly perks to it.

 

That moment when you realize your IG name has the name of your truck in it.... but you ain't gon keep the truck... XD

 

What makes BSM so great? It's a neat feature but IMO it's more of a marketing sell.

We've managed to make it for close to 100 years in trucks without it. How I get around it, back into parking spots and when driving, always be aware of who is around you.

 

Changing out the rear bumper to metal was the first thing I did after buying the truck. Actually, one of the first days I backed up into some bushes, yes bushes, and almost tore off the passenger side rear plastic bumper cover, couldn't even believe it. I was planning to get an aftermarket bumper, that just accelerated the decision.

Bought the Fabfours (which requires the factory tow hitch), paid $750 shipped, try to find a place with free shipping which saves a ton, it'll ship on a half pallet, it's heavy.

Then post your plastic bumper locally for sale for up to $250-$300 for everything, someone will eventually buy it. Helps offset the price of your upgrade.

https://bumpersuperstore.com/i-2393...out-sensor-holes-toyota-tacoma-2016-2018.html




Also, there's very few metal front bumpers that I like, I think the Fabfours front bumper looks awful along with many others. So, I'm thinking about a low profile Warn or SOS with a winch mount, but want to keep stock suspension. Maybe a small aluminum would work.

 

It’s not just marketing. I find it pretty useful. Backing out of a parking spot, obstructed views, I get alerts for approaching cars or people. It’s already saved me once or twice. Also useful with all these kids I’ve got running around the neighborhood (including mine). Blind spot warning is also useful.

Yup, can do without, no problem. I’ve said it before, and still think if I were to do it again, I’d get an SR and be happy. Just be extra careful backing up and get some convex mirrors.

It’s a nice FEATURE to have. Not a necessity but definitely not a marketing gimmick. I do wish the sensors were up by the taillights.

 

All valid points and I hope you know I meant it with no disrespect. I'm curious why people like and dislike features, options, etc.

That is a big fear of mine in my 2002 4Runner. HUGE blindspots, have 2 kids running around and lots of neighbors kids always running around in front of my house. I make sure I back in, always.

 

Nope, no worries. I think if I bought an SR, I might have added in some sort of aftermarket sensors.

BSM is nice though. But a pain for you fabricators. And pain for me since I want to keep it but also want a rear bumper.

 

The back up sensors have helped a few times when I had long vans or trucks beside me.

 

I’d really like one of the Fabfours.

What I’d have to do is get someone here who has a broken bumper to mail it to me, I swap it and show my wife the wrecked bumper. Pass is granted to buy aftermarket bumper, and I sell the OEM. Wife sees how awesome it is, everybody’s happy.

 

I know, I guess it's just a bit of laziness. But now I drive a lifted tundra and man, I'm happy I still have it haha! Oh and I don't live out in the country so I suppose that's a factor.

 

Honestly front parking sensors is why I'll always keep my trimmed factory bumper on my Tundra rather than switching it out. But I'm only off road a handful of times a year and putting on at least 10k in highway drives.

 

I relocated them on my last vehicle, but I just moved the front ones. (I only moved them a few inches) Keep in mind, this was the FRONT parking distance sensors, not blind spot monitoring ones. But I'm sure a good aftermarket solution will come along for the 3rds.

 

It’s not likely. The BSM sensors are very sensitive and need to be calibrated by Toyota techs if they are ever removed and reinstalled. Which is why people are reporting finicky performance when they get aftermarket bumpers. I was hoping I could find something like this without the top loops: http://avidoffroad.com/cart/index.p...012-2014-toyota-tacoma-rear-bumper-guard.html

I know it would hang low and affect the departure angle, but better dragging on that than the flimsy bumper.

 

I like that concept. And probably pretty light weight, I know most guys don't care, but the heavy parts can make the back end sag.

 

Yup, I agree. Same story on the front bumpers. I wish there were some super light, high clearance front bumpers. Even the steel tube bumpers are heavy. I understand they’re beneficial for rock bashing. But I don’t do that. I just need some clearance for trail riding. Something like the Wrangler bumpers (Rubicon’s, you can remove the side pieces).

https://youtu.be/laHb8kcf6Zw

 

that's why I put this on

 

I should have been more specific. I've already done a front bumper swap, and I agree; super easy.

Has anyone done a REAR swap write up? I've climbed under the truck to look at it a few times, but wouldn't really know where to start.

 

Check for a how-to on YouTube. It’s easy once you know where to start.

 

Beautiful rear bumper! It would be nice if you can hang the tow hitch below the bumper.

 

Why???? That takes away clearance on exit angle.