RCI Metalworks Tacoma rear bumper / no-cut version. Bravo to RCI!

Makes sense, they are good friends with the Toytec guys who do body lifts. I think they even have a body lift on the RCI tacoma so probably was more a necessity

 

Here are some more photos:

You can see how the outter “shell”’ is a single piece of bent metal:



Here are those stainless “teeth” I had to trim to get the OEM trailer plug to “snap” into the new, thicker bumper (view from underneath).



Your spare tire lowering hole is still accessible as normal:



OEM license lights fit perfectly:



I was concerned, since I often run a bike rack, that the hidden hitch would result in a weird angle on the license plate. With a normal hitch-drop arm, this would be a problem, but the rack needs to stick straight out. I think I’m OK. In some ways it’s better because the bikes used to be in front of the plate. Bike rack installed vvvv






If I had to do a bunch of towing, it probably get one of these drop arms:

 

I love how your new bumper looks and if you tow a lot, then maybe this isn't the right choice for your Tacoma.

Great write up, looks perfect on your truck. Best post so far for this whole year in my opinion.

Everybody knows Super White is the best Tacoma color. Sorry all they had left on the lot was silver or black.

 

This really is a sweet setup.

 

The only towing concern I have is RCI's lack of a defined tow rating. They say it's "comparable". I think it would be fine for my needs which is a 2500# gross weight trailer and maybe 200# tongue weight. But other folks might have different needs.

 

This is true. It is not an engineered towing receiver. They haven’t assumed that liability,which is understandable. The receiver seems plenty beefy, but if you use your Tacoma at its max towing rating, it would be better to stay with the OEM setup.

 

The powder coating looks top notch also. Looks like it could stand up to a few winters and salt

 

also thanks for ruining my new years resolution already

 

This will be something I’ll monitor and maybe comment on later. I am not a huge fan of powder coating, but I was feeling a little lazy and didn’t really want to paint the bumper myself.

I have low expectations of anyone’s powder coat job. We’ll see if RCI changes my mind. Having said that, it’s a 1/4” thick steel bumper and I expect to scrape it and have it rust. I’m not very OCD about such things.

 

Ha! I fulfilled mine. I vowed to stop deliberating and do some of the mods I have planned for this truck. Nothing major

 

Photo with bike on rack.

I think the license plate visibility is actually better than when the bike rack was lower in the OEM receiver and the plate was behind the bikes.

The handlebars are still lower than the roof rack, though the perspective looks otherwise.

Using this bike rack was my greatest reservation when first considering a bumper with a hidden hitch. I’m glad it has worked out.

 

I think this is a great bumper, and everything looks perfect fit. Still digging the hidden hitch. I wouldn't have any issue as I don't tow heavy. It looks like it fits yours needed perfectly OP. Thanks for all the info posted.

 

hha touché. Good point. I did on my xterra all of the time but I didn’t care bc it didn’t cause damage. The Tacoma is too new so I haven’t yet. Valid point. And I think it’s probably more likely to drag than the xterra one

 

dang, that looks awesome!

 

I've had the RCI bumper on my truck for about a year and a half now, and it has held up pretty well on and off road. It will rust if you scratch it, so make sure to prime/repaint any scratches. I think it looks good.

 

I have RCI sliders that look like they've been through hell and back. I just periodically hit the new peeling and rust spots with a wire brush and a few sprays of self etching black spray paint and move on

 

Maybe I missed it... but what was the total cost on this thing?

 

Bumper plus powder coating without any other options or s/h is $1100.

 

Awesome thanks man

 

Really like the look of the bumper, just wish it had an option for a swing out.