Apogee Off Road 3rd Gen Tacoma Bumper Options

So I finally got my bumper from Apogee Offroad and on my truck. It took about 6 hours to do the install lights and everything. Mounting the BSM and the flush mount covers was a pain to say the least, Just take your time. Everything works well, just some small issues. I noticed that the parking sensors on the Apogee bumper are slightly slanted more then the OEM bumper. The only issue with that is when your backing down from a slanted driveway and your back tires hit the gutter the middle sensors beep, probably because there picking up the road. Once you go past the gutter they shut off. The BSM'S work good on the road, the only thing that I've noticed is when I'm backing out of a parking stall and a car drives by my BSM'S don't go off and they did on my OEM. Those are the only issues that I would say that I have, none of them are a deal breaker for me the bumper looks really good, I get complements all the time on it.

 

Looks like it suffers from similar shortcomings as the C4 bumper.

 

Any plans on a high clearance rear bumper with BSM slots?

 

> when I'm backing out of a parking stall and a car drives by my BSM'S don't go off and they did on my OEM

Hope Apogee can figure something out to fix it. That's the main selling point for this bumper.

 

Is it though? I thought the parking sensors going off for cross traffic while backing out were more useful... I'm not looking in a side mirror when I'm backing out of a parking spot, I'm alternating looking in the rear view camera and over my shoulder/out the back windows.

 

Thanks for the review, it helps when customers ACTUALLY give us constructive feedback on stuff. If you don't mind telling, what was the biggest struggle with the BSM installation? Did you install them with the bumper on or off? We don't exactly specify, which we should, but for easiest installation its better with the bumper off.

Man that silver looks sharp. Love the paint to match covers as well. We'd love to use some of these photos as reference if you wouldn't mind!

As for the functionality, I'm not quite sure what to say there . On our test rig, the cross traffic alert worked as it should, and to date, we haven't heard of that feature not working before. I'd be more than happy to work with you on a solution. Feel free to shoot us over an email or PM and we will take care of you best we can!

I've seen the parking sensors do this once or twice on the test rig at some steep curbs. Thought it was just a fluke as it only happened occasionally. The parking sensors are some pretty finicky things. There is definitely a trade-off on functionality between all of the electronics/strength/clearance. We definitely tried our best to keep both in mind.

Thanks for being cool about some of the shortcomings, we hope you enjoy.

Feel free to reach out anytime!

 

The Mighty Joe Flannel returns! Unlike C4, we aren't going to pack it up though!

 

I'm looking forward to installing mine. It's been sitting on cardboard on the garage floor for many months now, waiting for me to have the time (and helpers) to get it put on! I'm hoping all of the parts/pieces are with it, but I'm sure @Apogee Offroad will be happy send me whatever I might be missing (right? hint, hint lol).
I hafta say that the silver is..interesting..not bad, but my silver truck is just too silver for me so I'm looking forward to installing this black bumper and also going to vinyl wrap the fender flares black to break up the solid silver color. But everyone loves their truck and does what they want to make them happy so more power to ya!

 

My opinion, (see picture below) possibly relocate the "A" to the right of the license plate. Also, the sides are a bit "proud", but I'm sure there was a reason for that design (locating the BSMs). Otherwise, looks like a solid product! Hopefully, the BSM gets sorted out.

 

They probably will have to relocate the "A" w/the swing out version. I don't mind the proud-ness given the additional functionality of the BSM, but I think the HC version will look the best in that regard.

 

@Apogee Offroad are there any install videos out there for how to install the rear bumper? I've ordered mine. I like to watch the videos before parts arrive so I can plan accordingly. I don't see any install videos out there on your website nor youtube etc.

 

It is pretty easy, just need a jack to support it while you line up the bolts. However...be careful that you don't mount it too high, I had it all done and tightened and was so proud...until I opened the tailgate and SCRAAAAPE. Ugh. Had to undo all bolts and lower it a 1/4" or so, but of course then it didn't line up evenly on both sides under the taillights. I fought with it for several hours until i just gave up and my OCD has to live with the rear bumper not aligned perfectly on each side. Nobody would notice except me, but it's still a bone of contention.

/dammit

 

Hey thanks for the reply... So the rear hitch receiver just bolts to the frame? Since that goes away with their new hitch location... just unbolt the OEM hitch receiver and remove it?

How to wire up the new backup lights (Baja S2)?

 

Yep. You pull all that factory stuff off w/bumper and store it in the garage until you decide to sell it in a couple of years. Like me.

The lights come with a relay and lots of wire and a switch. I wish I had thought to replace the switch with one that lights up when it is turned on. Oh well, a project for another day. I drilled a hole in the console and put the switch near the shifter next to the hand brake. Then ran the wires from the relay through a grommet and under the bed along the factory wires, zip tying all the way, to the bumper. The lights just pop in (my bumper had one of the light holes cut wrong from AO so I had to modify one of the light housing. See: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wired-in-my-baja-designs-s2-sports-today.719744/#post-25620705

 

Nice, good info, thanks again! I thought I would want my S2's hooked up to my reverse lights, not on a separate switch. I'll have to consider my options...

 

WAY too bright for that, which is why I have them manual instead. You be making road rage an art if you did that every time you pulled out of a parking spot at night...

 

Hey guys, let me shed some light here.

Firstly, I apologize for no installation videos. It was something on the radar for us a long time ago but never did.

Secondly, the easiest way to remove the stock stuff is to take the bumper and hitch all off at once. Unplug the main harness from the frame (small connector above the trailer plug) and unbolt the bumper and hitch assembly with the 10 bolts at the frame. Toyota luckily gave you two slots on either side to have the bumper rest while its unbolted before you yank it off. With the bumper off you can easily get to all of the clips that hold the plastic caps over all of the necessary electronics. The rest should be fairly straight forward.

Thirdly, we had our Baja S2 flushies wired up to our reverse lights as we got the "reverse light pair" and tapped it to our reverse light wiring. Worked a treat! Those suckers are bright but I don't think they are overpowering.

 

Some info on how/where to tap the reverse lights would be helpful. Thanks for all this info! Happy to hear its just a bolt on replacement, so no cutting or welding to remove the old bumper/hitch receiver...

 

UGH... First time we installed our first article bumper on the shop Tacoma we did that... big facepalm moment. That may be a good warning to add to our instructions.

Also, THANK YOU, for actually giving us feedback on the product. We love to hear it, good or bad because it gives us things to improve on. Most customers its thank you and have a nice eternity.

As for the wack alignment, that doesn't sound right on our end... Maybe shoot us some pics of that? Haven't had this issue with any of our shop installs.