Install Lightforce Unibar with 2 HTX lights to front bumper valance?

Hello Tacoma World forum,

Reading here for months since I got my Taco. I've appreciatede the knowledge and the helpfulness of the community.

First time posting a question so here goes: I've mounted 2 Lightforce HTX2 lights onto a Lightforce Unibar and have attached the bar (with the lights mounted) to the front bumper valance panel (the lower center black plastic part of the bumper). My question is does anyone know if the valance is or is NOT secure enough to hold this amount of weight, which I guess is about 10-12 lbs? I used six 3/8 in screws that are screwed directly into the valance itself to hold the Unibar with lights in place. I've driven about 5 minutes at freeway speeds and the bar is still attached, although it looks like it is pulling 2 of clips at the top of the valance a bit away from the ABS plastic bumper behind it (but not unclipped, all clips are still attached).

Just want to ask if anyone has experience attaching this or something of similar size/weight to that front bumper valance without having the item pull off the entire valance. I'd hate to damage or break my 2 HTX2 lights by that valance falling off while I'm driving. Appreciate any advice you all might have.

 

I wouldn't recommend it because the valance is so light. And its held in with clips which are known for breaking easily

 

Thats what I was concerned about as well. However the Lightforce website for the Unibar, as well as some reviews on Outside magazine by Wes Siler and Bryan Rogala state you can mount this Lightforce Unibar to the “license plate attachment/bolts”. In their article it was for a Subaru outback. On my 2019 Taco, the license plate is simply mounted on a plastic holder that was screwed into the valance with 2 long screws.

Any advice on where else then this Unibar with my HTX2 lights should be attached to on the front of the Tacoma?

 

Here's a wild hair idea: There is a guy here on Taco Whirled who sells front license plate mounts that are formed aluminum bars that bolt on underneath the bumper and come up in the front as an alternative to the factory front license plate mount that requires you to punch holes in your bumper.
This would give you a solid mounting point if you want to jerry rig it a bit. Just an idea.

 

Found it I think, thread from ACEkraut. I’ll check it out. Thanks!

 

Post some pics if you can.

I have a lightbar mounted behind my bumper

 

Here’s how the Lightforce Unibar with HTX2 lights are currently attached to the valance. Please ignore the zipties…just my insurance against the valance pulling off and taking my HTX2 lights down with it:

 

How is this setup holding up, thinking of doing this or something similar?

 

I'm shocked this doesn't mess with your sensors. Looks great.

 

Sorry about the delayed reply as I haven't been on the forum for months.

It's been holding up just fine going on 14 months now. Still attached without any sign of that black valence pulling out. Note this is with daily city driving and one off road trip on mostly dirt/gravel roads and occasional washboard tracks; nothing more difficult than that.

And no sensor issues whatsoever that I've noted. Probably just luck but at least for this particular setup it seems to be working.

Probably my last post here as I'll be putting my Taco up for sale to pay for my other vehicle. I've enjoyed the Taco and the tacomaworld community and appreciated all the advice found here.