Body Armor Hiline Series Bumper

Do you think this would provide more protection in case of an accident? I am really leaning toward one of these.

 

This has been a concern for me as well. I cannot give definitive proof, but the following seems logical to me. The stock bumper config has been engineered (by Toyota engineers) to crumple and bend in areas that mitigate the force applied to the frame in an impact. The mounts are aluminum, and they are welded and assembled to direct the force to specific areas. Removing the stock bumper for any rigid steel style that is bolted directly to the frame will increase the likelihood of frame damage in the event of a front end impact. Realistically, the difference should be minimal, but without a NTSB rating/approval it is a legitimate concern. to the flip, any aftermarket bumper that actually got a nod from the NTSB would probably push the price well beyond reason. In the event I do decide to swap out the bumper, this model is without a doubt the one that I would use. Just be aware and use your best judgement.

 

Someone on Reddit posted pics of their truck after a front end collision with this bumper a few weeks back. Got bent to hell and airbags failed to deploy apparently.

I have the hiline installed, it’s an okay bumper but it’s heavy and bulky. Was leaning towards removing especially if it prevents airbag deployment.

 

Yikes. Any more info on this?

 

The reality is that you will not get more protection in a serious collision than the stock plastic/aluminum crash bar. Armored bumpers always, as a rule, make a collision less safe and less predictable. Your local fab shop did not subject that bumper to the same testing standard that the Toyota plastic underwent. Your impact sensors are also not calibrated to the changes in front-end structure.

The compromise is that they give much better protection for low speed impacts, like running over brush, sticks, and shopping carts. That's why I run mine, because the brush (and shopping carts) was tearing the hell out of my stock bumper and I was tired of rattle-canning it to hide the damage. I know that it's less safe in traffic. I'm willing to live with that.

In summary, they're better in low-speed impacts, but much worse in moderate to high speed impacts.

 

Yep. It's a given. Once you see everything your removing to install the Hiline, it's very apparent you are eliminating a major crush zone in front of the truck. I'm ok with it myself. Many other aftermarket 'Taco bumpers will also negate Toyota's frontal impact absorption. So wear your seat belt.

 

If you want crash safety get an ARB bumper.
Correct me if I am wrong but they are the only bumper that is tested to be air bag safe and has replaceable crumple zones.
I've seen multiple posts about mid speed impacts (20-40mph) where all they have to do is replace the crumple brackets with no damage to the vehicle.

That said I don't like how they look on the 3rd gen Tacoma, but to each their own, personally I bought a hidden winch bumper and am fine with the knowledge it will only help in impacts under 15mph~

 

crumple zone and airbag safe
https://ironman4x4america.com/raid-...MI68GErvKi_wIVg59MCh0GkQCOEAQYASABEgKLLPD_BwE

 

I actually like the look of that better than the ARB bumpers. I might have to put that on my wish list

 

Off topic (but I do have this bumper in the garage ready to install) but what lights are you running @TacoLoco17 ?

 

Is anyone using a nilight lightbar with these? I'm looking a a cheaper but reliable light bar however all of the 20" lightbars I can find on Amazon use a different style of mount that clamps around the bar rather then the end caps

 

I got the cheap nilight bar in mine....it sucks. The DRL are brighter lol

 

I am using it.. I took a 1" strap of bar stock. Drilled holes to mount it to the bumper.. and a second set of holes to mount the light. Quick, easy, worked.

 

Did you end up going with the x20 12k? If so how'd it fit with the BA Hi-line?

I was looking at the badlands apex but the default 90 day warranty is a huge turn off.

The x20 12k gen3 looks tempting but I worry about the fit.

 

Is this a static bracket or hinged?

 

It's a static/angled cover that If I recall mounts under the winch fairlead.

I ended up not using it, and mounting my front plate using a tube clamps on the bullbar part of the bumper.

 

Hmm, I might go with this then;
https://tuffyproducts.com/products/...awse-winch-universal/?sku=333-01&gad_source=1

 

That will probably work well!

It's been a while, but I think the reason I ended up ditching the static license plate cover was because I had a choice of either having it hang to low, or turning it over and having it block my light bar.

California...where one can get away without a front license plate on their Tesla, but not on their truck.

 

I think maybe 1 out of ever 4 Teslas I see have a front plate.