Building the dream truck

I'm planning and plotting my Expedition build and have a quick question.

Hopefully by next year I'll have the funds to purchase an off-road rear bumper, and I really like the looks of Relentless. However, the bumper will also need to utilize the OEM hitch, or something comparable, as I pull a 2,500lbs pop-up trailer. The AllPro rear bumper is also a possibility as it can add an integrated hitch.

Anyone here have thoughts or suggestions?

 

I have an AP and it's holding up fine, I dont have the hitch yet though. R-Fab is bomb proof. I've seriously changed my opinion (public apology here) of his stuff and its gtg. AP is having some stuff on spring clearance right now, you might be able to get a plate bumper for cheap, or hang tight until the next GB. My expo build is 2 years into it and i am still not done. Good luck.

 

There are a few people here that are against the Allpro Armor, but the second generation of the rear bumper is really stout, I was extremely impressed with mine. I just bought the hitch and the wrap around sides for it as well. Dont get me wrong the relentless bumpers are bulletproof but for the rear option. I am very happy with my Allpro. Allpro also offers the Expo leafs that im running and they have held up pretty good so far... ive only ran them for a month.

 

I don't really have a problem with AllPro but I do understand why some dislike them.

That being said, Eric's stuff is top quality and I can't wait to get my bumper on in another week or so.

I don't think either are rated for towing but would hold up fine to towing, just an issue of cost for them to get their products certified for towing.

There are a ton of other companies that make rears as well, find the style you like best and go with it!

 

I like the Relentless bumpers better and I'm sure they can handle much more abuse than the all pros. The all pro bumpers are still probably a good product as well. The relentless high clearance bumper would be bad ass and I'm sure Eric could beef up the hitch on his bumpers for you.



How can you not like that?

 

I love my Relentless rear. It also has a hitch and the new bumpers he is now making will come ready for a tire gate if you ever decided you wanted to add one on.

 

Relentless Fab bumpers also use 7 bolts on each side to mount. It is very sturdy and strong. It uses the same mounting points that the factory tow hitch use.

 

Got mine from brute force. Good beefy hitch integration that uses the factory bolt locations. he's coming out with a high clearance soon and his prices are awesome. let me know if you want his contact info.

 

I totally understand, if i had a chance to re-do the front id probably go Relentless, but with the deal i got on the allp rear, i couldnt pass it up. Then seeing how sturdy it is really added to the pot. Im not quite sure how the hitch mounts up yet, but i will see. im gonna be hauling a trailer with some quads and dirtbikes on it, in a couple of weeks (not a ton of weight) but i will see how it goes.

 

subd

 

FYI, im not trying to start a Relentless vs AP battle here, relentless makes some damn good products. Wish i woulda seen his front bumpers before i purchased the one i have now.

 

I've contacted Eric regarding a front Aluminum bumper. When I'm ready, that's the direction I'll go. AP's front bumper also looks good, but doesn't meet all my requirements...namely the weight.

I hadn't realized Eric is creating a rear bumper that will have a spare wheel ready gate. This is cool! Looking forward t see pics...

I read somewhere that Eric is trying to integrate the OEM hitch into his rear bumper. If/When this is finalized, I'll be the first in line.

 

I don't think there isn't going to be an OEM hitch integrated with the rear bumpers. That eliminates the whole point of the high clearance bumper.

 

If that be the case, then I may need to look elsewhere...bummer!

With my kind of driving, I wouldn't mind allowing the OEM hitch to bolt up underneath a Relentless bumper. My expedition driving won't be nearly as radical as some of you here.

What other options are there?

• Relentless
• AP
• Brute Force
• CBI
• ATO

others...?

 

Yes, it does defeat the clearance. However, it appears that there is a market for guys that just want a tougher looking and beefier replacement rear bumper that utilizes the factory hitch for towing the rated 6500lbs. Not necessarily a max clearance off-road bumper, but mainly tougher, so I'll go ahead and design/make some to fit this niche.

OP, any Q's on my products, feel free to get in touch with me here or PM's.

 

You da man Eric!

I PM'd you some time last week regarding a rear bumper. If you wouldn't mind letting me know whether you got it or not...

Rick

 

Yeah I got them and I show replies to both of them. Did you not get the replies?

 

my 3rd reply must have been lost in cyberspace...

New PM sent.

 

Just as a note, while most all of us who produce aftermarket bumpers don't test them to meet DOT tow ratings (very expensive process) they will tow just fine. I know I've had several customers contact me who have reported towing well in excess of the recommend weight behind their trucks with no issues and I'm sure Eric's will do the same.

 

A big hardy THANK YOU to Eric of Relentless bumpers for responding so quickly and putting up with my insistent questioning.

Definitely a person I'm willing to do business with!