Aftermarket bumper for 2016+ that gives deer/animal protection to front with minimum weight?

The 2016+ model has apparently made it tougher to protect the front, as compared to my older 2000 and 2001 which rather easily fitted the ARB bumper with integrated replaceable crush zones to take the peak shock/airbag trigger out of a in impact. The older 1st gen ones were much lighter than the new ARB 170 pound advertised weight that would seem to put leverage on front suspension to increase diving on stopping etc. Older, lighter ones showed no problem with the weight that I saw over many miles.

Has anyone seen a product that will get the protection of grille, lights, hood, internals job done with a minimum of weight? I don't really need a winch mount- so at least there would be the weight savings of the winch and its connection to the frame. Approach angles are not as much concern as protection. A lot of this is concern with a hit while in very remote areas and out of country.
Not having to do a lot of cutting on stock body parts would be nice, but it looks like the new design does not leave a clean horizontal line to join the bumper to body and fenders like older gen 1 and 2 models did. Also, more protrusion of the nose seems to add length with a bumper?

Now that 2016+ Tacomas have been out a while, any experience with an animal hit on aftermarket bumpers would be helpful? Pics etc?

Thanks for your ideas.
Cheers,
Jay

 

I installed the arb summit bumper that weighs 170 pounds. Considering the plastic one weighed well over 70 lbs you really aren't adding that much weight for the amazing protection. Fab four vengeance bumper weighs between 65-75 pounds which is pretty darn light.

 

If you want protection just get the arb

Big money though

 

Also a side note. You probably want to upgrade your suspension to something beefier to handle the extra weight. I have the BP 51 OME suspension kit with dakar leafs and have no nose dive when braking suddenly. I rather have more weight and a protected truck, than a light truck and a totaled truck.

 

How do you like the fit and finish of your bumper? Does it look big in person?

 

Does it really? i've taken mine off before and it felt much less than that. Just want to know for future suspension configurations.

 

I was referring to the whole assemble required to take off to install an aftermarket bumper. Not just the physical piece you see from the outside.

 

I am considering an ARB bumper for my 2017. Is the suspension something that needs to be upgraded immediately/soon after the bumper is put on or do you think I could wait a few years to save up the $$$ for my suspension?

 

Difficult to answer. The ARB is a battering ram but in my unfortunate experience, no aftermarket bumper has held up. ARB has lots of poor reviews regarding rust as well. You're still out $1600 when your bumper is mangled. Insurance is more friendly to OEM than aftermarket in my experience as well.

Try this

$10 Save-A-Deer Whistle

https://www.amazon.com/Living-Products-LLC-0001-Save-A-Deer/dp/B003XNGLJU

Probably something that needs upgraded sooner than later especially with a winch in there as well.

 

Yes. Upgrade asap with that beast

 

If you don't upgrade to a beefier suspension than the whole front end will sag. Plus you could have nose dive when braking with stock suspension.

 

I guess I will have to wait a while then. O well at least it'll be exciting when I upgrade everything at once