Poll: Weathertech bumpstep vs Smittybuild Beaver step

Exhibit A:

https://www.weathertech.com/bumpstep-original/

Exhibit B:

Smittybilt Beaver Step (Black) - 27046B 18 x 6 x 1"es

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-27046B-Beaver-2-Inch-Hitch/dp/B004K23KQ0

Considerations:

My purpose for buying this is that I always park in cities and i want some protection for the rear bumper for light taps from other drivers. Don't want any damage to rear park sonars, and I figure one of these is a lot cheaper than an insurance deductable.

I did a lot of research and these look like the best two products. A concern is how much damage they will do to your vehicle if rear-ended at a higher speed.

The bumpstep is plasticy and looks like it will break easier, and spare damage getting transferred to the frame. The smittybuilt one is rock-hard steel, and while this might help more in a light parking tap, I am concerned it might seriously damage my frame in bad accident.

 

The problem with the purpose you are going for is, these steps are not very wide and will not protect your bumper if a car hits from either side of it. They would have to hit pretty much dead on to offer the protection of the sensors, and in a parking lot or even on the street, I don't see this happening. You are more likely to get tapped on any corner of the truck vs. squared up to the rear bumper. Just keep that in mind.

 

Get any one of these, protects better than anything

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-rear-bumper-thread.530302/

 

The Bumpstep XL is wider if you want more protection. Bumpsteps are made in the USA and proven to prevent damage from light impacts. It is true though it won't help in a diagonal impact.

Smittybilt is dubious made in China stuff for Jeepers. They were once a manufacturer but now they just source from the cheapest place like so many other once decent companies.

 

I actually have the smittybilt one, but I didn’t get it to prevent damage to my truck. I’m a sucker for multi-purpose things and the idea of a hitch step that could act as a recovery point in a pinch appealed to me

 

Here's a cheaper version of the weather tech one, I think it's your best bet for what you are buying it for.

Juegoal Rear Bumper Protector, Vehicles Bumper Guard Hitch Step for Car and SUV (Without Pin Lock and Stabilizer)

$28 Juegoal Rear Bumper Protector, Plastic Vehicles Bumper Guard Hitch Step with Pin Lock and Stabilizer for Car and SUV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GQTXL4N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DdImCb6CSPMJQ

 

Damaged bumper cover is not a big deal. The hitch step being rigid could bend the hitch attach points on the frame causing more damage.

Just a thought

 

HitchHammer.

$60 HitchHammer Bumper Guard (HitchHammer 11.5" Wide)

https://www.amazon.com/HitchHammer-...AGQMHTEZK5Y&psc=1&refRID=0E46DAJCTAGQMHTEZK5Y

Or the HitchHammer XL

$70 HitchHammer Bumper Guard (HitchHammer 14" Wide)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798BB6T...&pd_rd_r=6657ce38-11d4-11e9-b87d-79a2901a39bf

 

Nice

 

Do you have one of these?

 

No. Just done a search on Amazon nosing around and saw those. Wish I did have a receiver on my truck so I could put a step back there. I don't dare step up on the plastic bumper cover. I cracked the the one I had on my '16 SR5 using it as a step.

 

I bought this when it was on sale for Christmas for $80. Seems to have more use, although very narrow. Will only work for straight on tap. And also protects your bumper from your kneecap when you are loading the bed with the tailgate up.

$133 Body Armor BackBone Hitch Skid - 5136

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/body-...8035436109__aud-255917446700:pla-302862171076

 

This is a nice one. right now its $120. $80 seems like a good price

 

I’d prob go with warfab’s hitch skid

 

I have a Smitty Beaver tail if it ever gets broken I will replace it with a Warfab skid.