Initial Impressions - ATH Fabrication Steel Bumper

Pat, it looks nice, but where do you put your foot when you want to put stuff on your roof? I would get this if it had a wider step like the OEM bumper.

I have the MX shell and It is hard enough even standing up on the bumper with your heels hanging off the back, and my wife pretty much has to put the tailgate down for that.

Looks like it has really good clearance though, I like the design.

 

I suppose you could step on the top portion either side of the license plate, as it's obviously stout enough, being full steel throughout. That, or you could use the tires to lift yourself up.

That said, I don't have a shell (as is obvious) and I don't know if this would serve you well for a step purpose. It does have a sleeker design and greater clearance, which were two things I looked for.

Have you considered buying the OEM bedstep accessory?

 

I actually bought a hitch skid with a step, but it goes into the receiver hitch which on that bumper would work, but would be a hassle.

Too bad, I really like that one. Nice setup!

 

It does come with a standard hitch receiver option just below the license plate, fyi - I just opted for the hidden reciever because i don't tow regularly and wanted more clearance.

 

I can give you bolt on blanks if you don’t want extra backup lighting.

 

Looks better than stock!

 

Gonna be eyeing one of these when the truck fund is healthy again. This is the style bumper I've been looking for.

 

High clearance is more attractive to me. But that's just me.

 

Thanks for the post, do have a picture of it installed? just wondering if the old trailer hitch and chain bracket is removed when the new one is installed.
Thanks Jim

 

Never mind, just saw it sorry, it look like the hitch is gone? is it ? or am i just not seeing it.

 

The hitch is hidden under the license plate.

 

As said above, yes the hitch receiver is hidden behind the license plate - I don't tow often and wanted more clearance, so the hidden hitch fit the bill. A standard receiver, placed just below the license plate, is available otherwise.

 

Wow, that really tucks in nice.

What did you get charged for powder coating? What was the turn around time?

 

That it does!

I was charged a total of $226 to have the bumper, flip-up license plate bracket, LED pod mounting plates, and hardware powder coated - your mileage may vary.

The shop I used is relatively local and one I've used prior. Though the shop originally said it would be about a week and a half for completion, they were able to sneak it in on another production line and completed everything in 24 hours, which was a welcome surprise to say the least.

 

My powder coat was $150 for the bumper only and was done in 3 days

 

Update - BD Squadron Sports driver/flood combo hooked up as reverse lights - with the light of a small sun behind me, shouldn't have any issue with reversing, especially during WI winter nights

 

Wow!! That is a really good looking rear bumper! I smashed my bumper a few weeks back coming off a ledge and realized I really do need a solid rear bumper! I wanted to g with the Brute Force rear to match the front it is just that I do not want to add so much weight ontop of the already weighted down rig. At 84lbs that is just about the weight of what will be removed with the stock bumper and hitch. The best thing about this bumper besides the price is the integration of Hi-Lift Jack points. That is a must for me and this bumper hits all the right notes. Thanks for these pics and oh ya when is the next stimulus check coming???....