Long-Term Bumper Support

Hi all - I've been looking at a number of bumpers and while there are a bunch that I like, it seems like fabricators are going out of business left and right. Lately I've been looking at 4WP bumpers but I also see they're in the midst of some kind of liquidation.

So if I wanted to get a bumper that has a stable company behind it, where would I look?

 

I understand your apprehension, however once you get beyond any possible installation questions, what additional support will you need? Not intended to sound dickish, honest question.

Or is your question more toward “will the company who makes the bumper I choose be able to actually produce it after I’ve paid for it?” If it’s this, I’m not sure. Don’t know that anyone will have that answer.

I’m in the same boat with a rear. Found the one I really like, but the company is “under new management,” so I’m waiting to see what shakes out.

Good luck in your decision.

 

Thanks for your questions - that actually helps me clarify some of my thinking on the topic.

In part, the question is the one you posed: if I give this company my money, will they actually deliver what was promised?

In terms of long term support, I am thinking about two things. The first is warranty support against defects in craftsmanship. Because of the way I drive, I suspect that this would be a very near-term concern (e.g., defects noted at delivery) though if a company takes a several months to make a bumper, it's difficult to even think about what timeline issue resolution would happen in.

The other thing I am thinking about is that I'd like to do a bumper build in stages and making sure the future stages of the bumper are available is important.

 

Unfortunately, I think that is becoming a tough question to answer. My assumption is the custom fab business has high labor costs and low margins so the smaller shops are finding tough sledding. The bigger shops are probably stable and could come through for you, but, if you’re like most folks, you like what you like and if the larger company doesn’t offer that style, those lines, whatever then you’d rather go with the smaller shop that offers what you want. And as you’ve found, these bumpers can be costly.

That is something I hadn’t considered, and smart for thinking of all the angles. Not sure I have anything to offer, I received my front bumper about 4 weeks ago and got it installed. Fortunately, it looked good and the install went well. Not sure how a warranty claim would’ve been handled, the vendor is now “under new management/ ownership.”

That is absolutely a valid concern. Not much to offer here except if you can buy all of the parts for the stages at once, then maybe that would be some insurance against the possible instability of the company. Downside is bigger outlay on your part, and potentially out more money (or more tied up) should the company go TU.

 

I think you’ve already kind of hit the nail on the head: it really doesn’t matter. You’re going to note any issues on delivery but once it’s on the truck, there’s no warranty anyway.

And even if you do note a defect you then have to deal with sending back a freight sized bumper which realistically very few ever do.

 

RCI has a history of delivering on time. 2/3 of my off-road club run RCI skids for this reason.

Trail-Gear/All-Pro usually has bumpers in stock.

 

All of your concerns are valid.

Options:

Order from a seasoned fab shop, that's not likely to fold up (Demello, C4, CBI, RCI, etc)

Wait until the economy is more stable. Covid has been a weird time. We've seen the "overlanding" fad blow up, all the while, the workforce has dwindled and material costs are through the roof. This is a volatile time and will eventually settle. Personally, I'd wait.

Find a local fab shop that you can visit and pay in person. Pay for materials as they're needed, but hold back final payment until delivery.

 

Thank you for the good advice and some direction on what companies tend to be more established. I did some business with Demello like 20 years ago (I think) and liked what they provided. Good to see that they're still around.

 

It’s a bumper, you’re not going to get long term suppport. Look at all the different ones out there, talk to people when you see one you like, ask them if they installed it or had any issues. Even if it’s not a tacoma, maybe the company makes one to for a taco, like ARB.


I’ve been wanting to upgrade mine for a long time and in May went with a Demello. A buddy has one, it looks great and doesn’t stick out like some of The goofy fake ones that make the approach/departure angles worse.

On mine the drawbacks are I can’t remove the grille all the way (I will when I really have to for engine work), there’s some really minor rust happening by one of the lower welds (looks like it traps water when washing).


I’m currently in the same position looking for a high clearance rear bumper and narrowred it down to, Brute Force (owner answers the phone!), C4 look nice and bamf......for now!


Or buy a welder and make your own.

 

I know this is tacomaworld, but you really think a company that sells you a piece of metal should provide follow-up for years? Jesus dude. Do you get warranties on your pencils and blue jeans?

 

i warranty out my toilet paper rolls.

 

BAMF or Bruteforce. /end thread.