3rd Gen Tacoma Rear Bumper With OEM Hitch

Hi TW!

One our our latest potential product ideas for the 3rd Gen Taco is to make a rear bumper with our well known BSM capability while also using the OEM hitch receiver.

This has been one of the most common questions we've received since the launch of our current rear bumper. "Can I run the factory rear hitch?".

In a nutshell, no. We designed our original bumper to have its own incorporated hitch receiver, and after trial and error we made a bumper capable of towing more weight that the Tacoma is meant to handle. Our design also gives the Tacoma more departure angle for steep drop offs, and ensures that your hitch is ready to use even after some heavy abuse.

Alas, we still have a good amount of people wanting to keep the OEM boat anchor.

We are more than happy to bring this idea to reality. I just want to know how many people out there would be interested in one of these!

For info on our current lineup of 3rd Gen products, hit this link: https://www.apogeeoffroad.com/shop/tacoma

-Ethan

 

But gaining departure angle is the #1 reason to install a aftermarket bumper. Oh, the humanity.

 

We agree 100%. I think most of the concern from people comes from highly lifted trucks that already need a drop hitch, let alone our added height with our hitch receiver.

 

Gaining departure is a big reason for an aftermarket bumper, but not for me. I'm still dumbfounded that the stock bumper is plastic, and want to replace with a real bumper. There are many like me, who bust brush, but don't rock hop. I'm in the market for one now.
As for an Apogee version that's compatible with the OEM hitch, I'd be interested, but the price point would need to drop substantially from the original to be competitive with others currently available.

 

The stock bumper is not completely plastic. The inner parts are steel but the outside is plastic. Also the hitch is steel and it was typically hits the ground.

I’ve whacked my front and rear bumper numerous times and the plastic is all beat up, but the bumpers are still structurally sound as far as I can tell.

 

There is a metal "shelf", but little more. The sides are nothing but plastic.
Here's a clip of just how well they hold up.
https://youtu.be/uo74Q_T274g

 

Good to know.

We feel our 3rd Gen rear is appropriately priced considering its more capable than any other bumper on the market in terms of retaining OEM electronics.

A bumper that accommodates the OEM hitch will most likely be a less expensive option due to less material investment. Not sure on final pricing however.

Stay tuned!