Aluminum High Clearance Rear Bumper

I have been out of the Tacoma game for a few years and now that I have some time I want to continue my build. I see that aluminum is starting to really take off and lots of companies are making aluminum bumpers and skids. However I don't see anyone making a aluminum high clearance rear bumper? I am wanting aluminum because I plan to add some weight to the rear (possibly an AT Habitat topper) and want to keep it as nimble as possible. It looks like CBI, Pelfreybilt, Brute Force Fab and Relentless only make steel versions. I see All Pro makes an aluminum rear bumper, but its not high clearance. Is there anyone out there that I am missing? Why does everyone make aluminum front bumpers but not rear?

 

I think it has something to do with the capacity for towing.

 

With a steel rear bumper you are not gaining any weight, unless you are using your factory hitch. I think that people that go with high clearance rear bumpers wheel pretty hard and want the extra strength of the steel.

 

I've done some quick calculations. The added gussets and thicker aluminum stock make the bumper very close to the weight of a steel bumper.

I don't think towing capacity has anything to do with it. Tow hitches are frame mounted. Unless you wanted the hitch in the bumper to gain height, then steel would be a must.

 

It's already been stated but anyone in the market for a high clearance rear bumper is likely to be using it. I've dragged and dinged my rear bumper on "Moderate" rated trails since the bed hangs past the axle so far. A rear bumper is a high visibility piece of armor and most wouldn't want a dented up piece of aluminum hanging off the rear. Also I would bet most offer swing outs as an option which aluminum wouldn't be able to support, so businesses don't even bother with developing a separate aluminum bumper for a limited market.

Don't let that discourage you though, look into having a custom high clearance tube bumper made by a good fabricator-for-hire if you're dead set on low weight and high clearance, you can make just about anything work with time and money.

 

I've been keeping a running list of high-clearance bumpers with swing out carriers: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ers-for-2nd-gen-tacomas.497188/#post-15420769
I agree with you, remaining lite is good, but for overlanding you're basically adding 400+ lbs of luxury glamping/survival equipment. So the 20lb difference between steel and aluminum can be made up by leaving a couple pieces of redundant gear behind.