Any Members in Arkansas?

That looks sweet!

 

Looking pretty awesome, how's the weight compare to your old mini bumper?

 

Pre and post measurements showed I gained about 1/8" in height, but that's probably within a margin of error. Calculated weights were close between the 2, and more OEM material was removed for this install, but I added the reinforcement brackets which were pretty beefy, a few pounds each. The new one pulls the weight in a bit closer to the front axle, so that might contribute a bit. But, I can't tell a difference driving it, seems pretty much the same.

Honestly, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing much of a pull without the reinforcing brackets. Probably fine for a really straight pull, but pulling at any angle seems like it would just tear the front of the frame off.

Pretty slick design overall and not hard to install. Getting the bumper on to the cradle required a bit of man-handling due to the plastic splash shields fighting against me (before trimming), but once you get a bolt in on either side it's a bit easier. The free lights are nice, although I wouldn't call them fog lights -- they are freakin' bright! I got some adapter wiring from Amazon for $12 and they were plug-and-play with existing wiring.

For cutting the plastic parts on the install, I bought a Walmart oscillating tool for a whopping $19. It worked great, but probably wouldn't hold up to regular use very long. Better than using a grinder with cutting wheel, which tends to get really hot and starts melting the plastic. I still have a little edge cleanup to do, though.

As a result, I now have a 3rd gen Warn Semi-Hidden winch bumper available with all mounting hardware. It has been modified -- I cut the hoop off since it was interfering with TSS and don't see a point in the hoop anyway.

I also have the OEM TRD Pro Rigid Industries fog lights with bezels (no wiring harness, but should plug right in) if anyone is interested. I rarely used them, as I mostly drive during the day and we don't have a lot of fog around here.

 

Got 4 days off in a row next month....toying with the idea of heading up to the Ozarks but I’m afraid of the cold. Haha

beers, the bumper looks great!

 

It ain't cold in the Ozarks

 

That’s what I said a few years ago when I thought I was going to lose my toes to the cold and ended up sleeping in the cab of my truck

 

Let's keep you out of a hammock when mercury dips in the 20's... Be great to see ya, Matchoo, come on up! Let me know when you're coming, and Rich will build you a nice warm fire for your toes.

 

Weeellll, I had to be one of the cool kids too.



Name the place haha

 

Gimme an 'M'

 

Will keep you advised. Right now I have days off Feb 11-14

I’d like to buy a vowel, ‘E’

 

I've been bundled up in my tent in 20 degree weather before, and that was fine. But I've also frozen in a hammock in the high 30s. Leaving that underquilt at home can kill a man.

 

What Rich said again, only after the 'E', then that letter that represents what you need a bottle in your tent for.

 

Pics and details of the new trailer?

 

I'll steal the previous guys pictures of it since I didn't really get any pictures yesterday. It's a Safari Equipment USA trailer, which from what I understand from this thread in 2014, were trailers built to order:

https://americanadventurist.com/forum/threads/safari-equipment-usa-trailers.1299/

Other than that, I can't find anything about it.




It needs paint or powdercoating on all the tan bits..maybe color match to the truck? I don't know.

I'd like to have some crossbars welded instead of the unistrut ones that were on it in the pictures above. The only bars on it are the tan ones running the length. I've got a propane water heater; so, I want to plumb some onboard water for it. He was going to build the front toolbox into an electrics box.

I'm excited about it. Should be nice and really was what I was looking for. The fellow I got it from just didn't have the time for fixing it up and didn't want to see it sit. I'm happy to clean it up and finish rigging it out for travel. Should be fun. He showed me pictures of a suweeet classic diesel land cruiser (f40? maybe?) he imported. Was a bute!

 

Recalling my earlier measurements and checking against others posted here on TW, I've only lost 3/16" in height. I've been watching the Eibach spring upgrade thread, but I think those would jack the front up a bit more than I actually want or actually need. Maybe if I ever do an additional battery, but I wouldn't need that unless I do a fridge. I am fine with coolers and ice, plus I have to resupply the beer on about the same schedule as ice, so what would be the point?

Cool trailer, Aaron! We've gotta stick to big sites for you trailer guys. I know a good one we haven't used in a while . . .

 

It takes up more of a footprint, for sure. But you could jackknife that thing into anywhere. I'm really thinking about extending the tongue a foot or two because of that though. It'll kick over great, and it'd probably kick back too if you're just that good. I'm not lol. Keeping it backing up straight is a wobble. I'm used to 15ft boat trailers with extended tongues. Totally different animal.

 

Awesome bumper. It's in the budget for this year. Tried to get BAM to host an NWA mod day since my garage is too small, but no response...

 

From what I saw when I picked the bumper up, they don't have a lot of room inside, and it is more of a warehouse than a shop. I'd offer mine up, but it is pretty tight in there. I need to do some cleanup, lol. But, if you need a hand installing, I can help you out.

 

I've got a modest little shop behind my house in Rogers, you guys would be welcome to install a bumper over here.

 

Pshhh I wouldn't be modest if I had a freestanding shop building. Will hit you up if needed and thank you!