Building the dream truck

That perked my interest.

How many others can vouch to ATO's claim?

 

I 100% agree with this as well. I think the bumper with a built in hitch( designed and built right) is much much stronger than the frame itself.

Billy

 

I would agree with that. The hitch receiver on my trail gear bumper looks more sturdy than the factory style hitch receiver I had on before.

 

This is good to hear.

Anybody here perform any NDT's (Non Destructive Tests)? That is, do any of you pull closer to the limitations of the truck using an Off Road bumper? If so:

1) how much have you pulled?
2) How many miles have you pulled that amount of load?
3) and a re-iteration of the original question...Have you noticed any concerns?

My In-laws own a testing lab and have considered asking if they'd be interested in setting up tests for various off road bumpers. Any thoughts?

 

Well I know most would say I'm biased because of my position but I can honestly tell you I've towed around 6k with my bumper, and I know of one customer who towed around 7k across Canada with his. I doubt you'll find anyone who's done the actual testing but I'm sure most all bumper models from various manufacturers have been used to tow large loads. The most important thing to look for is that it utilizes all 10 of the factory mounting bolts to the frame.

 

I wont argue this. The question is, are they built right?

Maybe I should run a poll to see who pulls weight utilizing after market off-road bumpers. At least if many here do pull a fair amount of weight relatively frequently, it ought to give a sense of how strong these bumpers are.

My first impression is that they are...

 

Good idea, I have a friend that is a mechanical engineer ( we worked for the same company ) and had him look at my drawings for my rear bumper with a built in hitch behind the liscense plate. I gave him frame drawings and bolt specs. He ran the numbers and calcs on everything and said frame failure would be first, second would be the bolts. So with that being said most of the aftermarket stuff should hold up just fine as long as it is designed and built right. Besides don't get me wrong I love my truck but its a tacoma not an f 350 diesel how much weight could you really tow with it anyhow now what i mean.

 

Towed an 6' trailer full of scrap metal to the junk yard two days ago. not sure on the weight of the load but my truck was SQUATTING. Built in hitch held up.