Front bumper options
#1
01-05-2015, 11:00 AM
Front bumper options
Sorry I know this is a well-worn subject...
Right now I'm leaning towards the tactical rovers Lucky8 Llc. - Take the road less traveled...
Just would like to know all my options before ordering.
HLC isn't around still are they?
Right now I'm leaning towards the tactical rovers Lucky8 Llc. - Take the road less traveled...
Just would like to know all my options before ordering.
HLC isn't around still are they?
#3
01-05-2015, 11:48 AM
Consider ordering the Tactical bumper from California, where it's made, instead of New York. You may get a better deal on shipping. Or maybe Lucky8 can have it drop shipped. I don't mean to dis L8. As far as I know, they're a good source. T44 (as Tactical Rovers is known now) is as well.
Also consider whether you really want a giant plate steel and tube cage bumper. It's strong, has good recovery points, and will mow down the deer without busting your turn signal, but it will also act a bit like an anchor on the front of your rig, needlessly destroy innocents you might happen to t-bone, and improve your fuel consumption, all the while not providing much benefit.
You'll think to yourself, I can use my Hi-Lift jack on it, whereas I can't with the plastic bumper. That may be true, but you'll also find that you probably can't actually lift a wheel with the Hi-Lift on the bumper. I can't, and if I even get close, it gets scary. I almost always use a small jack under the axle or control arm. There's tons of situations like deep mud where that won't work, but neither will a Hi-Lift. The bottom line is I've found in practical experience that Hi-Lift's are better farm tools than self-recovery aids, that they're heavy, dangerous, and require heavy and dangerous steel bumpers. Don't get me wrong. I have all this stuff. I just question it, whether it's really right, or if I bought it because I was led to believe it's necessary.
If I were to do it again, I wouldn't keep the stock bumpers for sure. But I would not buy giant plate steel and tube cage bumpers like TJM, ARB, RTE, or T44. I would have something custom made to hold the winch and with lighter wings and no bull-bar or stinger.
Also consider whether you really want a giant plate steel and tube cage bumper. It's strong, has good recovery points, and will mow down the deer without busting your turn signal, but it will also act a bit like an anchor on the front of your rig, needlessly destroy innocents you might happen to t-bone, and improve your fuel consumption, all the while not providing much benefit.
You'll think to yourself, I can use my Hi-Lift jack on it, whereas I can't with the plastic bumper. That may be true, but you'll also find that you probably can't actually lift a wheel with the Hi-Lift on the bumper. I can't, and if I even get close, it gets scary. I almost always use a small jack under the axle or control arm. There's tons of situations like deep mud where that won't work, but neither will a Hi-Lift. The bottom line is I've found in practical experience that Hi-Lift's are better farm tools than self-recovery aids, that they're heavy, dangerous, and require heavy and dangerous steel bumpers. Don't get me wrong. I have all this stuff. I just question it, whether it's really right, or if I bought it because I was led to believe it's necessary.
If I were to do it again, I wouldn't keep the stock bumpers for sure. But I would not buy giant plate steel and tube cage bumpers like TJM, ARB, RTE, or T44. I would have something custom made to hold the winch and with lighter wings and no bull-bar or stinger.
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G150driver (01-05-2015)
#4
01-05-2015, 10:24 PM
#7
01-06-2015, 08:52 AM
Former Sponsor
TF is not a box design, it is a U-channel.
We only sell Tactical Rovers as a way to help them promote their business. We drop ship from them as their bumpers are made to order. I do not stock anything of theirs.
HLC is no longer around.
What are you looking to do with the truck? What is your main concern for a front bumper and where do you take your truck? What is your budget? These are all questions I ask before we consider any options.
We only sell Tactical Rovers as a way to help them promote their business. We drop ship from them as their bumpers are made to order. I do not stock anything of theirs.
HLC is no longer around.
What are you looking to do with the truck? What is your main concern for a front bumper and where do you take your truck? What is your budget? These are all questions I ask before we consider any options.
#9
01-07-2015, 10:01 AM
TF is not a box design, it is a U-channel.
We only sell Tactical Rovers as a way to help them promote their business. We drop ship from them as their bumpers are made to order. I do not stock anything of theirs.
HLC is no longer around.
What are you looking to do with the truck? What is your main concern for a front bumper and where do you take your truck? What is your budget? These are all questions I ask before we consider any options.
We only sell Tactical Rovers as a way to help them promote their business. We drop ship from them as their bumpers are made to order. I do not stock anything of theirs.
HLC is no longer around.
What are you looking to do with the truck? What is your main concern for a front bumper and where do you take your truck? What is your budget? These are all questions I ask before we consider any options.
Erik, the truck is not a daily driver, I just use it mostly for light off roading (camping, shooting, exploring trails, etc) on the weekends. My wife does drive it on occasion (hence the reason for the need of a new bumper). I am in southern nevada so just lots of dusty roads and lots of bumper height brush. As for budget, I really don't have any particular number in mind that I would like to spend. Just want a solid, quality bumper. I would like to be able to add driving lights and a winch at some point as well.
#10
01-07-2015, 10:02 AM
