Aftermarket bumper for a 2021 heritage edition.

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Mar 8, 2014
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Louisville, KY
My brain hurts from looking at all the aftermarket front bumpers for a 200 series. I want a full front bumper (no low profile) - meaning I want it to have tubing that Circles the headlamps and protects the grill. I'd simply like to know if there is any consensus on what are the best 2 or 3 on the market. This will be my 7th LC but I have yet to put a bumper on a 200 series.
 
“Best” is super subjective and needs info from you...and even with that, it opinions are debatable.
Consensus?
Nah.

Two of the stronger ones people are familiar with here:
ARB “Deluxe” & TJM T13. TJM stronger, IMO with a downside some are legitimately swayed against.
Want crumple zones? ARB
Want ultimate strength at possible risk of frame in the big accident? I think TJM T13 (not to be confused with other TJM model offerings in Australia, which are not the same as T13). But that doesn’t make it the right thing for you.

My TJM has paid for itself many times over already in damage prevented.

My attitude is...if I get in a nasty enough accident that bends the frame, truck is most likely totaled anyway. So I’ll take the strength, which has already withstood significant impacts with no damage to anything. Deer on highway, large boulders, a zillion impacts...no effectt.

My arb on my 100 series? Bent downward in extremely minor fender bump. Crumple zones pushed it down and in. Such a light hit, I didn’t even feel it (beyond hard braking). I can’t afford minor impacts like that requiring repairs. So...give me strength. If the big one hits...neither truck is likely to survive.

**But there isNo gospel on this even though some will insist. Opinions will vary GREATLY. I have truly *expert* friends ( no sarcasm...they are legit) on here who both agree and disagree with my priority, and that’s OK.

Some will adamantly declare a winner. In my opinion, you should consider skipping those absolutes. This comes down to priorities. YOUR priorities. My priority involves avoiding trip stoppages, and avoiding repairs for light to medium impacts (my version of medium may be someone else’s heavy).

Internal structures also vary greatly between various offerings.
No judgement can be properly made by a look, a size, a style or an outer shell.

For further info, do a search under bull bar, roo bar...and remember that strength can also vary greatly within a brand’s offerings.

Keep an open mind, be honest with yourself, and remember that statements of “fact” or “gospel” often get over-stated
 
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"remember that statements of “fact” or “gospel” often get over-stated"

Da b tru

And that applies to me.
It’s why I note that experts I trust may disagree with me. Nothing I say is gospel, and assertions are rightfully subject to debate.
 
And that applies to me.
It’s why I note that experts I trust may disagree with me. Nothing I say is gospel, and assertions are rightfully subject to debate.

So are you saying it is up for debate whether chocolate milk is the best beverage?
 
So are you saying it is up for debate whether chocolate milk is the best beverage?

Ha! :cheers:
If debating...myself?
it’s gospel. :hillbilly:
 
@TRAIL TAILOR made a few 3rd gen hooped I think. @benc has a new hooped version as well. metaltech also has a hooped option.
and of course the already mentioned more mainstream options.
 
NLA..............

TrailTailor-31-X2.webp

TrailTailor-32-X2.webp
TrailTailor-36-X2.webp
 
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Mark - thanks after taking a long look at the install instructions and the bumper itself, its a T13 for my 2017'. One question that I can't seem to find a picture of or 1st hand knowledge is how is winch drum access on the T13? can you get your hands in there, I believe so from the front but wanted to verify.
 
It looks like the design of the winch access hasn't changed between my 2008 and the ones for the 2016+ Bumpers. The square cutouts are big enough for me to reach my fairly large sized hands in without too much effort.
 
thanks that is what I was figuring but wanted to make sure, since this bumper checks all my other boxes (hi-lift points, antenna, etc)
 
Which bumpers are full replacements? In other words, no cutting of the original bumper like the ones listed as NLA? I'm more interested in one that replaces the entire
bumper and doesn't use pieces of it for "cover". I'm new to the idea of installing a bumper but the lack of options for additional lighting seems to have me hemmed into purchasing one. Rhino and Rival seem to fit the bill but I'll plead ignorance when it comes to the facts. I'm very familiar with ARB and have had a local shop price out front and rear for me but would like to hear about anything that would work WELL.
 
Which bumpers are full replacements? In other words, no cutting of the original bumper like the ones listed as NLA? I'm more interested in one that replaces the entire
bumper and doesn't use pieces of it for "cover". I'm new to the idea of installing a bumper but the lack of options for additional lighting seems to have me hemmed into purchasing one. Rhino and Rival seem to fit the bill but I'll plead ignorance when it comes to the facts. I'm very familiar with ARB and have had a local shop price out front and rear for me but would like to hear about anything that would work WELL.
The no cut options are, Ironman, TJM T13, and the full dissent replacement.
 
I believe MetalTech is also a full replacement option
 

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