Looking for user Reviews on the ARB Rear Bumper (1 Viewer)

[Canyonero]

I don't have much to add, but I have wheeled somewhat extensively with the ARB rear bumper.

I have not been impressed. The "wings" are poorly engineered (and it would take very little to strengthen them to the degree needed for the weight of the 200).

The tire swingout latch mechanism also fails to impress. I had to Macgyver mine and shim the latch plate with washers in order to make it easy to open/close the spare tire swingout.

I could fix both issues (and fixed one) easily enough, but for the cost of the ARB bumper (and their reputation) I was expecting more.

Based on the departure angle of the 200, you're far more likely to need a stout rear bumper than a front bumper--ive not tested my front bumper enough to have a strong opinion.

If my Slee sliders are any indication of Slee's engineering ability, however, it's worth waiting for their 200 rear bumper solution. My sliders have more than earned their keep.

Plus, Amory is a cool guy and we should make sure those guys have job security!

 

[Markuson]

Last week I used the words "flimsy" which seemed a little strong...

I think what's given me that impression is that I was spoiled by Slee's rear bumper on my 100 series. It was so strong that it could *easily* carry the full weight of the vehicle if caught by one corner on a rock departure, or similar. That kind of strength is why I searched a bit for a heavy Kaymar bumper (with no real luck, aside from a super expensive shipping tab from Australia).

This is why I'm pretty much resolved to wait for Slee, who I know is working on it. The ARB is certainly a heck of a lot better than stock (duh) but it could be so much more. On the other hand, Christo has noted that the 200's structure makes designing a bumper a lot more tricky that the 100. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with.

 

[Romer]

I don't have much to add, but I have wheeled somewhat extensively with the ARB rear bumper.

I have not been impressed. The "wings" are poorly engineered (and it would take very little to strengthen them to the degree needed for the weight of the 200).

The tire swingout latch mechanism also fails to impress. I had to Macgyver mine and shim the latch plate with washers in order to make it easy to open/close the spare tire swingout.

I could fix both issues (and fixed one) easily enough, but for the cost of the ARB bumper (and their reputation) I was expecting more.

Based on the departure angle of the 200, you're far more likely to need a stout rear bumper than a front bumper--ive not tested my front bumper enough to have a strong opinion.

If my Slee sliders are any indication of Slee's engineering ability, however, it's worth waiting for their 200 rear bumper solution. My sliders have more than earned their keep.

Plus, Amory is a cool guy and we should make sure those guys have job security!

Thanks for the reply. No worries on Amory's job security. Slee would get my money for either the ARB or the Slee Bumper. I am lucky to live close to Slee and be friends with Christo. We are part of the same 4x4 club, you should come see us

I have always gone ARB Bull Bars up front based on cars careening in an intersection into my 80 11 years ago and not getting a scratch. A friend of mine hit a dear head on at speed and only had to hose his truck off.

I have also only had Slee Rear bumpers on my 80 and 100s, had two of each for my youngest daughter and me and I have dragged my ass on rocks all over with no damage. Slee does make a heck of a bumper

 

[Romer]

I always feel it is important to come back to a thread you start to complete the story with what you did and why. Too many folks start a thread with a question and it leaves you wondering

Based on Canyoneros comment above and a conversation with Christo I am going to wait for the new Slee Bumper coming sometime this year

 

[Romer]

OK, call me waffle boy. After chatting with Kurt and a member of my club who runs one I decided to go with the ARB. I can always change it out later if it doesn't work out

 

[Markuson]

OK, call me waffle boy. After chatting with Kurt and a member of my club who runs one I decided to go with the ARB. I can always change it out later if it doesn't work out

Man, I wish I could afford to buy expensive mods twice... When you drive down off of a step...and your back end hits with its full weight on the bumper, it's nice to know you aren't going to bend the wings upward into the body paneling. I'm waiting for Slee. Meanwhile...if i rip the bottom of the plastic bumper...that will just help me convince the wife we need a new heavy rear.... Woo hoo!

 

[Romer]

I talked to two friends with the ARB bumper who wheel the same trails I do for several years and have had no issues and both recommended the ARB.

its not my plan to buy the same thing twice. That would be a bad Plan I plan on having this truck a long time so if in 5 years I wanted to swap, nothing would preclude me

 

[Markuson]

I talked to two friends with the ARB bumper who wheel the same trails I do for several years and have had no issues and both recommended the ARB.

its not my plan to buy the same thing twice. That would be a bad Plan I plan on having this truck a long time so if in 5 years I wanted to swap, nothing would preclude me

Ya... Mostly I was just whining about wishing I had more $ to spend.
As they say... First-world problems for sure. And I agree with you that the ARB is fine for just about anything people throw at it. There were only maybe two times where I really was glad for the super heavy Slee due to impact. ARB makes a nice bumper.

 

[kendrickdlr]

How much does the ARB rear bumper improve the angle of departure?

 

[Romer]

How much does the ARB rear bumper improve the angle of departure?

I didn't measure, from this

To this

I am glad I bought the ARB Bumper. It got banged a lot as I dragged my rear end across several trails and held up fine. The weakness in the ARB is the side wings. Since they are not one piece like Slee's will be they will be more susceptible to being hit and moving. On the other hand, you can replace the wings.

As stated earlier, the rear section is very robust and can hold up as well as any other bumper. The weakness is the wings and it is a Pain to install (so Slee told me )

My wife was able to easily open the rear gate. She could not open the Slee rear bumpers on my 80 or 100

Since the latch is to the left of the hitch, I was able to open the back easily without any interference from the trailer when connected. I could not do this easily on my 80 or 100.

I have no regrets buying the ARB. Slee's pre-production Bumper is very nice and if they were both available, I likely would have gone that way as that is what I had on my 80 and 100, plus you can't argue with the stronger sides.

Both bumpers are great

 

[Markuson]

I didn't measure, from this

To this

I am glad I bought the ARB Bumper. It got banged a lot as I dragged my rear end across several trails and held up fine. The weakness in the ARB is the side wings. Since they are not one piece like Slee's will be they will be more susceptible to being hit and moving. On the other hand, you can replace the wings.

As stated earlier, the rear section is very robust and can hold up as well as any other bumper. The weakness is the wings and it is a Pain to install (so Slee told me )

My wife was able to easily open the rear gate. She could not open the Slee rear bumpers on my 80 or 100

Since the latch is to the left of the hitch, I was able to open the back easily without any interference from the trailer when connected. I could not do this easily on my 80 or 100.

I have no regrets buying the ARB. Slee's pre-production Bumper is very nice and if they were both available, I likely would have gone that way as that is what I had on my 80 and 100, plus you can't argue with the stronger sides.

Both bumpers are great

Seems like a fair assessment.

The only thing I'd add is that if your old Slee bumper was hard to open, it could be that you just needed to back off the adjustment nuts that let you adjust tension.

Another thing I'm looking forward to on the Slee is the ability to carry three jerry cans.

 

[Romer]

I didn't get the other carrier for fuel cans as I don't expect to carry any. I had an Aux tank on my 80 and used a front runner carrier on my 100 Gamiviti roof rack. I didn't want the hassle every day of two carriers to open when for the rare times I might need it, a Roof Rack attachment will work fine or hopefully I will add an aux tank once a few more attempt it

BTW I could open the Bumper just fine, My wife had a hard time.

 

[kendrickdlr]

I didn't measure, from this

To this

I am glad I bought the ARB Bumper. It got banged a lot as I dragged my rear end across several trails and held up fine. The weakness in the ARB is the side wings. Since they are not one piece like Slee's will be they will be more susceptible to being hit and moving. On the other hand, you can replace the wings.

As stated earlier, the rear section is very robust and can hold up as well as any other bumper. The weakness is the wings and it is a Pain to install (so Slee told me )

My wife was able to easily open the rear gate. She could not open the Slee rear bumpers on my 80 or 100

Since the latch is to the left of the hitch, I was able to open the back easily without any interference from the trailer when connected. I could not do this easily on my 80 or 100.

I have no regrets buying the ARB. Slee's pre-production Bumper is very nice and if they were both available, I likely would have gone that way as that is what I had on my 80 and 100, plus you can't argue with the stronger sides.

Both bumpers are great

Thanks for the assessment! Don't you think the floating wings on the ARB could be solved with modified stronger brackets? I do like the sleekness of the Slee bumper though.

 

[Canyonero]

Thanks for the assessment! Don't you think the floating wings on the ARB could be solved with modified stronger brackets? I do like the sleekness of the Slee bumper though.

Yes, exactly. I posted a picture in the 200 series damage pictures thread awhile back showing the single metal brace for each side of the truck.

They would be fine on a vehicle 1,000 pounds lighter.

If I were really motivated I suppose I would go to a fabrication shop and ask them to make me a replacement brace. But... I'm not that motivated. Maybe after this next round of Moab and Ouray trips I will find motivation as I'm cursing my rear bumper wings again

 

[Romer]

Thanks for the assessment! Don't you think the floating wings on the ARB could be solved with modified stronger brackets? I do like the sleekness of the Slee bumper though.

I agree with Canyomero. If I had fab skills I would make them or design thm