SLEE 200 Bumper Photos...! *UPDATE!*

[9780LC]

Can the 4 gallon rotopax stack (2 of them) be mounted to the ladder on the 200 like it can on the 80 and 100 series?

Like this for example......

 

[ntsaint]

I think you're saying what we're all thinking, but then again it's not really worth saying as it's a premium product for a premium car. None of us are in this because it's cheap. Everyone would agree, there are plenty of platforms that would be way more cost effective. Some vendors that offer somewhat cheaper rear options for the 200. More cheap options will likely come as the platform ages. Likely none that will be as nice as the Slee product.

Yes, I guess when it boils down to it I was maybe subconsciously hoping that I wasn't the only one thinking that. And like I originally said, it's a nice, yet expensive, product.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

As a guy who is not going to buy the Slee rear bar and make his own, I would like to mention something about cost.

This Slee rear bar, in all of its features and its overall cost is reasonably priced for what it is, a production part. A lot of money is needed to make something fit a wide variety of years the 200 was made, and do it reliably. From CAD drawing being perfect, to CAD senor grommets for the wide variety of deferent sensors made, the tolerance are tight, real tight, and to make it right, over and over again without a test fit, it is going to increase cost.

I cannot emphasize this enough, it is pretty dang easy to make one off armored parts, on the vehicle it will be fitted to, and yes it will be cheaper. But for those who don't have the ability to give up their truck for a few weeks, and want all the little features that the Slee rear bar has (swing arm pistons, rigid reverse lights, one off latchs, a multitude of different configurations that can be accomplished among the two carriers) the price makes sense.

If you are like me, and can just make it yourself, and have the time, or have a fabricator close to you, then the Slee bars value starts to diminish. I have a feeling though, that there are far more people that need a solid quick bolt on item over the other option.

If it were me, I would gladly spend up to $1500 more for the Slee rear than the ARB rear, as the ARB rear is just plain weak, and I just can't accept the weight penalty and not gaining any real strength (example of every ARB rear has deflected enough to pop off the remaining plastic rear bumper cover when slammed).

So the money, this rear bar is not as overpriced as it seems, unless you want one off custom, and that is for the end user to decide, one is not better than the other, it is just options.

And this is from someone who really likes ARB, and has pointed out issues with other Slee products, this rear bar is well done.

Now, if anyone wants to donate one, I will gladly test it (as in beat it like it owes me money) then we will know what it is really capable of!

 

[ntsaint]

^ I agree with everything you just said. There is a difference between overpriced and expensive. My 200 was expensive. I don't think it was overpriced tho.

I never said the Slee was overpriced. But compared to its competition and other available options it's expensive. Simple as that.

Seriously, great post @Taco2Cruiser

 

[mcgaskins]

You guys know what's expensive? A 200

 

[Markuson]

Just figured out why he got so mad. Not his fault.

Turns out he uses a forum reader that does not display the little smiley-face icon I use all the time. The greenish smiley face with the goofy grin.

On his reader...it can't display that, and instead displays only the CODE that mud apparently refers to that smiley-face as, which it turns out is coded as ":" + the word "HILLBILLY"! So...he thought I actually CALLED him a hillbilly. I did not...would never.

 

[ntsaint]

No I'm using safari. On my iPhone.

Even this calculator free, math challenged hillbilly knows that the particular icon in question is called hillbilly.

Whatever. It's fine.

Have a good weekend.

 

[ntsaint]

Great. All good. Thx.

 

[wngrog]

He's a coon ass not a hillbilly.

 

[ntsaint]

Ha. Now THAT is a fact.

 

[Willy beamin]

Can the 4 gallon rotopax stack (2 of them) be mounted to the ladder on the 200 like it can on the 80 and 100 series?

Like this for example......

View attachment 1463332

Sell me your 80 dude!

 

[mooneywa]

"Only about 29% more"

-I hope Toyota doesn't use that as their sales pitch when the 300 comes out!

That is a sweet bumper. What does it change on the approach and departure angles? Looks like it would change since it appears to have less overhang than the ARB, or is it an illusion?

 

[paul r]

Looks like a great option and appears to have plenty of traction. However, I too believe it is priced pretty stiff. I was really looking forward to this bumper but will need to keep looking.

FWIW I had another Slee employee give me a number about $1000 lower. I was a buyer at that number but not where it is now.

 

[Willy beamin]

Do you think that lower price was for the prototype and nit the final production

 

[highrisk]

I was guessing about $1000 less as well. I was going off the price of the 100 bumper and the arb. I will be holding off for a while. I love the bumper. The price point is more than I'm ready to commit to.

 

[paul r]

Do you think that lower price was for the prototype and nit the final production

Don't think so. I put my hands on the one on the lx at Cruise Moab. Not trying to cause any issue just giving my feedback as one that was excited to get one. It is a fantastic bumper.

I'm not saying that it is not worth it to some or that they shouldn't price it there. Just that they have moved past my point of indifference to other options right now. Maybe I'll decide to pony up, but not this year.

 

[Mogwai]

I was holding out for this bumper as were many. Agree with those above that this bumper is not overpriced at all, however it IS expensive and because of this, no longer a "no-brainer" purchase like I thought it would be. For the price I feel the need to explore custom options, especially given the lack of custom configurations on this one. No center mount config and no definitive solution for the rear camera which is something I use daily since it's my DD and kid hauler too. Love how much view and how clean the camera view is on @Willy beamin setup. For this kind of money I just don't feel the need to compromise.

Btw how does one use the ladder with Jerry cans or other mounted there? For those with a ladder, how often do you use? Is it that much easier than standing on rear wheel or bottom tail lid? Just seems like extra weight and cost, unless the ladder is really just something to mount stuff to?

Also curious to hear from custom fabricators on here, would you jump at the chance to design/build a "similar" style bumper for $4k? I love love love what @RDC76 does and would be hard pressed not to explore what he could do on a 200. Just wish he wasn't across the country from me!

 

[TonyP]

I was holding out for this bumper as were many. Agree with those above that this bumper is not overpriced at all, however it IS expensive and because of this, no longer a "no-brainer" purchase like I thought it would be. For the price I feel the need to explore custom options, especially given the lack of custom configurations on this one. No center mount config and no definitive solution for the rear camera which is something I use daily since it's my DD and kid hauler too. Love how much view and how clean the camera view is on @Willy beamin setup. For this kind of money I just don't feel the need to compromise.

Btw how does one use the ladder with Jerry cans or other mounted there? For those with a ladder, how often do you use? Is it that much easier than standing on rear wheel or bottom tail lid? Just seems like extra weight and cost, unless the ladder is really just something to mount stuff to?

Also curious to hear from custom fabricators on here, would you jump at the chance to design/build a "similar" style bumper for $4k? I love love love what @RDC76 does and would be hard pressed not to explore what he could do on a 200. Just wish he wasn't across the country from me!

You can get a custom built for much less than the price you requested.

 

[Markuson]

It's costly for sure.
For me, though, it adds up to the right product--and I HATE buying twice.

Buy-twice Example: My ARB skids are not going to hold up the beating I intend to give them, so I'm soon replacing them at 2x their cost for a *massive strength increase* and a various other items I want to move outside the vehicle. I'm not a wealthy guy & will have to save a bit (maybe forego the 75" inch TV a little longer), but for me, it's worth it if it avoids even more expensive damage & enables tougher trails.

I consider this bumper another "massive strength increase."
Not everyone needs that, but...
If you DO need it, along with big fuel capacity, Hi-Lift, maxtrax or rotopax locations along with many other attachment points...
-then the extra $1k difference starts to get smaller and smaller in when you see what you really get. $1k is a great up-armor cost.

If you don't need these things, then obviously there are other choices.

For some, this is an unnecessary splurge.
For me, it just makes sense.

 

[Utah200]

Buy-twice Example: My ARB skids are not going to hold up the beating I intend to give them, so I'm soon replacing them at 3x their cost for a *massive strength increase* underneath. I'm not a wealthy guy & will have to save a bit (maybe forego the 75" inch TV a little longer), but for me, it's worth it if it avoids even more expensive damage & enables tougher trails.

Been pondering this very choice myself as of late. Still pre purchase and def leaning your direction.