Slee rear bumper

[Dparo]

Does anyone know what revisions are being made?

Hopefully the latches at least as it looks like the other models are receiving that change. I asked but was only told that it was “in development” with no ETA.

Eventually I need to make a decision on a direction because I want it done before OE West next May.

 

[ga12r1]

I would say just call and ask. I enquired about one back in March was told they were “out of stock” and they took my info and said they would get back to me when they were available again. I got an email from Slee yesterday saying they were finally available again. I would assume these are the “revised” models. I ended up going with Dissent instead though and couldn’t be happier.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I would say just call and ask. I enquired about one back in March was told they were “out of stock” and they took my info and said they would get back to me when they were available again. I got an email from Slee yesterday saying they were finally available again. I would assume these are the “revised” models. I ended up going with Dissent instead though and couldn’t be happier.

I think it'd be nice to have a hydraulic arm instead of the shear pin to lock the arms in/out, but I don't think I'd want the latch mechanism like the dissent has. I played with some at HIH and the older, well used ones need some fiddling to get them to keep working. Otherwise, those bumpers are fantastic and look great.

I like toggle clamps for their simplicity, ease of replacement, and overall reliability.

 

[ga12r1]

I agree that I think the Dissent latch may require some periodic adjustment. After HIH8 my spare tire swing was drooping a bit and I had to retighten the hinge bolt to correct it. Now everything is cool, although I do need to hit @benc up on getting an additional stainless shim to go between swing arm and nylon slider(I had to put a few washer on in place of the shim after tightening the bolt). Plus I believe the reason for the droop was caused by the initial install that just needed tweaking after use. It may very well not happen again.

I believe just like any other system on our trucks that if maintained it shouldn’t be an issue. If I would have not tightened that bolt it could have led to bigger issues down the road but I could tell it wasn’t quite right so I checked it and fixed it.

 

[abuck99]

I like the easy open/closure of the Dissent latch design over the typical Destaco clamping latches. The clamping latches are not quite user friendly for the Mrs.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I like the easy open/closure of the Dissent latch design over the typical Destaco clamping latches. The clamping latches are not quite user friendly for the Mrs.

You can adjust them to be a bit friendlier, common misconception on the toggle clamps is that they have to be super tight...

 

[Dparo]

I would say just call and ask. I enquired about one back in March was told they were “out of stock” and they took my info and said they would get back to me when they were available again. I got an email from Slee yesterday saying they were finally available again. I would assume these are the “revised” models. I ended up going with Dissent instead though and couldn’t be happier.

I did talk to them, and actually they just called me while typing this. Looks like there was no revision, or it is an info mixup, but they are on backorder. They are going to call me with clarification later.

 

[JB2004LC]

I just picked up and installed the bumper. I had been on the waiting list since March or April. The bumper is the same as it’s been for a while. From a short conversation I had with Slee months ago it sounded like eventually the latch system may be revised to be inline with the 200 series bumper.
I was completely sold on the Slee and was willing to wait. The thing is a work of art! That being said, after HIH8 I was seriously considering the Dissent. I had never seen his products in person before HIH8. Dissent makes very high quality products and his generosity at the event went above and beyond any other vendor. I would buy any of his products down the road.
For me it came down to being able to pick up the bumper locally (no shipping cost) & I personally prefer the Slee bumper styling just slightly more.
I believe that once Slee is caught up, their bumper will be back to being in stock which all the other bumpers seem to be built to order.

 

[ga12r1]

Does anyone know if Slee is having their bumpers made overseas (like China) now or if they are being made by someone for them in the US?

 

[Peabody]

I'll sell someone my Dobinsons rear bumper so I can buy a Slee!

 

[DirtDawg]

You can adjust them to be a bit friendlier, common misconception on the toggle clamps is that they have to be super tight...

My swingout rattled like crazy until I made my latch “super tight”, now it’s much better. Though I’m not sure if the statement holds any water as my bumper is 12 years old.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

My swingout rattled like crazy until I made my latch “super tight”, now it’s much better. Though I’m not sure if the statement holds any water as my bumper is 12 years old.

Have you checked the preload of the bearings at the hinge?

 

[DirtDawg]

Have you checked the preload of the bearings at the hinge?

Yes

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Yes

what exactly is rattling? You saw my setup at HIH... I have a loaded 55 yeti on one swingout and a spare, jack, 4 gallons of gas etc on the other... no rattling on mine

 

[bozncsurf]

Since we're talking Slee I'll chime in - but this doesn't mean I don't love any of the other bumpers on the market.

I am hoping that the revised Slee 100 bumper comes with the newer style latches and strutted swingouts much like the 200 ....

BUT Not a huge fan of the 200 ladder and while the backup lights are very practical they would disrupt the clean lines of the 100 bumper. If possible I would like to see the spare closer to the tailgate.

I love the original look of the Slee 100 bumper and design of the ladder - but the convenience of the Dissent latch seems like a game changer (especially when you go in the back as much as I do)

If anyone gets any info - keep us posted.

 

[bozncsurf]

@DirtDawg 's centeted carrier Slee is a classic and shows serious craftsmanship after more than a decade of abuse.

 

[Dparo]

Does anyone know if Slee is having their bumpers made overseas (like China) now or if they are being made by someone for them in the US?

I hope that it is made in USA. I never even thought twice about that, normally I always do.

 

[ga12r1]

I hope that it is made in USA. I never even thought twice about that, normally I always do.

I didn’t know. It just seems like the way they’re out of inventory for a 4 months at a time that they are being built in batches. I know that Slee designed them but I figured they probably have someone else making them now.

 

[bozncsurf]

I feel like I read somewhere on her a while back that they are made by a CO fabricator but not 100%

 

[DirtDawg]

what exactly is rattling? You saw my setup at HIH... I have a loaded 55 yeti on one swingout and a spare, jack, 4 gallons of gas etc on the other... no rattling on mine

Not wanting to derail this thread, but there is a good amount of forward/back movement when driving. Enough that I feel it throughout the vehicle. I’ve checked every point for play, not sure what else it could be besides a longer moment arm.

But like I said, it is a 12 year old bumper, so it has held up well over the years and I would honestly expect more wear for its age. I will figure it out, whether something needs to be strengthened or modified.