OK. I've got a great HDJ80 in costa rica. It is our daily driver and only vehicle (at least until my Wolverine RMAX4 1000 is delivered.) We love exploring Costa Rica and need a capable rig. I have dented and scratched rear bumper and rumpled the side steps a little bit. I want more armor so I don't ahve ot worry about it. I have ARB front bumper and rack because I have a friend that knows the ARB importer and it was easy to get that done. I looked the ARB rear bumper and rock sliders but I do not like their products for these locations on vehicle.
I recently found a fabricator who does all manner of custom bumpers, sliders, racks etc. Hobbies4x4
I am going to get them to do a rear bumper and sliders but I have to tell them what I want which is where the questions start.
On the one hand I would love to have dual swing outs with tire carrier and basket/jack mount/etc so that I can be best prepared for backwoods (backjungle) exploring. Right now I only have the OEM steet tire spare underneath.
But on the other hand the everyday casual use of the rig is to go to the beach and one of the absolute best features of the Series 80 is the traditional split rear with proper tailgate. It is a workbench, picnic table, seating, cocktail bar, gear sorting table, sunscreen bar, etc. So while I like the utility of the swing outs I also really like the casual everyday utility of the easy/quick access to tailgate. We are constantly in and out of the back when parked at the beach. Note that we often do keep the car closed and locked when not actively accessing it because sneaky petty theft is a thing here at populated beaches.
Obviously you can swing the swingouts....out... but what if you are not parked level or there is a tree or you just want to quickly open and close grab a cold one from the cooler? I am torn and can't decide if I should just get a low profile bumper with receiver and recover points only and keep the car the same above bumper level or if having swingouts "in teh way" alll the time is worth it?
Anyone put on swingouts and regret it? Anyone have any other thoughts?
I recently found a fabricator who does all manner of custom bumpers, sliders, racks etc. Hobbies4x4
I am going to get them to do a rear bumper and sliders but I have to tell them what I want which is where the questions start.
On the one hand I would love to have dual swing outs with tire carrier and basket/jack mount/etc so that I can be best prepared for backwoods (backjungle) exploring. Right now I only have the OEM steet tire spare underneath.
But on the other hand the everyday casual use of the rig is to go to the beach and one of the absolute best features of the Series 80 is the traditional split rear with proper tailgate. It is a workbench, picnic table, seating, cocktail bar, gear sorting table, sunscreen bar, etc. So while I like the utility of the swing outs I also really like the casual everyday utility of the easy/quick access to tailgate. We are constantly in and out of the back when parked at the beach. Note that we often do keep the car closed and locked when not actively accessing it because sneaky petty theft is a thing here at populated beaches.
Obviously you can swing the swingouts....out... but what if you are not parked level or there is a tree or you just want to quickly open and close grab a cold one from the cooler? I am torn and can't decide if I should just get a low profile bumper with receiver and recover points only and keep the car the same above bumper level or if having swingouts "in teh way" alll the time is worth it?
Anyone put on swingouts and regret it? Anyone have any other thoughts?