This or that...?

I'm about to start my Tundra transformation...I already ordered a grill surround and hood bulge to match the body (waiting) (stupid chrome) the thing I'm on now are bumpers...Have any of you had any luck with some of the cheaper bumpers, or have most of you gone mainstream? I'm looking at Vijay, Armordilla RS series (Raptor style), Fab Four Matrix, ADD stealth fighter, and the RC DIY bumper (no clue how much it will cost to put it together, etc but the kit is only $400...thoughts? Don't forget to vote (no, not like that) lol

 

I have the fab fours matrix and really like it. It holds lights and a winch and isn’t too big. It doesn’t stick out far. I was able to get it on with a little help from the wife and some pallets and a jack.

 

I have the RC DIY. If you have a welder and a grinder itll only be 400 bucks. I line x'ed mine in premium for another 295. But you can coat or paint it how you like. They have really good detailed instructions. Plus the badlands apex 12k winch fits in the bumper with just a touch of rubbing at the top, but not enough to hurt anything functional.

 

@Sumo91 That looks awesome...is there a bit of gapping for the fit up or did you want it that way? Maybe it's the lighting

 

It says to leave a half inch gap minimum between the bumper and the grill

 

Gotcha, it's the lighting then

 

I have the other RC bumper on mine.

 

@Sumo91 That bumper seems to stop flush in the sides, is that right? Would flares look bad with it you think?

 

Yeah its flush with the sides, I don't think flares would look bad with it. If you already have flares installed already you could weld a small piece on each end to make it match. Wouldn't take a whole lot I don't think. Just get one 3/16 plate and and angle grinder with a cut off wheel and fab your own end caps

 

You say that like I've already got some type of skill...lol

 

I figured there'd be more people registering an opinion...oh well

 

Armored bumpers are an expensive, as well as heavy mod, so the majority of members do not get one. That being said, I went with a Steelcraft Fortis ($600.00). I was skeptical about such an inexpensive bumper (I've owned much more expensive ones in the past, ie. Fab Fours, CBI, Shrockworks) but, I was able to see one of these in person. The welds are beautiful and the powder coat looks fabulous. Made right here in Texas. I have no idea how they can make such a nice bumper and retail for so little. Only catch is, no mount for a winch.

 

Yeah, been researching for a while, I'm definitely wanting a winch bumper that fits pretty slimly on the truck with some style, but not 0 protection from the side

 

No vote for factory bumpers? Ha! Ha!

 

lol...nope

 

Not a lot of votes, but so far ADD is in the lead

 

Want a truck to offroad? Build a nice 4Runner and buy a utility trailer for when you need a truck. So much more fun to off road in the 4Runner for obvious reasons.

 

Was that a serious thought? lol

 

I used to have a 4th gen 4Runner Sport Edition, lifted with armor.

I did a lot of off roading and overlanding with with it. The same with my 2018 CM. Can't say that one was more capable or more fun than the other, except that my Tundra has wwwwaaaayyyyyy more power than my 4Runner had and can carry way more stuff.

 

I'll probably do some from time to time, it's about appearance and functionality for me...need a winch, armor for dumbasses out there, etc...I have a 2020 Polaris General 1000XP for tearing up the trails, etc

 

I did the Rough Country DIY also. @Sumo91 has a really good thread on it on here somewhere with more pictures than I took. I made mine with 3/8” gap or so but you can adjust as your tacking it up how you want and make it 1/4”or up to 1/2” or more easily. It’s definitely just the lighting on his picture. It’s a good even fit if you take your time. I read somewhere that you want at least 3/8” or more or fender will rub on flex four wheeling. Just ordered the fixings to Raptor line mine. Bumper looks awesome. Still have an hour or so of welding and cleanup but very impressed with the kit.

 

How'd it turn out?

 

All ready for paint and looking good but too cold and snowy this week. Only place I have to Raptor line it is outside on a sunny warm day then I can put it inside warm small shop to dry so could be a few weeks before spayed.the thread I mentioned has good pictures of @Sumo91 ‘s bumper finished with winch installed. Here is the thread
https://www.tundras.com/posts/2065528/