Bout to buy some bumpers: Smitybuilt or DV8

I’m ready to buy front and rear bumpers and I intend to add a winch and do this for the sole purposes of hitting some local Jeep trails.

DV8 fbtt2-02 or the Smittybilt M1 front?

at this moment either front bumper can be found for below $900

I am leaning DV8 but never had an aftermarket bumper before so wanted to ask.

Smity seems to have minor gap but potentially a larger winch could fit?

other than that I think the DV8 is “modular 3-piece” design and the Smity is a solid bumper?

I can weld and prefer function over form.

what do you guys think??

 

SMITTY

$1,453 Smittybilt M1 Toyota Tundra Winch Mount Front Bumper with D-ring Mounts and Light Kit - 612840

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/smittybilt-m1-toyota-tundra-winch-mount-front-bumper-with-d-ring-mounts-and-light-kit-612840/_/R-DSBP-612840

DV8
https://dv8offroad.com/products/2007-2013-toyota-tundra-front-bumper-fbtt2-02

(I have a 10% off for the DV8 so the price is not a factor)

 

My opinion is neither. I went with Ranch Hand front and rear for superior protection and a front receiver from Draw Tite. The winch then gets mounted to a receiver plate and can be used in multiple positions and multiple vehicles. Just my opinion, carry on.

 

I’ll take a look, thank you
Any pics?

 

Ranch Hand vote here. My DV8 was crapola. Poor fitment and horrible powdercoat. I still regret buying that junk bumper. Ranch Hand costs more but worth it.

 

A lot depends on how you use your truck and how long you intend to keep it.

 

Forgot to mention, if you buy a real bumper, be aware that you will want a front suspension that will match with the additional loads/stress. Like most mods, it turns into several others quickly.

 

I wanted an RH setup but wanted the full coverage and they just don't look right on Tundras. Otherwise, I'm a huge RH fan.

 

^^^^This is true, the full coverage versions don't look great in my opinion either. However, trust me, photos don't do proper justice for the Summit Series Bullnose on a Tundra. With a good 3 or more inches of lift, it looks pretty damn good, and the hoop has enough forward angle and height that the torso of most wildlife will be directed downward should any sudden impact occur. Again just my .02!

 

Doesn't matter for OP, but I will add for future reference, TSS and adaptive cruise control work fine with the Ranch Hand Summit Series Bullnose.

 

That looks super solid, which would double as good protection in bad traffic.

this is my 2nd 2nd Gen (I had a 2010 prior)
I bought my truck brand new, exactly how I wanted it, and I plan to keep it forever.
I’m at 87,000 miles and just now willing to take it “off road” and not just into a random mud pit.

I just don’t know much about bumpers so I appreciate the comments. I’d definitely rather spend the $ if it is worth it than have regerts

 

I have a smittybilt M1 and really like it. It's super solid and well built. Granted I haven't hit anything with it yet but I have done a fair amount of winching with no complaints.

 

thank you for feedback and especially the pic.
The gap isn’t noticeable at all on your truck. I think I could figure out how to fix that if I happen to have a gap on mine. Did you remove or paint the silver pieces?? I don’t want the silver.

the RanchHand is perfect for 2.5 Gen but I don’t like the bumpers that leave the “upper lip” part of the bumper on the 2nd gens. Mine looks like trash and I wanna remove it.

the other part that I personally don’t understand yet is the ability to add a winch to a “non-winch bumper” via a receiver or mounting plate. For example, when I read the description it says “not winch compatible” for the RH. Other than that I agree the steel and finish look to be higher quality.

It’s Turkey and Pilgrim time so naturally that means I have money burning a hole directly through my pocket.

 

Example below, front receiver is also good for cargo rack, bike rack, rod holder, etc.

 

I painted the silver trim, it unbolts very easily. Are you talking about the gap between the bumper and the body panels? It's not big and it's uniform. The gap is very necessary to accommodate the flex between the body and the now immobile bumper.

 

Follow-up

1. I didn’t realize that the DV8’s had a bad reputation on here until I did some searching, apologies, and I thank y’all for the input.

2. I forgot to mention previously that I had some mostly cosmetic front end damage front hitting another vehicle a couple years ago so I already planned on needing to make adjustments, etc. I have a welder and basic skills so im hoping for the best.

3. I still need to buy a winch and money was definitely a factor so all things considered I went with the smittybilt m1 for $781. I just gotta pick it up at local 4WD parts store. It’s my 1st off road bumper so I’m excited. Right now I have a cut oem front bumper bc I didn’t expect the 37s to rub and when they did cutting the bumper was only option. My front grill is cracked from the accident so I plan to get the Sequoia pro replacement grill and new headlights eventually. Oem rear will have to do until after I buy the winch, then I will upgrade rear bumper.

 

Good luck, hope it goes well for you!

 

@Ohannon7 - How on earth did you score a Smittybilt M1 for only $780??!!! It is at the top of my list.

 

Any pictures of the install?

 

NO REGERTS!