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Adding a bull bar with led?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Blorenzo1, Jan 5, 2020.

  1. Jan 5, 2020 at 8:31 PM
    #1
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    Hi everyone I’m new to this forum.. was wondering about adding a bull bar w/led to my 2020 tundra trd pro. Has anyone done it? Any issues with sensors?
     
    jewsNbrews likes this.
  2. Jan 5, 2020 at 8:46 PM
    #2
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Welcome from NY.
    Just make sure that it doesn't block the TSS sensor.
     
  3. Jan 5, 2020 at 8:47 PM
    #3
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    your title has me feeling triggered...

    to the safe space i must go... {grabbed wife and heading to the tundra} :blahblah:

    dont have anything to offer in regards to bull bars, however, i can offer a nice how do ya do from houston. welcome!
     
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  4. Jan 5, 2020 at 8:50 PM
    #4
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    Thnx!! Just bought my first tundra and love it! Excited to add accessories.. so many choices.
     
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  5. Jan 5, 2020 at 8:53 PM
    #5
    jewsNbrews

    jewsNbrews SSEM #8 level 3, RGBA #5 lab tested lab approved

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    Welcome from Washington.
    So long as the bull bar doesnt block the sensor you should be fine.
     
  6. Jan 5, 2020 at 8:56 PM
    #6
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    TEXAS!
    there is not a better looking, more reliable, pickup out there!

    black, white, mgm, army green? let's see some pics!

    hang out here too often and this starts to happen... :spending:
     
  7. Jan 5, 2020 at 8:57 PM
    #7
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    It’s the rough country bull bar w/led.. hopefully someone has bought it for their 2020 tundra?!
     
  8. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:01 PM
    #8
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    Mgm.. as soon as I can figure out how to add pics!
     
  9. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:01 PM
    #9
    neverstuck

    neverstuck New Member

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    purpose?

    i think most people who buy bull bars eventually regret it and upgrade to a functional steel winch bumper.

    if It's just for LED mounting, there are better options like led bars that fit well in the existing speed holes
     
  10. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:05 PM
    #10
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    Purpose- rugged look, protection, great led..
     
  11. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:17 PM
    #11
    neverstuck

    neverstuck New Member

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    I haven't seen any actual protective benefit from bull bars when it comes to collisions, but they do limit your approach angle. kind of like the adhesive fake hood scoop of the off-road world, in my opinion. If you do any off-roading you will eventually remove it. If it's just a looks thing and you like it, go for it.

    bumpers are meant to absorb impact to protect the driver and integrity of the frame. a bull bar doesn't do much, except transfer the force initially to the frame, before the bull bar collapses and the bumper takes whatever comes next.

    I was rear-ended twice at work (#metoo). both times in a truck. first vehicle didn't have a hitch receiver. the bumper caved in. no further damage. the second time, the vehicle had a hitch receiver. way more impact felt in the vehicle and the frame was bent. Hitch receivers are functional and are worth the compromise in my opinion. Bull bars don't serve enough purpose for the compromise in approach angle clearance, extra vehicle length, time, money, effort, etc.

    Just my opinion, but that's what you asked for. Get a proper winch bumper. several hundred more but they actually do add to the rugged look and protection you want, they add to resale value or you can remove it and sell it whenever you trade in.
     
  12. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:23 PM
    #12
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    Thank you for all this info! This is all new to me so I’d rather listen and learn from others than waste money/time/effort!! I’ll look into other options and maybe try other accessories first!..
     
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  13. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:36 PM
    #13
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    this is by far the best forum for tundra owners... these guys know what they're talking about.

    as in neverstuck's case, i too was rear-ended twice (#metoo) (in a different pickup)

    a HEAVY rear bumper was the first thing added to my tundra (within a week)... i CANNOT control the texting morons behind me, but CAN control the moron behind the wheel.

    however, as neverstuck mentioned, all the energy of a rear-end will be absorbed by the frame, and transferred into the seats.

    now, i live in the city, not deer country, so i kept the factory front.

    12.01.18 new tundra 26.jpg
     
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  14. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:38 PM
    #14
    jewsNbrews

    jewsNbrews SSEM #8 level 3, RGBA #5 lab tested lab approved

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    What rear bumper is that. Looks nice!
     
  15. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:40 PM
    #15
    neverstuck

    neverstuck New Member

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    [QUOTE="
    [/QUOTE]

    yeah man, that bumper looks terrific.
     
  16. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:42 PM
    #16
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    thx JNB, bumper is a fabfours premium rear w/ sensor holes. had local line-x spray to color match cement. weighs about about 120; installed by myself, but would have been much easier w/ extra set of paws.

    added a smittbuilt beaver step into receiver for added protection.
     
  17. Jan 5, 2020 at 9:54 PM
    #17
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    yeah man, that bumper looks terrific.[/QUOTE]


    thx neverstuck.

    dont want to distract from OP, but my first add to any pickup when surrounded by 2.3 million texting zombies is a rear bumper.

    if i was surround by deer, elk, or other wildlife; front bumper with headlight and grill guard would be added as well...

    OP, i dont believe a bull bar adds anything but looks.

    it'll offer minor protection to your front if you slowly rear-end someone else; not much for animals though.
     
    jewsNbrews likes this.
  18. Jan 5, 2020 at 11:17 PM
    #18
    ZappBrannigan

    ZappBrannigan The mind is willing but the flesh is weak

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    Man, that looks really nice.

    Also, from what I have read on this forum the majority of bull bars actually cause more damage than they prevent.
     
  19. Jan 6, 2020 at 8:21 PM
    #19
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    thanks zapp.

    as most threads on here eventually derail... here goes this one... sorry OP...

    protect all you want, but a determined moron will ALWAYS find a way...

    sitting on the couch just before christmas, watching the best christmas movie ever, national lampoons christmas vacation, and enjoying a nice glass of scotch, neat of course...

    door bell rings (1st mistake made by neighbor; interrupted the squirrel scene)... i pause movie and leave couch to answer door... neighbor asks if i drive a gray tundra (2nd mistake made by neighbor; it's CEMENT dumb-ass)... at this point, 2 things run through my head...

    no, it's not for sale (wish that was his purpose), OR, how bad?

    unfortunately for me, and fortunate for my NEIGHBOR, since we live across the street from each other, i could not say the words that my brain was thinking...

    all i could muster was, "well, thanks for not running off"...

    apparently, my CEMENT tundra, under its own accord, decided to jump right behind a volvo SUV and stop it in its tracks.

    turns out a rear bumper does nothing to protect a rear door... whoda thunkit?

    yup, base of cab is fucked too... over 4k in damages....

    think i may wrap with old tires (think boat dock), or wrap with custom spikes (is this legal in texas?)

    IMG_0070.jpg
     
  20. Jan 6, 2020 at 11:14 PM
    #20
    ZappBrannigan

    ZappBrannigan The mind is willing but the flesh is weak

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    You know.. it took a man to knock on the door and own up to it. Mistakes happen, I’m always shocked when someone does the right thing. Buy that man a beer and make a good story out of it. After all, no one ever started a good story with “nothing bad happened”. Anyone that owns up like that is someone you want as a friend.
     
  21. Jan 6, 2020 at 11:30 PM
    #21
    Johnsonman

    Johnsonman New Member

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    Why add a "Damage Multiplier"? They're known as that on so many other Toyota forums.

    I've seen 2 mph impacts turn into thousands of $$ to repair where the bumper alone would have been fine with a buff out, haha.

    Luck and enjoy those Toyotas. : ^ )))
     
  22. Jan 10, 2020 at 10:02 PM
    #22
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    it did zapp. i agree...

    i shook my neighbors hand, and said "thanks for letting me know" more than a few times.

    usaa put me in a '19 f-150 on monday (1/06). 10 speed tranny always hunting for the right gear. and, the engine shut down at red lights. the pickup as a whole is a total piece of crap.

    f-150 feels no bigger than a camry. it's sad.

    been out of my tundra for 4.5 days. holy cow, i miss it.

    co-worker (who drives similar f-150) says, "missing your 'tank' yet"? {spot on assessment, tundra = tank}

    back to OP, what did you decide on the bull bar @Blorenzo1?
     
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  23. Jan 11, 2020 at 4:55 AM
    #23
    Patriot

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    You may want to consider asking USAA about “diminished value” of your Tundra with that much claim damage which will have to be truthfully declared if you ever trade or sell outright. Diminished value loss post accident can be several thousand dollars. In other words your truck even after being professionally “fixed” will not be worth in trade or resale value what it was before the damage. Many buyers pass on any accident damage to a vehicle, I would. Easily discoverable through insurance claims.

    Your neighbors insurance company may not be happy with an additional bill from USAA for diminished value, just a thought.
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2020
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  24. Jan 11, 2020 at 5:42 AM
    #24
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    Hi everyone, so decided on holding off on the bull bar. Will focus on another accessory, possibly a bed liner since I have quite a bit of tools to haul around.. electrician. Trying to prioritize accessories by needs Lol. Any suggestions on a great bed liner for my tundra?
     
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  25. Jan 11, 2020 at 7:36 AM
    #25
    Patriot

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    Get a few quotes on a spray on bedliner....look at local shops customer ratings. Plastic bed liners are dinosaurs and some will in time rub the paint off your truck bed. Just a thought. And good choice not adding the bull bar...it’s a yesterday’s newspaper in the accessory world IMHO...Just another view. :thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2020
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  26. Jan 11, 2020 at 11:50 AM
    #26
    silverhack

    silverhack New Member

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  27. Jan 11, 2020 at 4:29 PM
    #27
    jewsNbrews

    jewsNbrews SSEM #8 level 3, RGBA #5 lab tested lab approved

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    Rhino lined or line x. Dont put a plastic bed cover in. Eventualy it will develope rust.

    Lin x or rhino lined with a bed mat would be perfect for you.
     
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  28. Jan 11, 2020 at 9:20 PM
    #28
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    excellent point patriot, in texas, insurance has to pay for diminished value. already requested the form. however, i am going to wait until the final bill comes in before filling out and returning that part of the claim. diminished value is determined by total damage $.

    usaa estimate was $2k.

    toyota estimate was $4k.

    i want my diminished value calculated on the actual $ amount; somewhere close to $4k.

    good advice from patriot.

    additionally, my neighbor will never know... in texas, all he owes his insurance is his deductible; once that's paid, he is provided no other information regarding costs or additional claims, unless he is being sued, which will obviously not be the case here.
     
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  29. Jan 11, 2020 at 9:27 PM
    #29
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

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    line-x.
     
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  30. Jan 12, 2020 at 8:11 AM
    #30
    Blorenzo1

    Blorenzo1 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for info. I actually did the line x, window tint, and front clear protection right after purchase. But I would like suggestions on great bed covers so I can store my tools with little/no worries about theft and rain.. then maybe some 6” side rails?
     

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