Crumple Zones in the front and back

Hello Ya'll. Glad to be here - Don't mean to be a wet log on the fire right off, but....Just want to warn anyone with a new 2018 Tundra that those pretty "bumpers" in the front and back of your new "truck" are just crumple zones. Toyota really disappointed me with this cheapo move!

I barely tapped a tree while backing up on a dark, rainy night and..... OMG $4000 worth of damage (fender, tailight, "bumper")!!! If this was my 2001 tundra it wouldn't have even dented the bumper!

An aftermarket "real bumper" was the same or less than replacing the original bumper so I had to "fix" this problem the right way..... Of course, I also had to have the front bumper to match.

There were lots of choices, but I ended up going with the Smittybuilt M1 bumpers. I think these added about 300 lbs to my truck, but they look real nice, plus I have battering rams and extra lighting in the front and the back! They only took a couple hours each to install (front took longer for adjustment). I will add some pics once it stops raining here.

The new challenge is to install all the lighting - My ADD doesn't allow me to do anything half-assed, so I am waiting for the right connectors/parts to be delivered before I start the wiring. Anyone who has been here before me - your tips would be appreciated.

 

Welcome from CO. Sorry to hear about the damage.

 

Welcome to the forum.
Now that you have taken the crumple zones off your truck and replaced with solid steel bumpers, your frame will be the crumple zone next time. That will be a little more than $4,000 to fix.

 

X2

 

Elk Hunter?!! Three paragraphs in, I was sure it was you, checking in.

Then I got to the smittybuilt and was, 'huh, just a guy who moves to a new neighborhood and bitches about the house he just bought'.

Anyway, welcome to the neighborhood, Steven! I hope you'll settle in, love your new place, and enjoy your new neighbors. We like to throw impromptu block parties!

(Usually on someone's lawn-- er, thread.)

 

Welcome from Ct and Merry Christmas

 

You backed into a tree, and you’re instinct is to be angry at the truck?

Elk Hunter alert.

 

Every stock bumper on every truck will do this. I’d say since the 70s. Even before that it didn’t take much to push it into the fender.

 

Welcome from SE PA!
You wanted options? You’ll surely get the most knowledgeable ones on this forum.

 

Where you from in CT? I'm in Manchester