Low Profile Front Bumper Evaluation- Ones that don't move the sensors

[Romer]

I am looking at Multiple Front Bumpers to figure out which one I want. I put together the attached spread sheet to help me and am looking for any corrections, updates, personal experiances on these.

All these bumpers look like great bumpers from my reviews. Everyone is different and I am looking for the best bumper for me which likely won't be the same as the best bumper of the group.

I do have the current sales prices. If I miss the sale, I would expect the 4th of July to have a similar one

I updated my Grill to a TRD Pro so I have a light bar and not currently planning on a winch, but that is always a future nice to have. Like the wings on the C4 and Victory bumpers are also nice to haves. Must haves are no movement of the sensors (keep middle section-Avoid recalibration)added protection and better recovery points than stock, also weight is a strong consideration and is more of a tie breaker if things are close.

The NYTOP meets my must haves and likely has the better recovery bolt strength since there are no welds between the multiple frame bolts and the recovery bracket. It is the easiest to install and the only bumper with no cutting.

I like the CBI Super Stock Convert as it is low weight and provides the option for upgrade to a winch. Plus it looks more aggressive than the NYTOP

The Cali Raised is the lowest cost option, but think having that big light bar window empty wouldn't look good. I suppose I could cover it. I do like the option that it comes without the winch craddle and I can add that later. I would consider a light there, but planning on hanging my license plate in the stock location which would cover the middle.

The RCI bumper is very well built and most likely to work with my RCI skids, although most of these probably would. Also the heavist bumper, some things say 112 lbs, others say 81. Think its 81 lbs.

The Victory Aluminum is the lightest weight at 41 lbs, has the potential upgrade for both a winch and wings. BUT is also the most expensive. I know you get what you pay for, just laying out facts. Buy once cry once. I do like the low weight and upgrade options.

C4 also has the wings. I think C4 would sell more bumpers if they added a powder coat option before shipping. I know a place close by that does that, but just add an extra step. You get better work from someone who does the same job repeatadly.

I don't see these wings really providing any more protection, not like a full width bumper, its more about additional clearance and some protection to avoid some dings and scratches.

I wonder if that extra clearance really makes a difference?


I am happy to update the below graphic and the attached excel file if this thread provides any updates

I haven't made a decision yet. I oscillate between them

EDIT 5/27 - Added ADD Stealth and updated info on RCI Pike

Sponsored

 

[Romer]

I started this thread as there isnt a lot of information in one spot on these low profile bumpers that minimize the impact (Cutting and sensor alignment).

I hope someone else will benefit from this, if not then it helped me in putting it together as I searched every bumper thread on this and other forums to narrow down the options and then add other data. Again, looking for moderate wheeling as my Land Cruiser goes to the long distance and hard stuff.

If I didnt have a light bar in my grill, my choice would be either the Cali Raised or the Victory bumpers.

Right now leaning towards the CBI Superstock Convert. I have not fully decided and could change my mind as I have several times in this evaluation. I am still considering the RCI one and have sent them a couple of questions.

• Low weight at 50 lbs
• Less money than the NYTOP
• Meets all my requirements
• Looks like more room to acces the recovery points than the NYTOP
• Of the bumpers that require cutting, this has the least. Less room to screw it up
• Has an upgrade option for a winch. Likely won't go with a winch, but nice to know I can
• Since I have a light Bar in my Grill, no big open holes across the top, two smaller ones near the winch, but also look like good vent holes
• Two users who have had it for a while said it has held up well even with initial Quaality issues and poor customer service
• I like the look of more agressive than the NYTOP

This Tacoma is more of a daily driver and for close trails here in Colorado, but I like to be prepared. Sliders, rear bumper, lift, skid plates, 33" tires and now looking for a bumper. Harder stuff would require a winch, full width bumper and adjust the front suspension to offset a heavier bumper/winch

My Land Cruiser is built for the harder stuff and long distance expedition wheeling. It is well setup with suspension, Sliders, Skid Plates, Front & Rear Bumpers, Winch, Aux Fuel tank, Extra Fuel/water carriers on back, Two full size spare tires, drawers, tools, frig, and holds my RTT or pulls my off road camper for expedition wheeling.

Just demonstrating I am not a Mall wheeler

 

[Toyotimothy]

I started this thread as there isnt a lot of information in one spot on these low profile bumpers that minimize the impact (Cutting and sensor alignment).

I hope someone else will benefit from this, if not then it helped me in putting it together as I searched every bumper thread on this and other forums to narrow down the options and then add other data. Again, looking for moderate wheeling as my Land Cruiser goes to the long distance and hard stuff.

If I didnt have a light bar in my grill, my choice would be either the Cali Raised or the Victory bumpers.

Right now leaning towards the CBI Superstock Convert. I have not fully decided and could change my mind as I have several times in this evaluation. I am still considering the RCI one and have sent them a couple of questions.

• Low weight at 50 lbs
• Less money than the NYTOP
• Meets all my requirements
• Looks like more room to acces the recovery points than the NYTOP
• Of the bumpers that require cutting, this has the least. Less room to screw it up
• Has an upgrade option for a winch. Likely won't go with a winch, but nice to know I can
• Since I have a light Bar in my Grill, no big open holes across the top, two smaller ones near the winch, but also look like good vent holes
• Two users who have had it for a while said it has held up well even with initial Quaality issues and poor customer service
• I like the look of more agressive than the NYTOP

This Tacoma is more of a daily driver and for close trails here in Colorado, but I like to be prepared. Sliders, rear bumper, lift, skid plates, 33" tires and now looking for a bumper. Harder stuff would require a winch, full width bumper and adjust the front suspension to offset a heavier bumper/winch

My Land Cruiser is built for the harder stuff and long distance expedition wheeling. It is well setup with suspension, Sliders, Skid Plates, Front & Rear Bumpers, Winch, Aux Fuel tank, Extra Fuel/water carriers on back, Two full size spare tires, drawers, tools, frig, and holds my RTT or pulls my off road camper for expedition wheeling.

Just demonstrating I am not a Mall wheeler

I’m new to the forums. This is actually my first post. I’m disabled and in a lot of pain but most of the mods I’ve done on my truck I’ve done myself and then I pay for it for several days afterwards. Lol
My 18 yr old daughter helped me lift the RCI Off-Road Pike bumper and the install was straightforward and easy. I have never done anything like this before. Cutting was way easier than I expected. Took me all day ( literally) but I’m not fast. Installed a winch because I ended up in a river where I wasn’t sure if I was going to get out or not. The river was part of the road. I did make it but it got me to thinking that I would rather have it and not need it. Anyways I can highly recommend the RCI bumper and their customer service is excellent.

 

[Romer]

I edited Post 1 to include the ADD Stealth. It has similar triming and the bumper fits partially over the miidle section with the Fog lights and parking sensors. They and the radar are not disturbed though from stock location or connection

 

[Romer]

I’m new to the forums. This is actually my first post. I’m disabled and in a lot of pain but most of the mods I’ve done on my truck I’ve done myself and then I pay for it for several days afterwards. Lol
My 18 yr old daughter helped me lift the RCI Off-Road Pike bumper and the install was straightforward and easy. I have never done anything like this before. Cutting was way easier than I expected. Took me all day ( literally) but I’m not fast. Installed a winch because I ended up in a river where I wasn’t sure if I was going to get out or not. The river was part of the road. I did make it but it got me to thinking that I would rather have it and not need it. Anyways I can highly recommend the RCI bumper and their customer service is excellent.

View attachment 33213

View attachment 33214

View attachment 33215

View attachment 33216

Tim you can edit your post to take the scriptures out if you want

Do you happen to know how much the suspension drooped with the bumper and winch? Also, is that the stock or other suspension? I swapped my Offroad springs out withh All Dogs.

 

[Toyotimothy]

No but I am guesstimating the weight of the bumper and winch at 140.5 lbs according to information from the websites. The rear is essentially 23” from center of wheel hub to bottom of fender flares and the front is 21 3/4” best I can measure, so maybe not much. Running method 305 17” with plus 35 offset. 33” bfg ko2

 

[Toyotimothy]

Figured out the picture removal process. I’m completely new to this. Sorry

 

[Toyotimothy]

No lift yet so it’s stock. I was thinking of peak suspension 2 piece lift but then decided on a spring lift instead. Haven’t had that done though.

 

[Romer]

Figured out the picture removal process. I’m completely new to this. Sorry

No worries. It is all about sharing info and learning. Thanks for answering my questions

 

[Romer]

I have been going over the installs between the RCI Pike and CBI Superstock which are my two leading canidates based on my needs. As stated earlier, If I needed a light bar I would be looking at the Victory or Cali bumpers

The cutting and triming looks to be the same between the two bumpers. Likely similar for all the bumpers I have included here, except for the NYOP one.. So my comment on slightly more cutting is not correct in the first post for the RCI Pike.

The 5 bolts on each side holding the bumper on seem to be the same

The RCI Pike also has this secondary bracket that goes through the frame. I did not see that on what I could find from the CBI Super stock. Instructions are lacking for that bumper.

Neither tie to the original tow hook locations. In fact the RCI video shows those both still installed with the bumper.

@gofastdan any comments on the super stock?

That is a very beefy bracket tieing the RCI bumper to the frame in a second direction 90 deg to the main plate the other 5 bolts tie into

As gofastdan decsribed in his install thread, The RCI also has a bracket that helps provide better access to winch controls

Those that have installed either, please let me know if I am missing anything

 

[Romer]

BTW, I was wondering how much the crash bar removed weighs. I am guessing about 30-40 pounds but I have no idea. Just looking at the two guys carrying it in the install video.

 

[Toyotimothy]

That’s one of the main reasons I chose the RCI bumper. Instructions. There’s also a video on YouTube (which is sufficient). If the Cbi bumper had have had instructions when I was looking I might’ve gone with it because it was cheaper at the time. The other reason I chose the RCI was because it was compatible with oem skid plates. I already had trailhunter skidplates and didn’t want to replace them. Many of the other manufacturers couldn’t guarantee that theirs would fit. They might have the kinks worked out now with what bumpers fit with skids etc. whichever one you choose I’m sure it’ll work great.

 

[Toyotimothy]

BTW, I was wondering how much the crash bar removed weighs. I am guessing about 30-40 pounds but I have no idea. Just looking at the two guys carrying it in the install video.

If I can think of it I’ll try to weigh mine tomorrow if it’s not pouring rain and let you know

 

[Romer]

That’s one of the main reasons I chose the RCI bumper. Instructions. There’s also a video on YouTube (which is sufficient). If the Cbi bumper had have had instructions when I was looking I might’ve gone with it because it was cheaper at the time. The other reason I chose the RCI was because it was compatible with oem skid plates. I already had trailhunter skidplates and didn’t want to replace them. Many of the other manufacturers couldn’t guarantee that theirs would fit. They might have the kinks worked out now with what bumpers fit with skids etc. whichever one you choose I’m sure it’ll work great.

Agree with the comment on instructions. I have watched RCI's install video maybe 5 times. Seems pretty easy and straight forward. I then reviewed their pdf version of the install instructions. Very well put together

CBI has nothing but a little commentary in one bumper video and no install instructions even after all this time. Although with the install writeups here and watching the RCI video, I think it would be fairly easy to do.

I have RCI Skid plates. They are also a 70 mile drive up I-25 along the Denver Front Range if I have a big issue. I am not expecting issues with any of these bumpers.

I do have the CBI sliders and am very happy with them

If I can think of it I’ll try to weigh mine tomorrow if it’s not pouring rain and let you know

Thanks!

 

[gofastdan]

I have been going over the installs between the RCI Pike and CBI Superstock which are my two leading canidates based on my needs. As stated earlier, If I needed a light bar I would be looking at the Victory or Cali bumpers

The cutting and triming looks to be the same between the two bumpers. Likely similar for all the bumpers I have included here, except for the NYOP one.. So my comment on slightly more cutting is not correct in the first post for the RCI Pike.

The 5 bolts on each side holding the bumper on seem to be the same

The RCI Pike also has this secondary bracket that goes through the frame. I did not see that on what I could find from the CBI Super stock. Instructions are lacking for that bumper.

Neither tie to the original tow hook locations. In fact the RCI video shows those both still installed with the bumper.

@gofastdan any comments on the super stock?

That is a very beefy bracket tieing the RCI bumper to the frame in a second direction 90 deg to the main plate the other 5 bolts tie into

As gofastdan decsribed in his install thread, The RCI also has a bracket that helps provide better access to winch controls

Those that have installed either, please let me know if I am missing anything

The CBI doesn't have that extra bracket mounting to the frame and that is a concern of mine. It only mounts to the face and top of the frame and it feels like under extreme loads it could deform the frame. It may not be needed, IDK, but I've considered having some 1/4 steel angled to go from the bottom of the bumper to the mounting points for the stock tow hooks. I would think maybe a two inch wide strip on each side to go from the bumper to the tow hook mounting points would greatly enhance the strength of the bumper's capacity. Honestly though, if you're not putting a winch on then it's probably never going to be a problem and hopefully even with heavy winch work it would be fine. The fact the RCI includes it though is a nice touch.

And to your question, I've left the stock tow hooks on and I'm pretty sure the bumper would work with any skid plate, stock or otherwise. You can see how it fits with my Talon's Garage skid and how much room there is between the bumper and the skid support bracket.

Two bolts on top each side....

Also, although I thought the RCI relo bracket for winch access was a really nice touch, again it's irrelevant if you're not installing a winch. TBH I ended up not reinstalling that bracket at all anyway. I couldn't see any functional use for it. The grill is rock solid without it. I kept it in case I ever feel a need for it, but I've put thousands of miles on the truck since the install and have noticed no ill effects.

Sponsored