Hey All,
I figured I would post a review of the Body Armor Rear Bumper and Tire Carrier.
I selected this rear bumper for 3 main reasons.
1. Cost, It was very cost effective as I shopped around multiple places and finally ended up at CARID.com they price matched each piece with other companies until it was as cheap as I could find for the bumper, tire carrier and Hi-lift/gas can kit (not installed yet)
2. I currently have Body Armor Step/Rock Rails and their product has been impressive on impacts and protection.
3. Direct bolt on that retains the factory hitch. I know lots of bumpers do this as well, but it was important to me that the hitch height not change dramatically like other bumper options for the 2nd gen. tundra.
Fit and finish of the Bumper was pretty good, Black coated with mostly quality looking welds. I have not found a weak spot yet. The installation was very easy and required only hand tools.
The kit comes with brackets that basically mount the the D-dings or tire carrier directly to the frame. The bumper is also mounted using the existing bumper mounts, I had a few bolts shear off and I will be drilling them out and tapping them for the provided hardware. I was able to mount it myself, but 2 people would make the job much easier.
After a few weeks of having it mounted I have found it to be nice, It took some time to get use to having a swing out tire carrier. I have had them on Jeeps previously, but a truck with one is a whole different story. The swing arm doesn't have a lock out only a lock in for driving. I use a small rope and hook if I am parked on a hill and have to have the tailgate open. It will sit against your tailgate if you let it close a little after opening the tailgate. This can cause paint removal and I will be looking at maybe a clear plastic piece to guard that part of the tailgate.
I figured I would post a review of the Body Armor Rear Bumper and Tire Carrier.
I selected this rear bumper for 3 main reasons.
1. Cost, It was very cost effective as I shopped around multiple places and finally ended up at CARID.com they price matched each piece with other companies until it was as cheap as I could find for the bumper, tire carrier and Hi-lift/gas can kit (not installed yet)
2. I currently have Body Armor Step/Rock Rails and their product has been impressive on impacts and protection.
3. Direct bolt on that retains the factory hitch. I know lots of bumpers do this as well, but it was important to me that the hitch height not change dramatically like other bumper options for the 2nd gen. tundra.
Fit and finish of the Bumper was pretty good, Black coated with mostly quality looking welds. I have not found a weak spot yet. The installation was very easy and required only hand tools.
The kit comes with brackets that basically mount the the D-dings or tire carrier directly to the frame. The bumper is also mounted using the existing bumper mounts, I had a few bolts shear off and I will be drilling them out and tapping them for the provided hardware. I was able to mount it myself, but 2 people would make the job much easier.
After a few weeks of having it mounted I have found it to be nice, It took some time to get use to having a swing out tire carrier. I have had them on Jeeps previously, but a truck with one is a whole different story. The swing arm doesn't have a lock out only a lock in for driving. I use a small rope and hook if I am parked on a hill and have to have the tailgate open. It will sit against your tailgate if you let it close a little after opening the tailgate. This can cause paint removal and I will be looking at maybe a clear plastic piece to guard that part of the tailgate.