EXO bumper is on...Mock up only
All,
Here she is. I just got back from Atomic Fabworks and I have the bumper on in raw metal. Why? Well I wanted to have the bumper on my rig for a short amount of time to work out any 'bugs' that might exist. All in all, EXO makes an exceptional product, and I am VERY pleased with the results. I have waited patiently for 10 months now, and if I had to do it again, I would without hesitation. I would rather wait and get it done right, than get a product that was rushed to make a deadline.
A special shout out to the guys at Atomic Fabworks (Steve, Brandon and Kelly). They have exceeded my expectations once again. They really care about the installation ~ even down to the smallest details. They had the insight and expertise to avoid issues that I did not even think existed. That comes with experience and care...By the way, Atomic's race team placed 2nd overall (barely edged out of 1st) in the King of Hammer's stock UTV class. Not only do they work hard, they play hard as well. Congrats to them all.
Now back to the topic at hand. Every aspect of this bumper reflects quality, engineering and artistry in one stout package. It is overbuilt ~ PERIOD. What I appreciate are the simple lines, however, don't let that fool you. This bumper and swing out are BEEFY and I have no hesitation in winching with these bumpers on. They are that strong.
After the process of replacing my stock 'bumpers', I would like to offer a word of caution. The OEM bumpers that are on your rigs currently are WOEFULLY inadequate. I did not realize how thin the metal was that make up the OEM bumpers. It is all for cosmetics and having the ability to crumple at the first sign of resistance. Deer vs. Tundra OEM bumpers; the Tundra would win, however, you will have a TON of damage depending on the size of the deer...Just sayin'. The rear tow hitch is the only thing in the way between your family, frame and the rear ender...Yikes. Not anymore in my house.
I chose to go with the single swing out because one is plenty for me. I like the utility of the single and it keeps the spare within close reach. I didn't snap any pics of the the bumper on the pallet. I was too excited to get this thing on and ready to go. Anyway, onto the pics...
As with any install, we had to shim and tweak a bit. I don't think that this is avoidable. The tolerances of this bumper were as tight as a one-off custom job. I ought to know, I had custom bumpers installed on my previous rig that took 9 weeks to fabricate and install. I think that EXO's ability to maintain their tolerances while doing custom work is one of a kind. Don't let the fact that these are 'mass produced' scare you off. They are that good...
One concern that I had was the obstruction of the back-up camera with the spare tire. My tire is a 295/75 r17 (33") and I did not know how this was going to interfere with the camera. I will admit that I am SPOILED with this piece of technology ~ especially when I'm hooking up my SHERPA II. Here is a picture of my rear view camera. Not too bad in my opinion.
Finally, here are some driveway pics...
Prior to the trip to the powder coater, I will be having Atomic fab up a fold down table and a locking pin system that will prop the carrier at various open angles. As usual, I will post up pics when I get them.
I'll post up the post powder coat pics in a few weeks. After that: On board air / Camp, camp, camp...
Regards,
BWJ
