Clutch’s deep thoughts thread...

[bkg]

I've never seen crumple zones built into an ARB. ARB advertises they analyze the OEM airbag and crash absorption systems for each vehicle to maintain the OEM performance and function. I believe this includes crumple zones behind the bumper, not the bumper itself. If the bumper itself were to crumple, it kind of negates the value of adding it in the first place.

The newer ARB's are a multi piece design - bumper and mounting brackets. The mounting brackets have the "crumple zone," as I'm calling it, which i'm sure is for airbag compatibility. Older, one piece bumpers for pre-airbag trucks didn't have them (at least the three ARB's I owned previously didn't).

 

[DaveInDenver]

This is what the 2nd gen subframe looks like. It was a solid bracket, no apparent crush zones (at least pre-shaped steel indicating it). Not sure that ARB intended the frame itself to be the crush zone since they also included two tension brackets that look to me to do the opposite, prevent the frame from flexing with an off center winch angle. The whole thing weighed about 125 lbs without the winch.

I wrecked my '91 with the ARB and buckled in the middle but kept the frame straight (the replacement ARB bolted right on). IMO a bumper isn't supposed to never give. What's the point of having a bumper that is so much more stout than the truck itself that after a collision you're left with a straight bumper on a buckled frame?



Two bolts on each frame end, 3 across the front cross member and a bolt under each frame (by the recovery point). Nine total fasteners I believe.



Then each tension bracket has two bolts to the subframe and one long bolt passing though he frame rail.



There's two 9/16" bolts on each side that are the primary bumper to subframe connections and 3 smaller 12mm down the edge on each side. Ten bolts total hold the bumper to the subframe.

 

[Clutch]

Regarding the ARB--have you hit a deer with it? I've seen a few pictures, but sometimes doesn't tell the whole story. I'm wondering how much damage it prevents AND causes. Can't imagine a direct impact to the frame would have no consequences.

I am currently looking for a rear bumper, as I seem to drag it quite a bit. Still debating on the front.

IIRC, ARB's have a crumple zone...

I have come close to nailing a deer at 75 mph...got out of the way at the last second. So not tested yet, thank goodness.

My thought is, better to have something than nothing at all. Isn’t really about protecting the truck, it is about hopefully being able to walk away from an accident.

Yes it does have crush cans.

Pretty much screwed for elk or moose though. It has taken some hits from ice chunks falling off semis in the hwy, who knows may if saved a headlight or grill.

 

[Clutch]

High frequency vibration is gone at 60 mph and above, figured it would lowering it back down to a normal height. Was not happy with those CV angles before, among other things.

Phone died so not many pictures from today’s excursion. Did get to ride in about 2” of snow up by the lookout towers, but no pictures of that.

Winter is coming...

 

[tacollie]

I hit a small elk which was bigger than a deer with my 02 taco and an early ARB. I was doing 50mph. This was 14 years ago and I don't know what happened to the photo (it was film which is sad because we were a bunch of idiots and took our picture holding it). The elk's shoulder contacted on the driver side head light. It bent the bumper far enough to lock up the front left side tire. The elk was thrown across the 2 lane high way into the ditch. The broken radiator, engine mount, and locked up wheel meant I wasn't driving anywhere. Honestly, the tire locking up was good because it showed the highway patrol I want speeding. I had a buddy behind me to give me a ride.

I taped a vw golf that pulled out in front of me with the later/replacement ARB. It was different and lighter. They were on the gas and swerved over to where I swerved to miss them when I hit them. I was doing 50mph. I didn't hit her hard. The golf was jacked! I never did anything to my truck because it looked fine and I was afraid of being at fault. It happen at 1 in the morning. The lady had a bunch of boxes with clothes spilling out and didn't care about the damage. She just wanted to leave fast. I was insistent about exchanging information but she wouldn't have it. I took that as freebie and changed my driving habits. ARBs help but a strike is a strike. It's not a garuntee.

 

[2manyprojects]

I got rear-ended on I-5 a few years ago in my '85 FJ-60 when the traffic suddenly stopped and the guy behind didn't want to...



It didn't even scratch the powdercoat on my 4Plus rear bumper. Ins Adjuster, body shop, and I all looked it over and could find no indication of any frame damage. The ARB front is even heavier than this rear bumper...

 

[Clutch]

Here you go @phsycle

On the Main Line Overland FB page. Careful, that first step is a lulu!

 

[DaveInDenver]

Very nice. And like you're not used to lining up a cooler for a step into your 'Nest...

 

[Clutch]

And like you're not used to lining up coolers for a step into your 'Nest...

Ha ha! Do use the trailer as a step.



That idea I have for a OVRLND flatbed to load bikes into...really like that idea...could even stash a slideout ramp under the bed like a moving truck. But I dunno...trailers are so dang easy to load. Rode 80 miles yesterday at a fairly quick pace, as it was hero dirt out there. Was beat when got back to the truck...heck I almost fell over when my legged cramped pushing the bike up into my low to the ground trailer. Would probably kill myself trying to push it up into something that high as the Ram.

Think I'll still stick to trailers. 3rd gen Taco should have no problem a 2500 lbs max, 6X12 enclosed V-Nose. Those are around only $3500-4000 new too...little insulation, some RV windows, no build out, just use all of the folding tables/camp gear/cot I have now, and call it good. Dirt bag living at its' finest!

https://www.trailersplus.com/Idaho/Nampa/6-Wide-Cargo-Trailers/trailer/4YMBC1214KR000879/

Lotsa square footage for the buck.

 

[Clutch]

Speaking of how vehicles look @phsycle ...I do like this...yeah I know...3rd Gen, DCSB....diggin' the Total Chaos 2+ kit, sitting on E-Rated tires. Clean and simple, yet mean looking.

 

[2manyprojects]

I was talking with the owner of VRV Toy Haulers yesterday, and they will be having some interesting smaller products coming out, including an update on their 614 trailer and a small "expedition" trailer. I haven't seen anything they've built yet, but the construction and specs look interesting. I'm mulling over a trailer we could sleep in, haul too much if we wanted to, and doesn't beat itself to death in 10K mi's on dirt roads.

 

[2manyprojects]

Clutch, is that trailer pic from ID? That mountain range looks real familiar...

We were just exploring the Snake River Canyon area and McCall two weeks ago during the dry weather, and it reminds me of the 7 Devils wilderness.

 

[Clutch]

Clutch, is that trailer pic from ID? That mountain range looks real familiar...

We were just exploring the Snake River Canyon area and McCall two weeks ago during the dry weather, and it reminds me of the 7 Devils wilderness.

Yep, Sawtooths...Stanley Lake is right over that ridge. One of my favorite spots in Idaho. Was up there end of September and again the beginning of October.

Creek feeding into the lake.

Posted this earlier. Like clockwork every evening a small heard of elk show up in the meadow below camp. No zoom lens on the phone, shot through my binoculars.

I was talking with the owner of VRV Toy Haulers yesterday, and they will be having some interesting smaller products coming out, including an update on their 614 trailer and a small "expedition" trailer. I haven't seen anything they've built yet, but the construction and specs look interesting. I'm mulling over a trailer we could sleep in, haul too much if we wanted to, and doesn't beat itself to death in 10K mi's on dirt roads.

I have been looking at those for awhile, have been following them on FB with their teardrops...but not what I am looking for. (the tear drop that is) like their toyhualers.

You can get those tip out beds and do one yourself.

http://www.mirageinc.com/bed-door-46-34-x-81-fold-out-tent

I base camp mostly, so a trailer makes the most sense over a slide-in camper for me. Keeps the truck light, drop the trailer and go exploring.

 

[2manyprojects]

Stanley looks beautiful! Damn, another mandatory trip stop for the list...

Our 1st time in McCall, we were living in the lap of luxury! Every one of the RV campers couldn't believe we were sleeping in a tent...



As you can see, we NEED a basecamp. Not visible are the inflatable kayaks and golf clubs...

Seven Devils from the OR side of the canyon. Nice drive from Copperfield, OR up to Joseph, OR via FR39. The Wallowas are a sight too.


Enjoyed the RTT, but would have been nice to leave the house and go exploring with the truck instead of the bikes.

 

[Clutch]

Stanley looks beautiful! Damn, another mandatory trip stop for the list...

Our 1st time in McCall, we were living in the lap of luxury! Every one of the RV campers couldn't believe we were sleeping in a tent...

View attachment 481202

As you can see, we NEED a basecamp. Not visible are the inflatable kayaks and golf clubs...

Seven Devils from the OR side of the canyon. Nice drive from Copperfield, OR up to Joseph, OR via FR39. The Wallowas are a sight too.
View attachment 481199

Enjoyed the RTT, but would have been nice to leave the house and go exploring with the truck instead of the bikes.

It is...don’t tell anyone! One of the few places left they haven’t commercialized yet. Though they are doing major camp ground expansion at Redfish and Stanley Lake. Even though I base camp... like dispersed camping over camp grounds...don't need to get too far off the beaten path, but need to be away from the crowds.

I kayaked Redfish when I was there in September.



Came down through the Palouse and Walla Walla last fall, when I went to Coeur d’Alene and Sand Point. Just awful up there...nothing to see.