Gen 3 Tacoma Rear Steel Bumper Recommendation for Overlanding

I'm looking for a rear steel bumper that provides both protection and have utility like a having recovering mounting points and cut out for led pods lights.

Any recommendation of good brands?

 

I’d bet you can find good experiences and not so good experiences with any bumper fabber out there.

I believe it comes down to your preferences because most, if not all of them, incorporate the two items on your list: recovery points and LED drop in locations. You might also consider shipping costs as these can add up quickly shipping an item as big and heavy as a bumper.

You didn’t ask but I like SSO’s rear, as I feel it follows the lines of the truck well. I’ll be ordering from them a little later in the year.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I know that
That why I post this because I get some good recommendation of brands that I never heard of for a good deal
That how I picked my suspension. Got reaccommodated of a Australian brand that was cheaper compare to the competition and the features and quality is pretty good for the price

 

I am running the bumper by Addictive Desert Designs and I really like it. However, every aftermarket bumper is going to have pro's and con's. In regards to the ADD bumper:

Pros:

Estetics - matches the lines of the truck really well
Profile - does not hang down and tucks up against the truck
No cutting - didn't have to cut the fenders
Pod lights - really nice job in fitting them
Retains back up sensors - do not disconnect them when installing the bumper!
Retains factory tow hitch
Very strong!

Cons:

No way to mount a swing-out spare tire mount
No way to mount a swing-out gas tank mount
Loss of blind spot monitoring sensors (which I hated anyways)
Not as high as bumpers that required cutting the fenders

 

I just bought this: https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/4-wheel-parts-factory-tacoma-rear-bumper-61448w/_/R-4WPBR-61448W

Unfortunately life and the weather haven't been cooperative, but soon will get it mounted.

 

Things I considered when I purchased my RCI rear bumper.

• Integrated recovery points
• Integrated backup light
• Integrated hitch
• Weight

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-hidden-hitch-bumpers-not-high-clearance.590385/

I really like my RCI, but would have added the SSO bumper to my consideration list, if it existed at the time. Unfortunately, Mobtown is now kaput, so they're off the list.

Only thing I'd do differently... order raw and have it coated locally. Paint typically gets damaged in shipping.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-rear-bumper-thread-feb-2024-update.530302/

 

I think there are many good brands and they all have something different for your needs. do you want to have side protection as well and cut the bed to fit that? I went with https://www.saintsoffroad.com/colle...-mfg/products/2016-tacoma-foxtrot-rear-bumper because I liked the look and build quality and didn’t want to cut my bed, just preference.

If you like the side protection, check out DRT’s. There is no shortage of quality with any of his products. @drtfabrication
https://www.drt-fabrication.com/product/2016-high-clearance-rear-bumper

 

Thank you for the mention! @RebleAZ

I am a bit biased of course but I have yet to see a bumper that compares in quality and function like our bumper.

I am willing to bet our bumper has the most clearance gained when compared to any of the major brands. Our bumper has 2 frame supports, hitch tube supports, billet bezels for s2s along with a long list of details I could go on about. I believe we are the only company that makes a rear bumper that will allow you to add the swing out later (correct me if I’m wrong) swing out is also extremely over built with no corners cut. Quality is and has been our #1 priority.

the only con I think could be mentioned is it does not play well with a factory spare tire over a ~32” tire. This was known during the design process and opted to have the most clearance possible.

The best part is members get 10% off with code TW10

 

I do like the way yours looks but have a few questions.

1-Are you saying that the swing out cannot support anything more than a 32” tire….or that the oem spare location cannot fit a 32 because of the hitch support?


2-Any way to incorporate the hitch plugs behind the flip up license plate?



3-On the recovery point it looks like it has welds all around, not sure why?

What’s the thickness that’s actually bolted to the frame?


4-The logo cutout looks like it might weaken the swing out mount (assuming a 33+ spare, highlift, fuel cans….if it’s an option)

 

I do like the way yours looks but have a few questions.

1-Are you saying that the swing out cannot support anything more than a 32” tire….or that the oem spare location cannot fit a 32 because of the hitch support?

Referring to the factory location. I’ve found that a 33” tire can fit in the factory location if you relocate the mount forward. 32” fits.

2-Any way to incorporate the hitch plugs behind the flip up license plate?

Not really, the bumper includes a relocation bracket that puts it above the bumper about 1” on the drivers side


3-On the recovery point it looks like it has welds all around, not sure why?

There’s 1/4” plates welded to 3/8 plate to increase the mounting thickness of the d ring pad. The 3/8 plate these are welded to are also the frame mounts that bolt to the side of the frame and where the tube supports for the hitch land

What’s the thickness that’s actually bolted to the frame?
3/8


4-The logo cutout looks like it might weaken the swing out mount (assuming a 33+ spare, highlift, fuel cans….if it’s an option)

I don’t have any concerns of the logo weakening it. The swing out mounts to the “taillight cap” and the main bumper shell.

the main shell runs through the taillight cap and welds directly into the sides. There is also a gusset tied to the frame mounts and extends to the edge of the taillight cap on the bottom side.

 

Thanks for that clarification!

So the swing out can handle a 33+ and all that other stuff?

I guess I should have been looking here….
https://www.drt-fabrication.com/product/2016-2023-tacoma-swing-out

 

Is there a camera relocation bracket available?
Probably easy enough to rig something once it’s setup.

 

It’s designed around a 35” tire. You can mount any of the traditional things to it short of a mini cooper to the swing out haha

camera relo isn’t available yet from us but plenty have configured them. It’s in the works though.

 

Life is easier when you have criteria.

A steel rear bumper should have the following features.
-swingout(s)
-high clearance
-ability to put lights
-tree saver side hoops
-integrated strong tow hitch

competitive price is optional and a personal decision.
Wait times vary.

One example that qualifies is WarFab Phantom. That is what I went with.

When you realize that, it will be very easy to narrow down to only 3 or so to pick from, which is easy to choose.

For example. Obviously not this.

 

Agree with you on that ADD design, OP stated over-landing and that’s usually high clearance or at least swing outs.


I’ve seen that warfab and don’t like that hybrid style.
Also looks like they’re dialing back production …

 

support for the truck is not garunteed by anyone for life. You get it while you can.

if you spend $1k+ on a steel bumper you cut the bedsides and gain clearance and protection not previously had. And looks.

Warfab being hybrid means it has tubes that match sliders which 90% are tube and go with bumpers.