Its extremely hard to do that. The easiest response to this is that "you can't have your cake and eat it too".

Let me explain. A tire carrier requires the entire setup to be built to the point of overkill. I, as a company, will over build everything since its my name on it, and my liability at risk. So, I would only use the strongest setup for the steel, spindle, and latching mechanism. Unfortunately, cheap and quality don't mix. And, therefore, a bumper/carrier like this would be priced based on quality.

I don't want to speculate on pricing, but I would expect it to be priced accordingly with the other setups like this on the market.

One more thing of note just so everyone is aware of this ahead of time. I refuse to build a carrier with fuel cans on it. So, there is absolutely no way I would ever build a carrier to house fuel cans. I don't want the liability of someone strapping a BOMB to the back of their car. If you get rear ended, it can literally explode. I also do not want the extra 45lbs of weight per fuel can hanging off of the spindle. Its not safe, and I will never put my name on it.

If you need more than 18 gallons of fuel, then you need to look into an auxiliary fuel tank. In fact, an auxiliary fuel tank can be installed in place of the stock tire carrier under the back.

The original bumper used 2x4 square tubing through the center section.

Why the change in design?

Mainly because it appeals to the masses more, and it will help with the design. Don't worry, the aesthetics of the bumper itself will still look very similar. But, the function is what we are trying to improve.

I like the new one very much...kind of splits the difference between plate/tube.

Well, I think most people who need a steel/aftermarket bumper is because they want higher clearence and would like the protection over the tin-foil stock one.

Saying that, you've probably got a lift and running at least a 285 tire, which doesn't fit in the stock location anyways. It also takes up a lot of space up on a roofrack and is not fun to get up and down.

That would conclude that a bumper with a tire carrier, and not caring about the stock location would be important to most people, but of course... Thats my own opinion on the matter.

Another thing that I would really like to see is that the tire carrier section being removable, so that you can put on the carrier when going on trips, but take it off with commuting to retain better vision, and ease of everyday use of the back hatch.

I really like the design as well. Id rather have a light weight bumper with high clearance since the rear is already on the heavy side. I really like you are asking the community for insight.

This is where we are going. At this point, it appears that we will offer the bumper by itself with the option of adding a carrier later, and the bumper with a carrier. I can add a provision for a highlift. Oh, and yes, the swing out could be removed if needed for commuting.

I still think having a gas can holder on the swing-out is beneficial for SUV's. Who wants to keep spare gas inside the rig? (assuming you dont have an aux. tank) I understand your point for not including them, and it's completely reasonable... but an aux. fuel tank just isn't within the scope of a lot of peoples rigs who serve both DD and trail functionality. I guess I can stop talking and just put a jerry can on the roof too... lol

The bumper looks awesome! I've always liked this design.
- Hi-Lift mount would be a good provision.
- A stove table on the inside of the swing-out would seal the deal for me, as my truck sees tons of camping use. The stove table on some "competitors" bumpers is pretty appealing IMO. Plus, if your worried about overloading the spindle etc, this option won't weigh very much! Im curious on the weight of this bumper....

Oh, and I voted #4 because with rear bumpers and tire carriers being so expensive, it may be beneficial for some to split-up the "investment".

edit: I took the time to read through the whole thread... haha

This happened to my neighbors when we were kids. Their family had a can strapped to the back of their motorhome and someone rear ended them. They lost 2 of the kids and various other bits and pieces. After that the mom just sat on the porch staring at us with the eye she had left, the dad nearby looking lost. Ick.




I like 3. Actually the original version seems a little leaner and I like that better but there's no way I'm going to get a tire on the roof rack so it's either underneath or on back. Don't like either option that much but on back makes more sense than underneath given why for the bumper anyway. I'd just strap it inside but that's where all the doing stuff goes.
Being perpetually kid going to college broke , it'll be a loooonnnngggg while before I get to do anything. At all. Ever.

If I could, I'd vote #2 AND #3.

IMHO: The main reason for an aftermarket bumper is to provide clearance. The majority of the people that need the clearance are running larger tires that do not fit in the stock location. The interior and the roof of our 4Runners are not the smartest places to put an oversized tire, for obvious reasons.

The only way you're going to create a well selling bumper is to make it practical for everyone. And Affordable.


edit: Ok, so I basically said the same thing as Baja Runner, I'm just slower.

I'll have to agree with Baja and Brignola (even though he said the same thing ) I'm not carrying a spare, which sucks, and it's because 1) I'm not putting it on top 2) I don't have room for it in the back and 3) A 285 just wont fit under the truck, plus it's a major rear clearance factor.

The main reason for me with getting an aftermarket bumper is having a tire carrier. I would still benefit from the high clearance and stronger steel cus trust me, my rear bumper is in no shape or form pristine or even close to it.

I vote #4, mainly because I just can't afford to throw about a grand or more at a bumper w/ a carrier at once. I would love to but it's not an option for me right now.

What I think you should do is offer an add-on tire carrier package for a specific bumper and make the bumper versatile enough that it would still look ok without it. Put together a package that contains everything you would need to install the tire carrier onto the bumper with instructions. I have more than enough connections with friends that will allow me to get this done whether it's grinding, welding, cutting, etc etc.. You can probably assume that about 75% of the people on here have the same connections if not already obtain the skills. I honestly don't see why companies don't already do this..

If that were a woman, I would make sweet, sweet, sensual love to it. For a minute, maybe two, if she were lucky.

Okay, so based on the poll its pretty much an overwhelming response in favor of ditching the stock carrier, so we will be doing that. (Sorry to those who wanted to keep it)

We have decided to offer a bumper that will allow attachment of a tire carrier after the fact so it can be purchased later. This will require fabrication on the end user's part later on. We will also off the carrier completely fabbed and ready to bolt on after paint.

We will send out some pieces for press bend. I will try to get pricing info up as soon as we get some quotes back what these pieces are going to run us. Not to mention I need to get some quotes on the spindles and latches.

Good news, I'm glad it went this way

Glad yall decided on this.

I wish more companies would do it.. Hopefully it catches on. I really think you guys will benefit from it more.

It's also awesome to see the sponsors get on here and ask what we'd like to see. You guys get a golden star sticker next to your name.. Trust me, you don't want a thundercloud sticker

Waldz