5th gen pelfrybilt aluminum plate bumper

[Jono.ful]

just released today.
I think this might be my new favourite aftermarket bumper.

many details are still forthcoming. weighs only 62lbs in aluminum (steel is coming soon). I certainly hope there will also be a version that fits 2010-2013 as well.
pelfrybilt.com

 

[gm350reratliff]

Very nice!

 

[wfo9]

Like.

So strange that all the vendors now start with 2014 and skipped 2010 - 2013 when those are the trucks that people are ready to beat on off-road. All because of a stupid headlight shape and plastic grilll. Maybe I'll just convert. Nah, I can't get over the tiny grill look.

 

[kapp_badbloodz]

I like it.




But that 2100.00 price tag tho.....

 

[marshal]

Not to start a dick measuring contest with that weirdo toy2g again, but I contacted pelfry as I was interested in thier bumper and tried to ask them several questions on the engineering stand point of their bumper for recovery.

From what I can gather from the photos available the d shackle mounts are only through welded and not part of the structure of the truck, as well they're made from aluminum and subject to huge stressors that could lead to cracking.

Their response was to totally ignore my engineering inquiries and only answer my other questions. When I asked them again about the specifics of their recovery design they ignored me all together.

It's a very good looking bumper, but I'm wary of the design behind the skin

As far as designing them for only 14+ body styles? That's pretty short sighted IMO

 

[wfo9]

Not to start a dick measuring contest with that weirdo toy2g again, but I contacted pelfry as I was interested in thier bumper and tried to ask them several questions on the engineering stand point of their bumper for recovery.

From what I can gather from the photos available the d shackle mounts are only through welded and not part of the structure of the truck, as well they're made from aluminum and subject to huge stressors that could lead to cracking.

Their response was to totally ignore my engineering inquiries and only answer my other questions. When I asked them again about the specifics of their recovery design they ignored me all together.

It's a very good looking bumper, but I'm wary of the design behind the skin

As far as designing them for only 14+ body styles? That's pretty short sighted IMO

But do you really need those recovery points? The stock ones are still there and plenty accessible. As long as the winch plate is well tied into the frame...I would not worry too much.

 

[transworldmoto]

When spending $2100+ on a bumper with integrated winch mounts, I'd expect them to work for their intended purpose. That goes for any feature of that bumper. You're paying a premium for every little thing offered with the product from the design, both aesthetically and functionally, down to the powdercoat. I'm a pretty firm believer that if I'm willing to spend my hard earned money on it, it better work as described.

That being said, I think this is definitely one of the better looking offerings when compared to DeMello, SW, 4X4 Labs, etc. One of the best looking integrated front skid/ radiator filler plate designs out there, IMO.

 

[Range]

With the increasing popularity of the 5th Gen I'm starting to see more products revolve around looks over function. I think these products look great but the new 4Runner is such a desirable SUV now because there are so many more companies that offer "beauty" modifications. Any 1st - 4th Gen if they are built up, most of the time its stuff that gets used. Any type of cosmetic changes it because the owner was sweating his ass off in their garage with a dremel and sandpaper. Now there is so much more aftermarket stuff for the 5th Gen.

Thats a great looking bumper but it looks like it would crumple like tin foil if you hit anything going 35 mph especially with all of those cuts in the front for light bars.

 

[wfo9]

It's speculation at this point about how the shackle mounts are designed. I'd be happy if they were not there in the first place..

But I see your point about spending that much.... and expecting function over just looks.

 

[transworldmoto]

Exactly^. I kinda wish they would have answered [MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] 's engineering questions to shed a little more light on it. All in good time.

I can't really see this bumper being stronger or better built than SW and I'm really curious to know if they did any type of crash testing. Not that it's required, but I know ARB and SW do, which could be a huge selling point for a lot of people.

 

[wfo9]

Exactly^. I kinda wish they would have answered [MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] 's engineering questions to shed a little more light on it. All in good time.

I can't really see this bumper being stronger or better built than SW and I'm really curious to know if they did any type of crash testing. Not that it's required, but I know ARB and SW do, which could be a huge selling point for a lot of people.

SW is hard to beat for durability. Those things are so solid.

I've never heard of SW doing crash testing though. I think in a "major" crash you want the bumper to crush very easily. The stock bumper is aluminum and has some pretty thin crush cans before the frame is encountered.

Many people want a plate bumper to be strong to plow over things "like wildlife in the road...". That might not be what you want if "heaven forbid" you had a head on collision with a very stable or high velocity structure.

 

[Jono.ful]

there are obvious concerns over the strength of aluminum for those of us who actually use their rigs, as opposed to those who just want to look cool at the mall.
it is hard to deny the fact that this is a great looking bumper, one of the best looking if not the best even. I have had the opportunity to see several of the Pelfrybilt Taco bumpers up close, and they have all appeared to be incredibly well built regardless of the material used. at the end of the day, if you just want to look good, go aluminum, but if you're concerned about strength, wait for the steel version.

 

[marshal]

at the end of the day, if you just want to look good, go aluminum, but if you're concerned about strength, wait for the steel version.

That's not how it should be though. The aluminum version should be every bit as strong as the steel one, just more expensive.

 

[Range]

Sometimes I wonder how necessary it is for me to have the extra 150lbs+ of steel on the front of my truck instead of aluminum although aluminum wasn't even available when I got my SW.

Hitting something head on, obviously the steel wins (am I wrong?). But the two things we use the most on these aftermarket bumpers is the winch and the shackle mounts. Are these points of contact as strong as steel? I'm not even thinking about the left and right departure cuts because were not really pivoting off of them or placing a lot of weight on that area, maybe others do, I don't know.

So the aluminum is obviously stronger than plastic but not as strong as steel (correct me if I am wrong). What I'd like to know is how do the contact points 1) where the winch is mounted and 2) shackle mounts compare between steel vs. aluminum.

 

[ST1FLER]

there are obvious concerns over the strength of aluminum for those of us who actually use their rigs, as opposed to those who just want to look cool at the mall.
it is hard to deny the fact that this is a great looking bumper, one of the best looking if not the best even. I have had the opportunity to see several of the Pelfrybilt Taco bumpers up close, and they have all appeared to be incredibly well built regardless of the material used. at the end of the day, if you just want to look good, go aluminum, but if you're concerned about strength, wait for the steel version.

For what we are talking about I agree, but it is possible to heat treat and add density to aluminum resulting in more strength that steel in some cases. I.e. Ford f150. But I highly doubt that amount of engineering was pit into this bumper

 

[jwkilgore]

But do you really need those recovery points? The stock ones are still there and plenty accessible. As long as the winch plate is well tied into the frame...I would not worry too much.

You're stuck in the mud and your friend is hooking his snatch rope to your vehicle for recovery. Do you think he'll take the trouble to reach under for the OEM points, or use the one sticking right out in front of him?

If they include a recovery point on the bumper it should be strong enough to use for recovery.

Gotta admit, though, it it rather pretty.

 

[LawnDart]

Hands down this is the best looking bumper in regards to retaining the general styling of the 14+ year models, which I know some like, and some don't like, but still keeps it in line without going full Mad Max: Fury Road.

I'm of two minds about this, as I built my setup to straddle that line between daily driver and Mad Max, which I know I'll cross when I get the Snorkel. But anyways my point is that I haven't trashed my front end yet, so ditching it has me feeling conflicted.

It's like looking at an amazing prosthetic arm, I don't want to lose my current arm, but that one with the rockets and laser beems would be the one I'd want IF I cut it off on purpose, just saying.

I do think the lack of hoops surprised me, as that sort of keeps the lights and hood vulnerable. I think the weight of 65'ish pounds is incredible. But I do think I'd hold out for steel, given the durability.

Some folks are questioning how strong this is, let me ask you: has Pelfrey released anything that has been weaksauce or crappy? I trust them on this, and given that DO just said they didn't have an update on a release of theirs, I'd say that Pelfrey took their time. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Also saying that some of the holes in this make it vulnerable is a little ironic given that the front bumper on the July T4ROTM looks about as useless as one made out of PVC. This one looks 100x better.

Again the lack of hoops worries me, as I wanted to run limb-risers. Again, I'll trust but verify, I'm not sold on this yet, but if I had to hack off the front of my vehicle, this certainly looks the best from a function/aesthetic standpoint.

 

[LawnDart]

Quick photoshop job:

 

[jrandom]

The 5.5 I like well enough I would like to see a 5th gen. Like the other bumper that was posted recently it is cool to see some stretch the asthetic a bit.

Aluminum should be a good compromise for weight and durability IMO. Much like aluminum skids. Steel has a nice bit of deformity were as aluminum is more rigid. The steel has a better opportunity to bend instead of trashing your mounting points.

It should not sacrifice the tow/recovery points lateral and torsional strength, those need to be strong regardless, else it is worthless as a winch/recovery option. Worse case is a ten pound hunk of metal flying through the air. If you are pulling off angle with a snatch block, it needs to be able withstand "most" of that stress. That is what you typically pay for IMO. Approach angle, large impacts, looks, most of that is just bonus.

 

[Engineer]

Doesn't look bad, only time will tell of it was designed right. Its a joke if you think any aftermarket bumper is "designed". They get sheets of material of choice and start cutting/welding and then reinforce with brackets, gussets, thicker material where they see fit. I have never seen an aftermarket bumper for the 4runner come with any kind of pull rating, do they?