CBI Rear Bumper PSA/Horror Story

[oulaw]

PSA: If you are considering getting a rear bumper I would avoid CBI at all costs. The U bolt latch to lock the swing arms will snap! When you call for a replacement on a bumper that cost thousands, they charge about $15 for a bolt and won't send the measurements so you can find it yourself for $4. For ALMOST A MONTH I have been trying to get them to mail me a replacement before my trip and they mailed it to the wrong address, despite having the right address on the invoice and me telling them do not mail it to my old address. About 2 weeks ago I realized they mailed it to the wrong address and they were going to mail them out again. Last Friday I called to follow up and I was told they would mail it out. This week I emailed asking if they had a tracking # and YESTERDAY get the email "we will see what we can do to get those out". I have looked at three hardware stores to find this ubolt to no avail and now it looks like it will not be here in time and I will have to get someone to spot weld the swing arms or something as a temporary fix and not take my T4R offroad this trip. This is not the only issue. The camp table frequently comes loose and scratched my rear hatch and I had to 86 the camp table. The ubolt design is horrible and needs frequent adjustment or the dual swings wobble and about a dozen times the swing arms open unexpectedly and thank god I was not passing any cars or pedestrians at the time or someone could have been hurt or serious property damage. If the ubolt snaps like mine did on the K trial, better hope you have 70lb+ zip ties or some other way to secure it or tools to remove and drop your bumper on the trial. The spot lights they recommend use inside the bumper there is not enough space in the opening of the bumper so the spots look scratched to hell along the top of the light housings. The bumper looks great, but common a $5 ubolt and you have them in stock so this must keep happening either way if a part you use on a $3,000 bumper snaps good customer service = you mail one out for free or at the very least mail it to the right address so it gets there within a few days after someone pays for it. My T4R has been sitting long enough waiting for a damn bolt. This is one of the worst, most ridiculous customer service experiences I have had in my 46 years on this earth.:frusty:

EDIT: On another note I don't recommend the BP-51 setup on the 5th gens. I've had several issues now and am about to have them replaced with Icons. Fingers crossed those turn out better.

<a href="https://ibb.co/rp3zKN9"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/YdX14wg/Latch.jpg" alt="Latch" border="0"></a><br /><a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>image uploader</a><br />

Update Problem Solved! U Bolt from an axle this won’t be breaking any time soon u
<a href="https://ibb.co/h895p5g"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/gg91s1r/384448-C8-2550-41-CE-AF14-226-D8-BF05-B9-F.jpg" alt="384448-C8-2550-41-CE-AF14-226-D8-BF05-B9-F" border="0"></a>

 

[sn_85]

Not going to defend CBI here as it seems like they failed multiple times to get the correct u-bolt out to you but that is a very basic and generic latch from De-sta-co. You can readily get replacement parts or the latch itself from them. Measure the length and diameter of the u-bolt. Is there a P/N or S/N on the clamp? Based on pictures alone that looks like the 344-R clamp.

344-R : 324/334/344 - Pull Action Latch Clamps | DESTACO

I'd give De-sta-co a call and see what they can do. Also look up MSC-Direct and McMaster-Carr. They can probably get you a new u-bolt out quickly without messing up your order. Your typical retail hardware store will not have that length and style u-bolt in stock. Good luck.

 

[pheen]

I had to deal with CBI recently for both the latch and table and was not pleased with the customer service. Had I known, I would have gone with a different rear bumper.

While I did end up getting my latch from them because I needed it. I ended up tossing my table because they wouldn't sell me replacement hardware and said that I would need to buy a whole new table.... I ended up going with Front Runner table with a latch.

I guess I wasn't the only one that experienced the horrible customer service from CBI.

 

[oulaw]

Not going to defend CBI here as it seems like they failed multiple times to get the correct u-bolt out to you but that is a very basic and generic latch from De-sta-co. You can readily get replacement parts or the latch itself from them. Measure the length and diameter of the u-bolt. Is there a P/N or S/N on the clamp? Based on pictures alone that looks like the 344-R clamp.

344-R : 324/334/344 - Pull Action Latch Clamps | DESTACO

I'd give De-sta-co a call and see what they can do. Also look up MSC-Direct and McMaster-Carr. They can probably get you a new u-bolt out quickly without messing up your order. Your typical retail hardware store will not have that length and style u-bolt in stock. Good luck.

Thank you! Won't get it in time for my trip but great to know, i wish they had just given me this info last month

 

[oulaw]

I had to deal with CBI recently for both the latch and table and was not pleased with the customer service. Had I known, I would have gone with a different rear bumper.

While I did end up getting my latch from them because I needed it. I ended up tossing my table because they wouldn't sell me replacement hardware and said that I would need to buy a whole new table.... I ended up going with Front Runner table with a latch.

I guess I wasn't the only one that experienced the horrible customer service from CBI.

I figured there had to be more with this issue. No issue with the front bumper but the rear is enough risk for all the reasons above that I already ordered a bumper from another manufacturer. This build out has cost me so much $$, I was one of the Pelfreybuilt customers and lost all my $$ from when I had ordered front and back bumpers and lights from them they got me for north of $8,000

 

[comtn4x4]

I figured there had to be more with this issue. No issue with the front bumper but the rear is enough risk for all the reasons above that I already ordered a bumper from another manufacturer. This build out has cost me so much $$, I was one of the Pelfreybuilt customers and lost all my $$ from when I had ordered front and back bumpers and lights from them they got me for north of $8,000

Wow that sucks. Sorry to hear about your situation. I got burned by Pelfrey too although not quite as bad as you. I enede up with a C4 rear bumper and it has been great. Well designed and superior customer service. Initially they shipped me all the parts for a RotoPax setup although I had ordered a Jerry can carrier. They overnighted me the parts without any discussion and didn't ask for the RotoPax set up back. Also was always available to promptly answer questions along the way. I'd highly recommend them if your not already committed

 

[DannyLlama]

No experience with CBI but bad customer services is enough to walk way from any company.

This isn't the first time I have heard about bad info regarding rear bumpers from them. Maybe its time for them to invest in some R&D.

OP - I feel for you and have been in your shoes with other car parts. Sorry buddy. I try to go with , its just money.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

 

[AZ Craig]

Note to self. Add CBI to list of offroad component companies to avoid!

 

[DannyLlama]

Note to self. Add CBI to list of offroad component companies to avoid!

Add fox to that list

 

[AZ Craig]

Add fox to that list

I've actually heard that several times also (despite Toyota using their components for the Pro suspension).

What's your story with them?

 

[oulaw]

Wow that sucks. Sorry to hear about your situation. I got burned by Pelfrey too although not quite as bad as you. I enede up with a C4 rear bumper and it has been great. Well designed and superior customer service. Initially they shipped me all the parts for a RotoPax setup although I had ordered a Jerry can carrier. They overnighted me the parts without any discussion and didn't ask for the RotoPax set up back. Also was always available to promptly answer questions along the way. I'd highly recommend them if your not already committed

sorry to hear. I have no idea how the owners of Pelfrey were not prosecuted for fraud when they continued to take orders knowing they were going under and were lying to customers with existing orders especially since items like lights should have been shipped at least. If it was a big corporation I can see how the corporate guys may not see the big picture until its too late but with a small operation they are taking salary out of the funds that are paying for product they never planned on shipping. That was Cali and if it were some of the other states the DA may have brought charges and sought discovery of their books, if it was more than a month of taking orders without the ability to buy materials to fullfill the existing backorders then that shows intent and should be prosecuted as fraud.

 

[comtn4x4]

sorry to hear. I have no idea how the owners of Pelfrey were not prosecuted for fraud when they continued to take orders knowing they were going under and were lying to customers with existing orders especially since items like lights should have been shipped at least. If it was a big corporation I can see how the corporate guys may not see the big picture until its too late but with a small operation they are taking salary out of the funds that are paying for product they never planned on shipping. That was Cali and if it were some of the other states the DA may have brought charges and sought discovery of their books, if it was more than a month of taking orders without the ability to buy materials to fullfill the existing backorders then that shows intent and should be prosecuted as fraud.

I 100% agree with everything your saying. I could go on for hours about those douche bags but no one needs that. Karma is a Bi!$h. They'll get theirs someday.

 

[genesis712]

PSA: If you are considering getting a rear bumper I would avoid CBI at all costs. The U bolt latch to lock the swing arms will snap! When you call for a replacement on a bumper that cost thousands, they charge about $15 for a bolt and won't send the measurements so you can find it yourself for $4. For ALMOST A MONTH I have been trying to get them to mail me a replacement before my trip and they mailed it to the wrong address, despite having the right address on the invoice and me telling them do not mail it to my old address. About 2 weeks ago I realized they mailed it to the wrong address and they were going to mail them out again. Last Friday I called to follow up and I was told they would mail it out. This week I emailed asking if they had a tracking # and YESTERDAY get the email "we will see what we can do to get those out". I have looked at three hardware stores to find this ubolt to no avail and now it looks like it will not be here in time and I will have to get someone to spot weld the swing arms or something as a temporary fix and not take my T4R offroad this trip. This is not the only issue. The camp table frequently comes loose and scratched my rear hatch and I had to 86 the camp table. The ubolt design is horrible and needs frequent adjustment or the dual swings wobble and about a dozen times the swing arms open unexpectedly and thank god I was not passing any cars or pedestrians at the time or someone could have been hurt or serious property damage. If the ubolt snaps like mine did on the K trial, better hope you have 70lb+ zip ties or some other way to secure it or tools to remove and drop your bumper on the trial. The spot lights they recommend use inside the bumper there is not enough space in the opening of the bumper so the spots look scratched to hell along the top of the light housings. The bumper looks great, but common a $5 ubolt and you have them in stock so this must keep happening either way if a part you use on a $3,000 bumper snaps good customer service = you mail one out for free or at the very least mail it to the right address so it gets there within a few days after someone pays for it. My T4R has been sitting long enough waiting for a damn bolt. This is one of the worst, most ridiculous customer service experiences I have had in my 46 years on this earth.:frusty:

EDIT: On another note I don't recommend the BP-51 setup on the 5th gens. I've had several issues now and am about to have them replaced with Icons. Fingers crossed those turn out better.

<a href="https://ibb.co/rp3zKN9"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/YdX14wg/Latch.jpg" alt="Latch" border="0"></a><br /><a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>image uploader</a><br />

That sucks! No exp with them but glad C4 is holding up!

Also, whats wrong with your BP51? I have them on for about 3 months and no issues so far although havent spent enough time off road.

 

[oulaw]

That sucks! No exp with them but glad C4 is holding up!

Also, whats wrong with your BP51? I have them on for about 3 months and no issues so far although havent spent enough time off road.

I got them installed within a few weeks of getting the T4R and didn't actually do any serious wheeling for quite awhile. I forgot the first issue but it was the first time i went off road for a few miles something was squeaking bad and my tech fixed that. The last issue outside warranty was the time I took her out and ran about 10 miles in rough terrain I think it was the reservoir that leaked my tech just said it was shot. Maybe a just got one of the older sets that had issues. If you are inside warranty I would for sure suggest go wheel and hammer your rig a bit to make sure they hold up or fail and get them replaced under warranty.

 

[Synstars]

Sorry for your losses but thank you for sharing. I was highly considering CBI for my bumpers but after this post it’s back to the drawing board of how to setup my rig. Best of luck man!

 

[david05111]

Interesting, and I was seriously considering a lot of product from CBI.

 

[Wolfman’s Brother]

This build out has cost me so much $$, I was one of the Pelfreybuilt customers and lost all my $$ from when I had ordered front and back bumpers and lights from them they got me for north of $8,000

After something like that, I commend you for having the balls to engage again with a shop that isn’t within choking distance.

Sorry to hear about the string of bad experiences. It sounds like you have a bad ass rig despite the bs.

 

[Xtremluck]

PSA: If you are considering getting a rear bumper I would avoid CBI at all costs. The U bolt latch to lock the swing arms will snap! When you call for a replacement on a bumper that cost thousands, they charge about $15 for a bolt and won't send the measurements so you can find it yourself for $4. For ALMOST A MONTH I have been trying to get them to mail me a replacement before my trip and they mailed it to the wrong address, despite having the right address on the invoice and me telling them do not mail it to my old address. About 2 weeks ago I realized they mailed it to the wrong address and they were going to mail them out again. Last Friday I called to follow up and I was told they would mail it out. This week I emailed asking if they had a tracking # and YESTERDAY get the email "we will see what we can do to get those out". I have looked at three hardware stores to find this ubolt to no avail and now it looks like it will not be here in time and I will have to get someone to spot weld the swing arms or something as a temporary fix and not take my T4R offroad this trip. This is not the only issue. The camp table frequently comes loose and scratched my rear hatch and I had to 86 the camp table. The ubolt design is horrible and needs frequent adjustment or the dual swings wobble and about a dozen times the swing arms open unexpectedly and thank god I was not passing any cars or pedestrians at the time or someone could have been hurt or serious property damage. If the ubolt snaps like mine did on the K trial, better hope you have 70lb+ zip ties or some other way to secure it or tools to remove and drop your bumper on the trial. The spot lights they recommend use inside the bumper there is not enough space in the opening of the bumper so the spots look scratched to hell along the top of the light housings. The bumper looks great, but common a $5 ubolt and you have them in stock so this must keep happening either way if a part you use on a $3,000 bumper snaps good customer service = you mail one out for free or at the very least mail it to the right address so it gets there within a few days after someone pays for it. My T4R has been sitting long enough waiting for a damn bolt. This is one of the worst, most ridiculous customer service experiences I have had in my 46 years on this earth.:frusty:

EDIT: On another note I don't recommend the BP-51 setup on the 5th gens. I've had several issues now and am about to have them replaced with Icons. Fingers crossed those turn out better.

Sorry you had a poor experience with your latch. I know some other folks have broken latches in the past as well. I've been pretty lucky since I have thousands of hard off road miles on my rear CBI bumper and have yet to break a latch. Im also running A LOT more weight on my swingarms than most since i have a bike rack and bike on there most of the time. In addition to spare fuel, Hi LIft, Propane tank, spare tire bag etc. I wonder if it may be related to the amount of tension you set on that u bolt during installation?

 

[EddieV4runnin]

I’m not a fan of their rear bumper but their front one is rock solid.