Hitch Step and Grill Gaurd Questions

Koz

Koz

New member
I'm interested in a hitch step mainly to protect the rear bumper. I'd like to know which would give the best protection. I've seen the Go Rhino and think it is made pretty strong. I'm also interested in the ICI Innovative Creation model (see attached link), it is 2" longer then the Go Rhino (38"). They both have a limited lifetime warrantee. Does anyone have the ICI model that can give some feedback? Also, does anyone know of a better manufacture or a different type that provides better protection.

http://www.realtruck.com/products/bumpersteps.php#GoRhinoStep

I also need some type of front bumper/grill guard. I don't want to go above the top of the bumper.

Both front and rear guard will be stainless steel for long life.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!:help:

Koz
 
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Koz said:
I'm interested in a hitch step mainly to protect the rear bumper. I'd like to know which would give the best protection. I've seen the Go Rhino and think it is made pretty strong. I'm also interested in the ICI Innovative Creation model (see attached link), it is 2" longer then the Go Rhino (38"). They both have a limited lifetime warrantee. Does anyone have the ICI model that can give some feedback? Also, does anyone know of a better manufacture or a different type that provides better protection.

http://www.realtruck.com/products/bumpersteps.php#GoRhinoStep

I also need some type of front bumper/grill guard. I don't want to go above the top of the bumper.

Both front and rear guard will be stainless steel for long life.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!:help:

Koz
Click to expand...

Can't help but if you figure it out I might me interested too.
CV
 
Re: Re: Hitch Step and Grill Gaurd Questions

CVs4Runner said:
Can't help but if you figure it out I might me interested too.
CV
Click to expand...

I finally talked to someone who sells both (ICI and GoRhino) rear hitch steps (stainless). He said the stainless ICI is a little heavier/stronger and the finish is smoother (stays cleaner longer). Also it is 2" wider (38") and cost less. I paid $128 for the step and a hitch lock (rated for 12K lbs.).

http://www.realtruck.com/products/bumpersteps.php#GoRhinoStep

Thanks EdL04Sport for the link!

Now for the front bumper.:rolleye2:

Koz
 
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I just got the Smittybuilt step bumper. It's a piece of crap. It's made from very thin steel and seems to be flimsy. I doubt it would protect me from any type of collision. I wish I had seen this thread prior to buying.
 
Nostromo said:
I just got the Smittybuilt step bumper. It's a piece of crap. It's made from very thin steel and seems to be flimsy. I doubt it would protect me from any type of collision. I wish I had seen this thread prior to buying.
Click to expand...

Maybe it could be returned.

Koz
 
Re: Re: Re: Hitch Step and Grill Gaurd Questions

Koz, I am going through the very same thing. Just got rear ended in my new to 03 SR5 V-8. I had put my "Go Rhino Hitch Step" in my receiver because I didn't like the look of the rear "bumper" what a stroke of luck!! a young woman hit me last week going I figure about 30-35 mph as I was slowing down for the car in front of me. she didn't even hit her brakes!! any way the Go Rhino went into a "V" shape around my receiver and the trailer hitch went into the VW's grill and radiator! if I hadn't had that thing in there no telling what she'd of done, as is $380 damage and hardly a scratch on the plactic.

Now to the bumper guards, I just purchased from the Toyota Parts store, front and rear WAAG bars, $315 frt and $260 something for the back (free shipping) I will aslo have the hitch step inserted too.

"toyotaparts4u.com" has a WAAG looking bar for $244.33 plus $22. shipping at least to my address. hope this helps. CSM-H



Koz said:
I finally talked to someone who sells both (ICI and GoRhino) rear hitch steps (stainless). He said the stainless ICI is a little heavier/stronger and the finish is smoother (stays cleaner longer). Also it is 2" wider (38") and cost less. I paid $128 for the step and a hitch lock (rated for 12K lbs.).

http://www.realtruck.com/products/bumpersteps.php#GoRhinoStep

Thanks EdL04Sport for the link!

Now for the front bumper.:rolleye2:

Koz
Click to expand...
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: Hitch Step and Grill Gaurd Questions

h7009 said:


Now to the bumper guards, I just purchased from the Toyota Parts store, front and rear WAAG bars, $315 frt and $260 something for the back (free shipping) I will aslo have the hitch step inserted too.

"toyotaparts4u.com" has a WAAG looking bar for $244.33 plus $22. shipping at least to my address. hope this helps. CSM-H
Click to expand...

h7009,

I looked at the WAAG guards on a 4Runner and I didn't think they would protect that well if bumped. The way they are mounted and the strength of the tubing. I'm sill looking for something stronger. All powder coated guards start to rust in several years. Look at how long they guarantee no-rust. I want stainless!

Koz
 
Koz, roger got it....but you're kinda beteen a rock and a hard place on what to protect. my Rhino step did a great job and I think the rear WAAG should do great...I am too concern about the front bar...but I don't like the other choices, CSM-H

Koz said:
h7009,

I looked at the WAAG guards on a 4Runner and I didn't think they would protect that well if bumped. The way they are mounted and the strength of the tubing. I'm sill looking for something stronger. All powder coated guards start to rust in several years. Look at how long they guarantee no-rust. I want stainless!

Koz
Click to expand...
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Hitch Step and Grill Gaurd Questions

Koz said:
h7009,

I looked at the WAAG guards on a 4Runner and I didn't think they would protect that well if bumped. The way they are mounted and the strength of the tubing. I'm sill looking for something stronger. All powder coated guards start to rust in several years. Look at how long they guarantee no-rust. I want stainless!

Koz
Click to expand...

Those WAAG, Manik et al are cantilevered up and over the bumper. The support is below the vehicle. If you get hit it will bend the WAAG into your bumper. The GoRhino hitch is supported by a 2' post that fits directly and squarely into the receiver. If someone hits the GoRhino it is a head on shot. Maximum damage to the other car.
 
Koz, you would be correct..it was a direct hit and the 04 VW Golf is still in the shop that hit me....other than the Stainless Steel issue what bars are you looking at? CSM-H

Sac State said:
Those WAAG, Manik et al are cantilevered up and over the bumper. The support is below the vehicle. If you get hit it will bend the WAAG into your bumper. The GoRhino hitch is supported by a 2' post that fits directly and squarely into the receiver. If someone hits the GoRhino it is a head on shot. Maximum damage to the other car.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Hitch Step and Grill Gaurd Questions

Sac State said:
Those WAAG, Manik et al are cantilevered up and over the bumper. The support is below the vehicle. If you get hit it will bend the WAAG into your bumper. The GoRhino hitch is supported by a 2' post that fits directly and squarely into the receiver. If someone hits the GoRhino it is a head on shot. Maximum damage to the other car.
Click to expand...

I agree, that's why I got ICI hitch step, but it does not protect the corners of the rear bumper. I want the hitch step and something else to protect the whole bumper. I like this but they don't make it for the 4Runner.
 

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For the front I really like this one but it's made in Taiwan.
 

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I also like this one but it doesn't protect the corners of the bumper.
 

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front bar

Koz, what web site is that on? want to take a look at it before they send my front bar...CSM-H

QUOTE]Originally posted by Koz
For the front I really like this one but it's made in Taiwan. [/QUOTE]
 
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