Install problem with Pelfreybilt HWM on 2013 Trail

[Fergie]

First and foremost, I've contacted PB and sent pictures of the issue, and their customer service is great. This all came to light this afternoon, and I'm sure they'll get it taken care of.

The reason Im asking here, is I want to make sure I haven't overlooked something terribly simple and straightforward and am pissing away PB's time addressing it.

I figure I'm not the first person with an early 5th Gen that has installed their HWM, so I'd like to know how others have fixed the issue. On 2014 and up, the valence is different(taller) and there doesn't appear to be an issue. However, on my 2013 Trail Edition, you can see that the winch plate is a good bit taller than the lower grill opening.

I know I can cut to fit pretty easily, but I'd like to know how others have fixed this issue.

Thanks

 

[Fergie]

Anyone have advice on this? This is a head-scratcher for PB as well.

 

[STX4Runner]

Is PB saying they have not heard of this problem either, and none of the customers with early trail editions have this issue? I can't imagine yours is different than any other 2010-13 trail. Maybe you got the wrong one?

 

[nglayton]

I have a 2011 Trail, but I bought the BudBuilt HW, not the PB version. The fit is less than ideal, but it does fit with some careful maneuvering.

Perhaps the PB one is totally different, but I wouldn't think so.

It looks like to me you have it mounted way to low....like under the aluminum front bumper.
The BBHW doesn't mount that low, it sits on top of the aluminum.

Sitting on top like that, the opening for your fairlead almost lines up perfect. It's still a bit tight, but other than removing the lower grill mesh, there is zero cutting involved to get to the opening.

 

[wfo9]

Seems simple enough. Not design for 2010-2013 or 2014+ limited. Do they claim it is? Amazes me that they would not understand the differences in the front covers.

 

[Fergie]

Is PB saying they have not heard of this problem either, and none of the customers with early trail editions have this issue? I can't imagine yours is different than any other 2010-13 trail. Maybe you got the wrong one?

Essentially. From talking with the lead installer, they are not done in the same volume as the plate bumpers or the later model 5th gen HWMs. The winch mount is designated as fitting all versions of 5th gen.

I have a 2011 Trail, but I bought the BudBuilt HW, not the PB version. The fit is less than ideal, but it does fit with some careful maneuvering.

Perhaps the PB one is totally different, but I wouldn't think so.

It looks like to me you have it mounted way to low....like under the aluminum front bumper.
The BBHW doesn't mount that low, it sits on top of the aluminum.

Sitting on top like that, the opening for your fairlead almost lines up perfect. It's still a bit tight, but other than removing the lower grill mesh, there is zero cutting involved to get to the opening.

The PB version replaces the stock crash bumper entirely. There is maybe 1/4" vertical adjustment on the bolt holes, but it only installs one way. The winch pate then sits on top of that.

Seems simple enough. Not design for 2010-2013 or 2014+ limited. Do they claim it is? Amazes me that they would not understand the differences in the front covers.

Correct, the claim is that it fits from 2010-current, without issue.

 

[pelfreybilt]

Sorry about the issue. This is something the entire Pelfreybilt team is looking at. There are obviously some differences that have been overlooked. We are working on a solution. My apologies about the headaches and confusion

-Pelfreybilt
Pelfreybilt - High Quality Off-Road & Overland Toyota Components

 

[Fergie]

So, after hemming and hawing about how I wanted to go about this, I reinstalled that stock bumper pieces and am going a different direction.

Pelfreybilt has been outstanding in their customer service, and in their defense, it was an honest mistake that the owner of the company addressed directly with me. He also offered to make it right, without issue, and I'm quite happy with the response.

The mount still works just fine with the older valence, but the plastic needs to be trimmed more than with the 2014+. Functionality isn't changed, but the overall install isn't as clean.

So, for now, the mount is for sale, and I'll keep looking.