Nguyenworks minimalist rear bumper

[sn_85]

Just wanted to share this with you guys out there. I know there's been a lot of demand for a minimalist, lightweight or tube rear bumper for our 5th gens however most have been one off or custom bumpers. Looks like Nguyenworks in Cali has a few options they're offering, one where you retain your rear crossmember/hitch and another where you chop off the rear crossmember. I think base bumper weighs 80lbs and a single swing arm weighs 120lbs. Chopping off the rear crossmember you probably remove 30-40lbs. By comparison most other steel plate bumpers weigh 200-250lbs. Obviously you lose your hitch and once you chop it off it's difficult to go back but you'll save a ton of weight and have an extremely high clearance bumper. Same operation had to be done on my 4x4 Labs bumper. I think this is a good option for those that don't need to run every attachment possible on their rear bumper and just something to carry a spare tire and some jerry cans.

Con: I don't think they ship (yet) since they're a pretty small operation so you're gonna have to be in SoCal or willing to drive to have it installed.

They've been making them for the 3rd gens for a little bit and people seem to like their product so far.

https://nguyenworksusa.com/shop/ols...nner-single-swingout-steel-plated-rear-bumper

 

[4RunnerMurse]

Was going to pull the trigger on this bumper last night but the fact they don't offer a hitch option just kind of sucks. They had commented earlier in the year that they would have an option to chop the rear crossmember and they could add a hitch to the bumper but I guess they scrapped that idea.

Also, it looks like it's about $450 to ship to Denver and another buddy said they quoted him the same to ship to Cali.

 

[RedRunner_87]

I absolutely love this bumper. It is definitely on my short list when I am ready to order.

 

[Engineer]

Well I'll be d** a rear bumper I like - I will keep this on my short list and while I can see the lack of hitch being a show stopper for many folks I also image there is some word around if your handy with a welder.

I think they nailed it

 

[dride]

Really like this. Any idea on weight? Can’t seem to find anything


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[sn_85]

Really like this. Any idea on weight? Can’t seem to find anything


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I messaged them on IG and asked them. Bare bumper w/o swing arms is about 80lbs and with a single swing arm it's about 120lbs. Also keep in mind if you get the version where you chop off the rear crossmember you'll delete and save another 30-40lbs.

 

[RedRunner_87]

Well I'll be d** a rear bumper I like - I will keep this on my short list and while I can see the lack of hitch being a show stopper for many folks I also image there is some word around if your handy with a welder.

I think they nailed it

You can keep the stock hitch

 

[Ryance39]

I love the way it looks. If you can keep the stock hitch that's good. I wouldn't do a rear bumper that doesn't have a hitch option.

Definitely one of the best, if not the best, looking on the market.

 

[1jzgte]

I think we have a Nguyen-ner!

 

[MStudt]

I ordered one with a single passenger side swing and a cook tray the night they went on sale. Lead time is currently 10-13 weeks, but the price is right. These are by far the best-looking 5th Gen rear bumper available. Sample picture

Mike

 

[sn_85]

I ordered one with a single passenger side swing and a cook tray the night they went on sale. Lead time is currently 10-13 weeks, but the price is right. These are by far the best-looking 5th Gen rear bumper available. Sample picture

Mike

Did you retain the rear crossmember or pick the delete version? I love the looks of it too and really like how light it is.


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[MStudt]

Did you retain the rear crossmember or pick the delete version? I love the looks of it too and really like how light it is.


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I chose to keep the crossmember since I will be towing from time to time.

Mike

 

[4RunnerMurse]

Man, now I'm just very tempted to order this and have a fab shop weld on a hitch...

 

[sn_85]

Man, now I'm just very tempted to order this and have a fab shop weld on a hitch...

Would you use the hitch for towing or just things like a bike carrier? That would be my main concern with having someone else weld on a hitch. Unless it’s somehow integrated with the bumpers cross frame and main body structure then I doubt it would be any safe for towing. Things like a bike carrier wouldn’t be an issue.


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[Engineer]

You can keep the stock hitch

True but the rear hitch and spare is what I always clip/drag so It wouldn't make any sense for my use to spend 2 grand on high clearance bumper that leaves those intact (like you said its an option....). Just need something small for a x2 bike hauler and a small round town utility trailer, I am sure it would be something I could add myself (bolt on ) - still my favorite rear bumper option I have seen.

 

[4RunnerMurse]

Would you use the hitch for towing or just things like a bike carrier? That would be my main concern with having someone else weld on a hitch. Unless it’s somehow integrated with the bumpers cross frame and main body structure then I doubt it would be any safe for towing. Things like a bike carrier wouldn’t be an issue.

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Well my parents just sold their GX so now I have the only vehicle with any amount of towing capacity. It's not much when I do tow, but we have a small trailer that we use to pick up things like cabinets, countertops and other house renovation type things. It's rare when I do need to tow anything, but I don't want to be SOL when I need to.

Potentially see myself getting a dirtbike in the future as well, might want to tow it around, I doubt an aftermarket hitch like that would be strong enough to use one of those hitch mounted dirtbike carriers.

 

[aceee]

How do you think the cut off cross member version would be from a safety stand point? I would imagine getting rear ended pretty hard would really suck

 

[sn_85]

How do you think the cut off cross member version would be from a safety stand point? I would imagine getting rear ended pretty hard would really suck

I guess it depends on how the bumper shell is built. I haven't seen any pictures of the underside of the Nguyenworks bumper. I have a 4x4 Labs bumper which requires cutting the rear crossmember. In its place it has an integrated rear crossmember that is built into the bumper shell and replaces the OEM one. The rolled steel and new crossmember is a lot tougher than the one it replaces.