Rear Bumper Guard

[Gromulus]

I know a few people on the forum have purchased Manik, Westin, and WAAG rear bumper guards. If I am not mistaken I believe I read that the Westin bumper guard required removal of the tow hitch receiver before installation.

I am interested in a stainless steel guard for my 2004 V8 Limited and noticed this one on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=190154608326&rd=1

Not much informaton so I was wondering if anyone here happened to know or purchase one and had some information re. likes/dislikes, installation ease, quality, etc.

They also offer a black powder coated model that looks the same or very close to one that Jason Burtman offers:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=190174384259&rd=1


http://www.burtmanindustries.com/zoomprod.php?id=4run_rbg_03_up


I would imagine that these are imported models.

Any feedback is most welcome.

Thanks.

 

[wiseguy]

Be very careful with the rear bumper guards and ask if it will fit the hitch on a V8. I learned the hard way; I ordered one off ebay early this year and the seller made no distinction on application to a v6 or v8. On my 2006 the hitch is much different on the v8 and there was no way to make the bumper guard fit. The seller was difficult to work with and I ended up getting most of my money back by contesting the credit card charge (paypal was useless in resolving the dispute).

 

[Gromulus]

Ebay

Be very careful with the rear bumper guards and ask if it will fit the hitch on a V8. I learned the hard way; I ordered one off ebay early this year and the seller made no distinction on application to a v6 or v8. On my 2006 the hitch is much different on the v8 and there was no way to make the bumper guard fit. The seller was difficult to work with and I ended up getting most of my money back by contesting the credit card charge (paypal was useless in resolving the dispute).

Thanks Wiseguy.

I did read your earlier postings which is why I am asking now. I emailed the seller and they said they have sold the unit to owners of "all 4Runner" models but I want more than that for assurance.

Did you ever find a rear guard/bar for your V8 Runner?

 

[wiseguy]

Hey Gromulus,

Never did find a rear bumper guard as nothing I ran across ever made the distinction between the V6 and V8 when it is a huge difference. The only thing you can do to protect yourself is to make sure you pay with your credit card, not a debit to your bank account. In so doing you can use your credit card issuer to fight for you instead of paypal. Document everything, take pictures, save emails from the seller, etc. as your credit card issuer (if like mine) will allow you to document your case with as much documentation as you like. Paypal did not offer any way to present such materials.

One thing that ebay sellers do is tell you that you have to pay for return shipping; that is total crap, especially if it is their misrepresentation that causes the problem. In my case I sold the bumper guard locally after the seller didn't pay for return shipping. I ended up $100 ahead when it was all done. Let me know if you find a bumper guard.

One idea is the Rhino rear hitch steps that attach to the hitch. They are only 3' wide or so but at least you would have some protection and you know it would fit.