Superbumper opinions needed

[DizzyV6P]

I'm planning to buy this except I can't decide which color to get. I'm planning on the one w/o a hitch since I never tow anything, but I'm stuck between getting the black or the chrome. It's a $70 difference to get the chrome.

After being rear-ended twice driving a silver sienna minivan, I got the white 4Runner in hopes that it'll be more visible. Yes, DC rush hour drivers all suck.

Any thoughts? I welcome all suggestions.

 

[Ukie]

What an exact model/size are you going to get?
I think black one blends nicely with a black hitch receiver.

 

[DizzyV6P]

Sparebumper Model SP424

Either Black:

SPAREBUMPER Model SP424 Black - Stop rear end collision damage with SUPERBUMPER!

or Chrome:

SPAREBUMPER Model SP424 Chrome - Stop rear end collision damage with SUPERBUMPER!

 

[Koz]

I had the Chrome model on my 05 and I can tell you it is the BEST protection you can buy! It saved the rear from an impact at highway speeds. The Superbumper was totaled (and the vehicle) but the rear was saved! The only negitive is they rust and you need to stay on top of it. I would get the black because you can touch it up when it rusts. They should make a stainless model!

Koz

 

[Ukie]

They should make a stainless model!

Koz, I believe it is available. Check my post from 2011 here:

Just to give you heads up... NEW Stainless Model 424 Sparebumper… Available in October! (got an email from Jeff about a month ago).

 

[kingpin748]

You need to edit that poll to include an option for "none". Those things look terrible. But I guess black terrible is better than chromed terrible.

 

[Koz]

Koz, I believe it is available. Check my post from 2011 here:

I don't see anything stainless on their site!

Koz

 

[Ukie]

Maybe it's worthwhile to contact Jeff @ Mohr Mfg to check on a stainless steel model. Here's email I've got back in October:

 

[Koz]

Maybe it's worthwhile to contact Jeff @ Mohr Mfg to check on a stainless steel model. Here's email I've got back in October:

Thanks

This would be the way to go!

Koz

 

[DizzyV6P]

I just emailed Jeff on a release date for the stainless steel. Now all I need is a grill guard/bull bar that I can use to push cars out of the way....LOL.

 

[Blacksunshyne]

You need to edit that poll to include an option for "none". Those things look terrible. But I guess black terrible is better than chromed terrible.

This.

Plus if you get rear ended you could pick up the BudBuilt bumper with tire carrier.

 

[Gerdo]

I'm not crazy about either but the black would hide more and you can repaint it as needed.

 

[Qjake]

Don't waste your money, won't help with anything going faster than 5 mph

 

[Ukie]

Don't waste your money, won't help with anything going faster than 5 mph

I believe a main purpose of sparebumper products is to reduce whiplash and withstand low speed rear impacts - usually what happens on intersections with traffic lights, stop signs, etc.

Btw, just took mine off yesterday to inspect a slotted tube and grease it. Looks as good as new, nothing to complain about after 9 month of use.

 

[Koz]

Don't waste your money, won't help with anything going faster than 5 mph

Apparently you have never had one or bump/hit anything. This is truly a SUPERBUMPER, it will absorb much more then 5 mph hits. My truck was hit in the rear VERY hard (much more then 5mph) and caused the vehicle lose control and was totaled. The superbumper was destroyed and the rear was fine. Superbumper was willing to replace it for FREE. Every vehicle that has a hitch should have this bumper. It is the BEST rear protection on the market and worth every penny!

I’ve had several different hitch steps (at close to the same money) and a little tap and its history!

Koz

 

[Foques]

I thought the consensus was that superbumper screws with the backup assist sensors?

 

[DizzyV6P]

I thought the consensus was that superbumper screws with the backup assist sensors?

It does mess w/ backup sensors according to the website, but they caveat it by saying check with your manufacturer (which really means, buy one and test it on your own car).

@Ukie: I just saw your pictures. Does it affect your backup sensors?

But for those of us that don't have one including all LE owners (I'm still scratching my head about how a $40K+ SUV doesn't have the sensors...then again, we don't have a power antenna either.)

All three rear end accidents I had were 5-10 mph. All were either stopped at a light or in stop and go traffice (DC during rush hour is a parking lot). I'm usually ok, but my wife has a bad back and she relapses everytime we get rear-ended. She's still on physical therapy from a 10 mph hit almost 1.5 years ago. For me, every little bit helps.

 

[libido]

I have one on my vehicle and it has been hit once (slow impact) without any issues to my vehicle. I have put reflective yellow/black tape on mine so that people will see it clearly (especially at night) and keep some distance between me and them. I think it is a deterrent against extreme tailgating and I would rather have the superbumper banged up than my rear bumper. I do not believe it will save my vehicle from any high speed impact, but fixing minor body damage is both annoying and expensive. That was why I got it. My only complaint is that the tow hitch doesn't drop down at all and it is therefore a little too high.

Cheers,
Greg

 

[Koz]

I would rather have the superbumper then the park assist. I certainly do not depend/trust the park assist (PA). There has been several times when the PA failed to trigger. PA has problems seeing some fences, poles and obstacles. The backup camera is far more dependable. To me the PA is useless. I would not have even gotten the PA if I had the choice, $500 for junk!

Koz

 

[phillyd2]

You need to edit that poll to include an option for "none". Those things look terrible. But I guess black terrible is better than chromed terrible.

Ha, very true! While I don't do much city driving any more I do put mine on when I have to.