Victory 4x4 Rear Bumper - 2 Week Impressions

[PoopSmith]

So after much debating, I ended up going with the pre-wired one. I liked the custom-built plug, but couldn't justify the cost of the crimper. I figured I can either find a splice connector that'll handle the thinner gauge of the LED, or just replace the wires altogether. (Plus this gives me a chance to finally use these splice connectors I've had kicking around).

Another issue I noticed: With moving the camera out away from the hatch, it seems to be very exposed to the elements. Several times I have come out to my car after it rains, and cannot see out the camera

I decided to pick up some rain-x and am going to treat the lense to see if it keeps the moisture off. I'll report back once I get it applied.

 

[PoopSmith]

Another update! So I was walking behind my rig last night and noticed that there was no light shining on the license plate. Popped it off and realized it was full of corrosion. Looking at it closer, it doesn't appear to be weatherproof (snap-fit plastic pieces and the wires feed in loosely through a hole.

Already reached out to Mitchell, but figured I would let you guys know. It might be a good idea to throw some silicon on the base and where the wires enter before installing.

 

[4R4Trout]

Good to know, thanks PoopSmith. My bumper is en route and should be here next Wednesday. Yah!!:dancin:

 

[RJWilliams]

Hey [MENTION=331751]PoopSmith[/MENTION],

Thanks for your write up. I've been looking at this bumper for ages but had a couple of the same concerns as you - plus a couple of others I'd really like your help with-
1 - What is the light spread from the backup lights like? Any photos at night showing the spread? They are so recessed into the bumper, firstly it looks like a bit afterthought but more importantly seems it'll cut off a bunch of the wider beam area
2 - Do you think a license plate could fit over the little victory logo panel above the hitch - or anywhere else? I am absolutely trying to avoid the plate being on the tire with the camera.

Victory's Tacoma bumper looks like a masterclass - that thing has both the above issues sorted out of the box - not sure if the 4runner was first and they fixed it on the Tacoma or if they forgot on the 4Runner version?!

 

[PoopSmith]

Hey [MENTION=331751]PoopSmith[/MENTION],

Thanks for your write up. I've been looking at this bumper for ages but had a couple of the same concerns as you - plus a couple of others I'd really like your help with-
1 - What is the light spread from the backup lights like? Any photos at night showing the spread? They are so recessed into the bumper, firstly it looks like a bit afterthought but more importantly seems it'll cut off a bunch of the wider beam area
2 - Do you think a license plate could fit over the little victory logo panel above the hitch - or anywhere else? I am absolutely trying to avoid the plate being on the tire with the camera.

Victory's Tacoma bumper looks like a masterclass - that thing has both the above issues sorted out of the box - not sure if the 4runner was first and they fixed it on the Tacoma or if they forgot on the 4Runner version?!

No problem! I've been meaning to do some more updates and kept forgetting (now I guess I have to!)

1-I'm ashamed to admit I haven't even wired them up yet! If the weather gets nice I will soon, and will update.

2-Plenty of room! I went and grabbed an old plate and you could totally fashion a bracket using the bolts from the logo plate. If you mount it flush with the top of the bumper, you have about a 1/4" of clearance to the top of the receiver.

 

[4R4Trout]

Hey [MENTION=331751]PoopSmith[/MENTION],

Thanks for your write up. I've been looking at this bumper for ages but had a couple of the same concerns as you - plus a couple of others I'd really like your help with-
1 - What is the light spread from the backup lights like? Any photos at night showing the spread? They are so recessed into the bumper, firstly it looks like a bit afterthought but more importantly seems it'll cut off a bunch of the wider beam area

I could help you out with that question. So I mounted a set of BlackOak light pods in their flood version. The light spread and distance is awesome. Sorry I don’t have and photos of them at night.

 

[RJWilliams]

Great news! Thanks so much for both your replies - great to hear that feedback.

 

[ERMBPA]

No problem! I've been meaning to do some more updates and kept forgetting (now I guess I have to!)

1-I'm ashamed to admit I haven't even wired them up yet! If the weather gets nice I will soon, and will update.

2-Plenty of room! I went and grabbed an old plate and you could totally fashion a bracket using the bolts from the logo plate. If you mount it flush with the top of the bumper, you have about a 1/4" of clearance to the top of the receiver.

I happen to notice some discoloration on the latch handle of the swingout. Is that rust or is that just dirty?

 

[Chef!]

any updates or new users?

I'm looking at both their rear bumper (plain, no swingouts) and blitz front winch mount, and just wondering if anyone else is running the rear bumoer (or winch mount)?

thanks

 

[760Runner]

Thanks for the write up, nice pics! Ive been contemplating this purchase later down the road...its literally the only value bumper out there besides maybe shrockworks when people like c4 and what not are charging double/triple for the same thing.

 

[dwib44]

A fix to most of these issues.

About a month ago I was lucky enough to have my T4R selected to be the model in the bumper install video! I obviously have no advice on installing it, but I've had 2 weeks to play with it. Here are my initial opinions/tips;



-The first is mostly cosmetic, but If running a single carrier, the empty space left from the original plate mounting location is super ugly, and leaves the screw holes open to the elements. I purchased this blank from amazon to fill it in.

-The wheel studs that come with the carrier are 1/2 threads, not 12mmx1.5 like ours. This totally makes sense due to the carrier being originally designed for Jeeps, but I didn't like having to have separate sets of lug nuts. I ordered 3 studs from Rock Auto (PN: PTC 97192) for .89 each and replaced the 1/2 ones.





-I noticed Daryl mentioned it in the video (and I wish I would have known this before) but having the camera moved so far to the passenger SUCKS. Backing up into a parking spot is weird, and backing up to a trailer is damned near impossible now. Additionally, once you mount a tire, It covers most of the "clean" area of the window where the wiper cleans (kinda hard to see in the photo, but it's really noticeable if it's raining or snowing). Because of both of these, I'd highly recommend going with the tire on the driver's side.

-I haven't wired my LED's in yet, but since they are only 24w total for both (2A), I'm just going to tap into the center pin of the 7-pin trailer harness so they come on with the vehicle reverse lights.



-With the removal of the mud-flaps, there is now a pretty substantial increase in road noise in the rain. This doesn't bother me in the slightest but figured I'd make everyone aware of it as it might annoy some.



-Finally (and I think they have already fixed some of these issues), the license plate bracket is an absolute BEAR to take off if you're pulling the wheel off. You have to remove the 2 bolts for the plate, then the 2 vertical bolts for the whole assembly (which I believe they're using wing nuts now), Then the two bolts for the plate bracket, then pull the LED off so the plate bracket comes through the hub. Way too many steps, and if I'm on a trail or in the middle of the night? That's really going to suck. I would have preferred to see a weatherproof connector that allows you to remove the plate/LED assembly completely before removing the wheel.



All those being said though, I LOVE the bumper. Classic Victory/JCR over-engineered quality, and it looks wayyyy better than any of the other options out there. Keep up the good work fellas!

One thing that would fix most of these issues is the expedition one camera relocation kit. It actually mounts to the hatch where the license plate did and then extends from the hatch next to the tire. It is designed for their bumper, but these bumpers seem similar enough that I would imagine that it would work here as well. It also handles the license plate nicely by keeping it on the hatch. This solution looks good as well, atleast when the swing is in. I'll admit it looks a little weird with the swing out as there is a long protrusion from the hatch, but a small price to pay for a good solution. Only possible issue I could see here is the hatch not being able to open as much in a garage. If someone here would be willing to try it out that would be pretty awesome. I have been thinking of going this route, but haven't gotten the bumper yet.

 

[scratchhax]

I had my bumper installed shortly after yours I think and have made some similar changes. No more wingnut, a single 6 pin plug for the license plate frame. I've just recently picked up a squeak I'm trying to find. I THINK it's between the handle and the nut that is used to provide pressure on the latch mechanism. Outside of that though, it's been a great piece of kit and is holding up very well.

 

[dwib44]

One thing that would fix most of these issues is the expedition one camera relocation kit. It actually mounts to the hatch where the license plate did and then extends from the hatch next to the tire. It is designed for their bumper, but these bumpers seem similar enough that I would imagine that it would work here as well. It also handles the license plate nicely by keeping it on the hatch. This solution looks good as well, atleast when the swing is in. I'll admit it looks a little weird with the swing out as there is a long protrusion from the hatch, but a small price to pay for a good solution. Only possible issue I could see here is the hatch not being able to open as much in a garage. If someone here would be willing to try it out that would be pretty awesome. I have been thinking of going this route, but haven't gotten the bumper yet.

Here is a screenshot of one from a YouTube video for those interested.

 

[pisunti]

I've had this rear bumper with the tire swingout and camera relocation for my 5th gen since 2021, I like it, however here are my observations on some negatives:

- Rust and freezing issues with the quick release pin on the arms every winter, I have to disassemble, clean/treat every spring since the pin seizes.

- Latching mechanism is annoying to reach under the tire (more just my preference). Would be better if it was more towards the middle of the bumper.

-Latching lever piece(the one with the rubber handle) is made of a softer material hence its wearing out where it contacts the bumper piece with use and will need to be replace some time soon.

- In case you have to get your spare, disconnecting the camera relocation kit is annoying (should just be an easy 6pin waterproof connector)

- More of a gripe with the backup cam relocation kit than the bumper, the LED that comes is def not waterproof (Already replaced it twice).