Winch bumper recommendations?

[Photo_Nerd]

I’m truly amazed by how many rigs I see that are all tricked out with the latest overlanding mods, yet don’t have winches. When I drove my old jeep around, my winch had proven itself to be one of the most useful tools to have. When you’re out in the middle of no where and you manage to find that one hole that you just can’t get out of, the ability to winch yourself out will save you a massive headache. Needless to say, that’ll be one of the first mods I do to my new Tacoma. Of course, my old 1986 CJ7 had about a foot of frame sticking right out past the grill and the bumper was nothing more than a beam attached to the front of that. So I simply bought a winch and bolted it right on that frame, wired up, and I was ready to go. Took me no more than an hour. Doesn’t seem to be the case with sleek modern trucks.

I’ve seen a handful of brief conversations on here about winch bumpers. But does anyone have a solid recommendation that they’re truly happy with? Is the gen 4 Tacoma just too new to have a ton of options out there?

Also, I live in California where a front license plate is required. On the setups I’ve seen, the fairlead is right where the license plate is currently. I could certainly figure out an alternative spot for it. But if there are any bumpers with an actual space for the plate, of course that would be the most ideal.

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[gofastdan]

Rough Country's option seems to be the most cost effective at the moment but I don't like how you have to cut the front crossmember on models that have it (my OR for example).

That being the case the next cheapest option I've found is one from DV8. This might end up being what I go with. It doesn't appear you have to cut out the front crossmember.

I like these two options because they retain most of the stock look. All the other options I've seen are both quite a bit more expensive and alter the looks of the front end which isn't necessarily a bad thing, some of them look nice, they're just not what I'm thinking I want.

WRT the license plate, there are lots of options that just mount over the fairlead and flip up, like this one from DV8.

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

We've been doing the ADD front bumpers! We have the stealth version in stock.

-Josh

 

[Photo_Nerd]

Rough Country's option seems to be the most cost effective at the moment but I don't like how you have to cut the front crossmember on models that have it (my OR for example).

That being the case the next cheapest option I've found is one from DV8. This might end up being what I go with. It doesn't appear you have to cut out the front crossmember.

I like these two options because they retain most of the stock look. All the other options I've seen are both quite a bit more expensive and alter the looks of the front end which isn't necessarily a bad thing, some of them look nice, they're just not what I'm thinking I want.

WRT the license plate, there are lots of options that just mount over the fairlead and flip up, like this one from DV8.

Thanks for the info! I love the flip up license plate over the fairlead. It would be like it’s not even there. And yeah, I’m not a fan of the idea of cutting the crossmember either. I also have the OR. This looks like a good option for me. Thanks!

 

[Photo_Nerd]

We've been doing the ADD front bumpers! We have the stealth version in stock.

-Josh

Can you send a link so I can see it?

 

[gofastdan]

We've been doing the ADD front bumpers! We have the stealth version in stock.

-Josh

I don't see them on your website but I assume you're talking about this. They are nice but they're also expensive and once you get into that price range there's quite a bit of competition.

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

^ correct that is the one and brand I am referring to. It is pricey but they're quality. We do a lot of them on the Raptor and TRX guys too.

-Josh

 

[Photo_Nerd]

^ correct that is the one and brand I am referring to. It is pricey but they're quality. We do a lot of them on the Raptor and TRX guys too.

-Josh

Wow, that is quite a price jump! I’m all for paying extra if I’m truly getting higher quality. But I do need more convincing than someone simply telling me that it’s quality. Can you tell me what specifically justifies the price difference?

 

[RESQCAT]

Do the two ADD 2024+ bumpers work with the Trailhunter version? If yes, need the new skidplate too?

 

[TexasBlueCrush]

We've been doing the ADD front bumpers! We have the stealth version in stock.

-Josh

Pictures ? I'm a visual guy.

 

[n118nw]

I like the look of the ADD one better but that $1200 price is beyond ridiculous. Most likely, I'll be getting the DV8 one.

 

[StreeTaco]

I chose the RCI Pike model.. I think it looks the best, and it’s compatible with the TH skid plate. Will be installing soon

 

[n118nw]

I chose the RCI Pike model.. I think it looks the best, and it’s compatible with the TH skid plate. Will be installing soon

Do you already have it?

 

[StreeTaco]

Do you already have it?

Yes, I do

 

[n118nw]

Yes, I do

Could I bug you to get a picture of how the aux lights are mounted on the inside of the bumper? If I end up going with this one.. I won't be using DiodeDynamics and I need to see what it would mount to

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