devortex
Adventurer
I need to put a winch bumper on my new 2012 Tacoma. I've always used ARB bumpers because I like the design, they are stout, the winch always fits well and perhaps most importantly, they consider the modern crash/ airbag systems during engineering. Turns out the 2012 has had enough of a facelift that the current 2005-11 bumpers don't fit. They stick out too far and there is a significant gap between the grille and the bumper top surface. I've been in contact with ARB and they indicate that the engineers in Australia are aware of the need for a new bumper but there are no promises with time frame for availability. I guess since the Taco is a NA only truck and the rest of the world gets the HiLux, we're low on the R&D totem pole.
Two questions/ comments for the group:
1. Has anyone mounted another brand/custom bumper to a 2012 yet and are they satisfied with the look and quality. I know that there are lots of really good fabricators out there with great welding skills but are they really using properly engineered designs that will handle winch load, collision impact etc. or are they focusing primarily on looking cool.
2. Are there other 2012 owners out there who want the ARB who are willing to contact them along with me to assure them that there is sufficient demand to get started on the R&D now. They will eventually build the bumper, no doubt, but I wonder if we can convince them to get moving a little faster. It really is a tweak of the 2005-11 design and not a full new product.
I have several expeditions planned in early 2012 and I really want to go equipped with the proper gear and winch bumper is high on that list. Additionally, I'm ready to swap out my suspension but I need the weight on the front of the truck so that the OME heavies don't beat the snot out of me!
Two questions/ comments for the group:
1. Has anyone mounted another brand/custom bumper to a 2012 yet and are they satisfied with the look and quality. I know that there are lots of really good fabricators out there with great welding skills but are they really using properly engineered designs that will handle winch load, collision impact etc. or are they focusing primarily on looking cool.
2. Are there other 2012 owners out there who want the ARB who are willing to contact them along with me to assure them that there is sufficient demand to get started on the R&D now. They will eventually build the bumper, no doubt, but I wonder if we can convince them to get moving a little faster. It really is a tweak of the 2005-11 design and not a full new product.
I have several expeditions planned in early 2012 and I really want to go equipped with the proper gear and winch bumper is high on that list. Additionally, I'm ready to swap out my suspension but I need the weight on the front of the truck so that the OME heavies don't beat the snot out of me!