Aftermarket Armor From Bolt-On To High Clearance, Swingouts & More
In the overland community, front bumpers get all the glory. They improve approach angles and make your front end look aggressive while allowing you to mount lights and a winch. But I would argue that rear bumpers are their essentially important counterpart. Protecting that lengthy rear end, especially on pickup trucks, is essential when you are off-roading.
The world of aftermarket can be overwhelming and confusing. Between material, style, accessory mounting, and countless other factors, there are a million things to consider. It’s also a bigger investment, so you want to make sure you make the right decision. This post will explain the options and help you find a rear bumper that suits your build’s needs.
Why Upgrade?
If you are new to the off-road community, you may be confused about why you might replace your rear bumper. It’s all about protection. Your rear end is vulnerable when you’re driving your Tacoma over challenging terrain. Especially when descending a trail, if you encounter a drop or ledge, you will likely slam or scrape your bumper (or factory hitch if you have one) on whatever the obstacle is.
Dropping the weight of your truck onto your OEM bumper will damage it almost 10/10 times. The hitch might be able to take more hits, but it hangs pretty low and often gets in the way. An aftermarket bumper might be scraped up but will usually keep its shape. Additionally, depending on which one you select, you might have the option to include an integrated tire swingout that allows you to store a full-size spare tire and other gear and accessories.
Styles To Choose From
If you’ve been looking for a while, you’ve probably noticed a few common styles on the market. The most popular are high clearance, tube, and plate. Let’s examine each one and consider its pros and cons. There may be some overlap in styles due to all the unique approaches.
High Clearance – Cutting Required
- Improved departure angle
- Aggressive look
- Oriented toward more moderate to extreme off-roading
- More complicated installation
- Sometimes more expensive
As the name suggests, this bumper style offers the most clearance from the ground. You are less likely to scrape or drag one on obstacles. However, installation is more labor-intensive than the other options, as they require you to trim the plastics and bed sides. These are technically still a plate bumper as well.
If you plan on taking your truck on challenging trails, doing long distance or spending extended time off-grid, a high clearance will be the best option. They are prepared to absorb heavy impacts, but you will be less likely to hit them due to the improved departure angle. That being said, for a solid percentage of owner, a high-clearance version can be overkill and the extra (irreversible) cutting of the body may not be worth the hassle.
Some of these come with side hoops for extra. This means the rear end of your Tacoma is more protected from high obstacles that may ding or crush the sides of your truck like trees. This happens more often than you’d think, especially on tight trails.
Tube – Cutting Maybe Be Required
- Minimalist design
- Lightweight
- Simpler installation (sometimes)
- Cheaper (usually)
This style utilizes a network of steel tubing welded together. Some tube bumpers, like the one above, also qualify under the high clearance category. They can also come with side protection. They don’t have much steel plate, it’s only utilized for the frame mounting points. Since it’s constructed of steel tubing, several gaps throughout the bumper will allow you to mount rear-facing auxiliary lighting.
The gaps mean that your underbody at the rear end could be more visible and more exposed to the elements, which is important to consider. Additionally, if you live somewhere with a lot of rain or snow, salt and grime can crowd into the gaps and be a little harder to clean off. But at least you have easier access to spray it down.
Finally, since the manufacturer does not have to spend money on more metal to fill the gaps, they are often cheaper. This also means there is no “unnecessary” material that adds weight to your build. While tubing can give your truck a rugged, off-road look, depending on your preference, it may appear to be unfinished.
Plate – Usually Bolt-On
- Finished, OEM appearance
- Heavier
- Neatly integrated lighting
- More expensive
Finally, we have plate rear bumpers. If you are looking for a more traditional OEM look, a plate bumper will definitely be right for you. This style generally resembles a more aggressive version of the factory setup.
If you want to mount auxiliary lighting, you will need to ensure that the bumper you order has integrated cutouts. Since these utilize more material during their construction, they are generally higher priced than tube. The additional metal also means that they may be heavier than their tubed counterparts.
Similar to the tube bumpers, however, the plated options will offer you increased protection from the OEM plastic bumper.
Swingout Options
One accessory that will interest many is an integrated swingout. These can carry things like spare tires, fuel cans, traction boards, and many other accessories.
Alternatively, many choose to run a hitch-mounted swingout like the RIGd UltraSwing. You could technically add one to a bumper with no swingout, for a modular setup. However, if you prefer it to be integrated, you’ll have to decide between a single or dual swingout.
Dual
Dual swingouts have two separate arms split down the middle (typically) of your tailgate. This allows you to carry a spare tire and other gear distributed across both. With this setup, you can sometimes mount more gear than a single swingout-style bumper, but it does mean that you will need to unlatch and move both arms when you want to access the bed of your truck. Some like the smaller lever they create (less stress on components), but others don’t like the additional moving parts.
If you are building your Tacoma for overlanding and camping, a dual swingout may be an attractive option because you can remove any additional gear from your truck to make space for other items. But if you don’t have any gear mounted on the two arms, then it will likely be a hassle to move both out of the way when you want to use your bed space. Also, your rear bumper will be even heavier for no reason.
Single
On the other hand, a single swingout will be useful for those of you who want to mount a full-size spare tire but have minimal additional storage needs. This will keep your rear end simple and more lightweight than a dual swingout while still having a spare tire with you at all times. Also, since there is only one arm, you can access the bed easier than if there were two, and there are fewer moving parts to maintain.
Single-arm swingouts can be a good middle ground that allows you to keep your build lighter while maximizing storage. However, it will not be necessary for a decent majority of you.
Materials
Two materials are available: steel and aluminum. Each has different pros and cons, but trust me, steel is the best option if you need protection. For reference, the vast majority of options are made from steel.
Steel
- Extremely strong
- Better durability
- Prone to rust
- Heavy
- Cheaper
Steel is going to be the go-to body armor material for off-roaders. Since it is a heavier, stronger metal, it will do a better job of maintaining its shape when you bash it on rocks. This also contributes to steel’s durability factor, as it will be better at taking hits repeatedly over time.
When descending a steep slope or ledge, your bumper, quarter panels, and tail lights are prone to damage as they scrape along the feature. A steel rear bumper will help prevent this and take all of the impacts away from those areas. Steel is more prone to rust than aluminum, but a quality powder coat job can mitigate these effects. Additionally, it is a much cheaper metal, making the end product less expensive.
Aluminum
- Weaker
- Less durable
- Lighter weight
- Corrosion resistant
- More expensive
If you are buying a rear bumper simply for aesthetics and style, aluminum may be a better option. Since it’s lightweight, you won’t add too much additional weight to your vehicle. However, if you are taking your Tacoma off-road, aluminum versions will damage easily. While they might still protect your vehicle’s body, they can only take so much impact before they need to be replaced.
Another downside of aluminum is that it is a more expensive metal. I wouldn’t suggest aluminum if you want rear-end protection from your bumper. But, if it is strictly an aesthetic modification and you don’t mind the price, then a custom aluminum bumper might be feasible.
To note, none of the options on this list are fully aluminum, but some like Backwoods offer aluminum swing arm components to save on overall weight.
Benefits
Off-Road Performance
The most significant benefit of aftermarket rear bumpers is that they provide you with more impact protection in the event of an accident, whether on or off-road. When you buy a metal bumper, you invest in protecting your truck’s body. This is a must-have modification if you are taking your Tacoma on a trail with boulders and other steep obstacles. As mentioned, some can provide more clearance.
Jack/Recovery Points
Another benefit some people don’t consider is the added recovery points that most have. The OEM rear bumper is nowhere near strong enough to act as a tow point if you ever get stuck. You have to use your hitch or an aftermarket recovery point. Aftermarket rear bumpers, on the other hand, are plenty strong, and most even come with a couple of different points that are specifically designed for strenuous recoveries.
You can also use them as a jacking point if you need to lift your truck for repair. This can be especially beneficial if you are off-road since the frame or other common jack points may not be accessible.
Aggressive Look
Finally, these will add aesthetic appeal. While most people might focus on performance and protection aspects, it is also important that you like how it looks on your truck. Everyone wants their build to look aggressive and mean, and a new bumper can provide you with exactly that.
Downsides
Parking Sensor Compatibility
Now for the downsides. One of the most important things to consider is your new bumper’s compatibility with the OEM parking sensors. Many bumpers come with integrated locations for them, but some don’t. Additionally, after installation, you might need to recalibrate your sensors for the new setup.
As we discuss the ones below, I’ll note if they are compatible, but make sure you do your research before buying. It would be a shame to install your bumper only to realize it does not work with the rear-facing sensors.
Trimming
Another potential downside is that if you opt for a high-clearance bumper, you will likely need to do some trimming along the body. to make it fit. If you are inexperienced with cutting, I suggest taking it to a shop to complete the installation professionally. You can certainly do it at home, but once you cut, there is no going back.
Expensive
Finally, rear bumpers are expensive. On the cheaper end of the spectrum, you will be looking at around $1000. But if you include lights or swingouts, you should expect prices to reach closer to $3000+. Again, it’s an investment because a repair from an accident could easily be more expensive than a bumper, though it can certainly be a tough pill to swallow at the time of your purchase.
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have a solid idea of what to consider before buying a new bumper, let’s explore the top options on the market. I’ll cover each option’s features and certain standouts that may help you decide.
1. Backwoods Adventure Mods
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Backwoods Adventure Mods offers a range of products for off-road builds. They make two bumpers for the 3rd Gen Tacoma: one is their Hi-Lite High Clearance bumper, and the other is also a Hi-Lite but with an integrated dual swingout.
It features a one-piece steel construction and a high-clearance design requiring bedside trimming. It is also powder-coated for longevity and durability.
While it is not compatible with factory sensors, it offers plenty of benefits to compensate for this. These include license plate lights, an integrated hitch receiver, 3/4″ thick shackle mounts, and light pod cutouts.
To provide you with top-notch durability, Backwoods uses Grade-8 hardware and steel braces to tie the corners of the bumper to the frame. Weighing 140 lbs., this beefy bumper is in the middle of the road in terms of weight and price.
If you want a swingout, Backwoods also offers a dual swingout with aluminum doors and a tire carrier that fits up to a 35″ tire. Two spring-loaded locking pins keep these doors in place. The overall weight with the swingouts is 190 lbs. and about 140 lbs. without.
2. DRT Fabrication
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One of the latest contenders in Toyota armor and accessories, we have DRT Fabrication. This brand was built on a passion for creating the very best armor with meticulous attention to detail. They’ve exploded on to the scene over the past few years, with lots of happy customers.
With a background in high quality production welding, you can bet that every weld is carefully placed and the overall aesthetics are designed to pair seamlessly with the factory body lines. And while they look great, they certainly can take a beating.
The goal was to create the most clearance possible with a super tucked design. Made entirely in the USA, you’re supporting American manufacturing. Extra gussets throughout provide plenty of strength.
Clearly, every single element has been really well thought out. Small details like high quality license plate holders and ample reinforcement makes for a great product. Swingouts can be added after the fact, a neat feature. Average weight is around 120 to just under 200 lbs. fully loaded. They do not support blind spot sensors, but holes can be drilled for backup sensors.
3. CBI Off-Road
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Next, we have CBI, another prominent and established name in the off-road and overland communities. Its brand aims to maximize your build’s functionality through American-made body armor. Between the 2nd and 3rd Gen, CBI offers multiple iterations of its rear bumper solutions for each.
The two options features plate-style steel constructions. One is a bolt-on and one is high clearance. The bolt-on has an optional single swing arm and the high clearance has an optional dual swingout. The swings allow you to store a full-size spare tire and other accessories on the bumper behind your tailgate. When ordering, you can choose between a straight or angled tire carrier, depending on your preference.
They offer powder coat for a finished product and the rough weight depending on your options is around 175-200 lbs. If you’re looking for different options, they offer more variations than others on this list.
4. Ironman 4×4
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Ironman 4×4 is a company that has been huge in the off-road industry outside of the US but has joined the American market more recently. Most notably, with their Raid Series line.
This system features a tube bumper design similar in shape to the OEM bumper that comes from the factory. Only this one utilizes a complete steel construction for those heavy impacts when off-road. Although this is not high-clearance as seen with others, you gain improved clearance and departure angles. For added durability, it is powder-coated and robotically welded for maximum quality.
Some of the key features include frame-mounted recovery points, integrated square light pod mounting, and parking sensor compatibility. It’s also fully crash tested and SR5 airbag compliant.
It is worth noting that this bumper is not compatible with two-wheel drive models and will not support blind spot monitors. However, it features a full bolt-on installation. Check out the install and review.
It is relatively light, weighing around 105 lbs. It is also budget-friendly and for a little more, you can have light pods included. They currently do not offer a bumper for the 2nd Gen.
5. Relentless Fabrication
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These guys have been around since 2010. Relentless has several different designs for the Tacoma. They are handmade in their fabrication shop in Nevada from CNC-cut steel sheet metal, then shaped and MIG welded to completion.
To provide its customers with optimal off-road performance, they are made to offer maximum rear-end clearance and excellent departure angles. Additionally, it adds some added bedside protection and an overall aggressive look to your build.
In terms of materials, these bumpers utilize a solid steel outer shell or tubing with large mounting plates and solid thick recovery points. Everything you need for installation comes in the kits, and might have to trim the bedsides at the bottom of your tail lights. This cut allows certain versions to give you that extra room.
Additional features include an integrated hitch receivers, light cutouts, and tire swingout options. It’s also worth noting that the blind spot monitoring system is not supported and is removed during installation. Also, this bumper will not work with your factory hitch, and you may need wiring extensions.
The different variations weigh between 100-200 lbs. It’s more expensive when you include powder coat, hitch receivers, or cutouts for sonar sensors.
6. Outgear Solutions
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Looking for a more bare-bones, stripped-down rear bumper design? The Outgear Solutions might be worth a look.
This bumper utilizes 1.75″ steel tubing that is .120″ thick. The main plates are .375″ thick at the mounting locations and .750″ thick outside the tubes to mount recovery points and D-rings.
With a Baja-style such as this, you can expect to shed a few pounds compared to the others. However, you retain features like an integrated hitch receiver and slotted tabs to mount reverse lights. The installation does require trimming at the bedsides.
With a high-clearance tube bumper, you get improved departure angles and a sleek and aggressive style without adding extra weight. If you are looking for a rear bumper with a swingout, Outgear has options that could suit your needs. These are priced more affordably compared some other choices.
Overall, if you are looking for a sleek, lightweight, high-clearance bumper and don’t want to break the bank, Outgear provides a solid option. This setup should get you stoked, especially if you’re a fan of the Baja look. James covered an install and review.
7. C4 Fabrication
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C4 Fabrication is another one recognizable name, specializing in 100 percent USA-designed and manufactured products for Toyotas.
These guys offer another plethora of options. They have standard bolt-on variations, and two high clearance versions. The ones that require cutting are the Rock Runner (lighter and lower profile) and the beefy high clearance with full plates. Swingouts are not offered on the Rock Runner. C4 allows you to opt for additional tubing along corners with certain models for improved protection at an added cost.
In terms of lighting, this bumper comes with cutouts. The weight varies depending on configuration, from 80 to about 200 lbs. Powder coating is not available through C4 and will need to be done on your own.
8. ATH Fabrication
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Based out of Nevada, ATH Fabrication has been manufacturing bumpers and armor for off-road builds since 2012. They have two variations of rear bumpers. Standard (no cutting) and high clearance (cutting required). They are constructed of CNC-cut and brake-formed steel, and the mounting plates measure are thick.
In terms of accessory compatibility, this setup features two cutouts for light pods, a hitch receiver, a license plate lighting kit, and the option to add a tire carrier. This bumper only comes in bare metal, so you will need to do the powder coat or paint job yourself.
Additionally, while it is incompatible with your blind spot monitoring system, you can opt for cutouts for your backup parking sensors. The optional tire swingout can hold up to a 35″ tire at an angle, though you can request a vertical mount. This swingout also features mounting points that are ready to hold fuel cans. Another cool benefit to this system is that ATH includes a camera relocation kit, where some do not.
Weights range from around 85 to close to 200 lbs. 120 lbs. Check out Nick’s review post on the high clearance version.
9. ARB
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ARB has been a leader in the off-road community in Australia for many years and also offers products in the U.S. They provide a Summit series of bumpers designed for various vehicle types, with a particularly good fit for the Tacoma, especially in terms of tow hitch compatibility.
The Summit design features a tubular steel subframe that is finished with a textured black powder coat. This design not only matches OEM standards but also enhances the vehicle’s departure angle. It includes an integrated tow hitch and all the necessary components for installing an ARB air compressor, trailer camera, plug wiring, and a 50-amp Anderson plug.
10. RCI Off-Road
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RCI Off-Road is another great option for those who want something that doesn’t stray too far away from the OEM one. Made of 3/16″ thick steel and 1/4″ thick mounting brackets, you can be confident when tackling some treacherous trails.
This bumper allows you to retain almost all factory electronics, such as the trailer plug, backup sensors, and license plate lights. However, blind spot monitoring won’t work. It also features cutouts for backup lights, though it comes with covers if you prefer to ditch the auxiliary lights.
While it is not technically a high-clearance bumper, RCI claims to improve ground clearance by over 4″ through its integrated hitch receiver. Although it is not tow-rated, they have tested it against the OEM tow hitch with comparable results. Also, for added functionality, 1/2″ shackle mounts run through the bumper and mount to the frame.
The installation is entirely bolt-on and requires no trimming. Amazingly, this bumper weighs 85 lbs., which means you will only add 20 lbs. to your build after removing the OEM bumper. There is no swingout or high clearance option.
11. Victory 4×4
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Last but not least, we have Victory 4×4. Their Strike rear bumper, available for both 2nd and 3rd Gen, is CNC cut, formed from .188″ steel, and comes in bare metal or with a powder coat. Like most bumpers on this list, it has a hidden hitch receiver behind the license plate. This tow hitch is not rated, though tested to hold up to the factory one.
The Strike also has holes for the OEM trailer plug and license plate lights. For lighting it comes with two cutouts for square light pods. While it’s not compatible with blind-spot monitors, it retains the functionality of your truck’s other sensors. Also integrated are the two 3/4″ recovery tabs meant for off-road shackles.
Since it is not a high-clearance design, you don’t need to worry about trimming. Also, with its bolt-on installation, you can expect the installation process to be relatively straightforward.
Something different about the Strike is that it features individual, half-length swingouts that can be added at any point. If you want a tire carrier in the future but not right now, you can purchase and install one after your purchase. Another benefit is you can add the doors of the swingouts one at a time or just run one by itself. They weigh about 120 lbs. plus the swing arms if you choose to add them.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this post has helped you make a decision. With so many options on the market, it can certainly be hard to come to a conclusion. My suggestion would be first to figure out your budget. Then, consider whether or not you want a high-clearance design, plate or tube build, and a swingout.
Also, if you decide you want a swingout, think about whether you want a full-length single door that spans the whole tailgate, dual half-length doors, or a single half-length door.
While I can’t tell you which bumper will be perfect for you, I can say that you really won’t go wrong with any of these systems. It is just a matter of preference and functionality. If you don’t drive over steep, intense obstacles, you likely won’t be able to justify a high-clearance bumper. But if you are bashing your truck on some gnarly trails, a high clearance will be a lifesaver.
Finally, don’t forget to consider weight. While it might not be on your mind, an overbuilt bumper that you don’t necessarily need could lead to more added costs. Remember that if you have a ton of weight hanging off the back, especially with accessories like a tire carrier, you will likely need suspension modifications.
