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  • CBI Front Bumper on a Toyota Tacoma

    Tacoma Front Bumpers Guide

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  • Tacoma Front Bumpers - The Ultimate Guide

    by Ryan Horton August 27, 2023 22 min read

    The Toyota Tacoma has quite the legacy and it comes as no surprise that enthusiasts are chomping at the bit for the release of the all-new 4th Gen Tacoma. Both the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen Tacoma's have proven to be ultra reliable and super capable and we expect nothing less from the new model. However, as amazing as the Toyota Tacoma is, there are some key areas that can easily be improved.

    One of the first things that comes to mind is the front bumper. After all, the front bumper is there to provide protection as it is the first thing to come into contact with other vehicles, animals, trees, etc.

    As Tacoma enthusiasts, we wouldn't dare go to the extreme of calling the Tacoma front stock bumper "low quality". However, it's important to note that like almost all stock bumpers, the factory bumper is considerably weak when compared to the upgraded options that are out there.

    Protection is the priority, but functionality is also something a front bumper can provide.

    You might not think an aftermarket front bumper for your Tacoma is something you need. This is likely true if you simply use your Tacoma for daily driving around town and rarely find yourself venturing off-road. While this may be true for some, it should be noted that an aftermarket Tacoma front bumper can be a very beneficial and wise investment thanks to the protection it will provide you and anyone else who might be in the car with you.

    While all can benefit from an aftermarket Tacoma front bumper, it is overlanders and adventure seeking Tacoma owners who receive the maximum benefit. Let's face it, you are far more likely to come in contact with unforeseen risks while exploring out on the trail. To overcome these obstacles and risks, oftentimes you need to utilize accessories such as a light bar, auxiliary lights, winch, recovery points, etc. Toyota Tacoma front bumpers can provide all of these things in a complete package.

    This is great news as you can not only add something to your Tacoma for safety but also functionality which in some cases is equally important.

    Now that we have touched on why an aftermarket front bumper is necessary for nearly all Tacoma owners the next question becomes which Tacoma front bumper is best?

    In today's article, we review the top Tacoma front bumpers so you have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision that will not only improve the safety of your Tacoma but also help you dominate the trails. This will be heavily focused on the 3rd Gen (2016-2023) Tacoma, but many of these options or similar options are available for the 2nd Gen (2005-2015) Tacoma, and we are expecting many of these to be offered for the 4th Gen (2024+) Tacoma as well.

    Top Tacoma Front Bumper Considerations

    Steel vs Aluminum Bumpers

    The question of steel vs aluminum is a good one and comes up quite often. While it is debated by many, it's really not a hard question to answer and can be determined relatively easily. There is no doubt steel bumpers will be stronger than aluminum bumpers. On the flip side aluminum bumpers do not corrode nearly as easily and can be as much as 50% lighter than their steel counterparts.

    A good rule for determining whether a steel or aluminum bumper will suit you best is to ask yourself some simple questions. For example, do you plan to mount a winch in your bumper and use it for recovery? If yes, then we would generally recommend a steel bumper as winching can put a lot of stress on a bumper.

    If weight is a top priority and/or you might live in an area where a steel bumper could corrode over time, then an aluminum option might fit your specific needs best.

    Bumper Weight - Does it Matter?

    The truth is, any added weight to your vehicle should matter especially with a Tacoma. But not all weight is bad, in some cases adding a product that increases the overall vehicle weight is not a problem as the benefits outweigh the potential increase in weight.

    Generally speaking, when it comes to bumpers, more weight is consistent with better protection. Steel is considerably heavier than aluminum, but it also is a stronger material that will be better suited to take impact. Another thing that will increase your front bumper's weight (aluminum and steel) are how much protection it offers. Typically speaking, more protection means more weight.

    Weight is a real concern for many. Luckily, there are many bumpers out there that do a good job at blending coverage and protection with lightweight features. Of course, there are aluminum bumpers that will be the best option for squeezing every pound out of the product. There are also hybrid options that combine steel plate and steel tubing, and even bumpers that are built from aluminum with steel reinforcements for areas that require additional strength. Both these options do a great job of maintaining strength while adding in features to keep the bumper on the lighter side.

    Must-Have Features

    Your ideal features of a Tacoma bumper depend heavily on how you plan to use the bumper. The good news is that most Tacoma bumpers share many of the same key features. This includes the ability to mount a winch, light bar, auxiliary/fog lights, and more. Most Tacoma bumpers also include integrated d rings which act as a great recovery point.

    While most Tacoma bumpers have those basic features, there are some more minor differences that should be considered when making your decision on a new bumper. If you plan to mount a winch, you will want to consider what winches will work with the bumper and is the winch accessible through the front or side of the bumper. Some bumpers require you to relocate the winches' solenoid pack so it is important to consider a winch where you can remove and relocate the solenoid pack if needed.

    Another consideration when it comes to bumper features is what light mounts are included with the bumper and what specific lights or sizes of lights the bumper is confirmed to work with. Most bumpers allow the ability to mount lights, but sizes and brands of lights confirmed to fit can often be different from bumper to bumper. This is true for both light bars and auxiliary lights.

    Protection: How Much Do I Need?

    Protection is an import aspect of every Tacoma bumper and the protection afforded by different bumpers can be drastically different. For the Tacoma, there are very minimal winch mount options that provide very little protection and then there are bumpers that offer full protection from side to side and even up to the top of the grill and around the headlights.

    The protection you need will depend on how you plan to use your rig and what you might come across on the road or trail. The more minimal bumpers do provide some protection particularly for the middle of your Tacoma and do a good job at keeping the factory look. These are perfect for those who do not necessarily want additional protection over stock but want the ability to mount a winch and a light bar.

    A full-size Tacoma bumper provides good protection as it extends from side to side. Numerous bull bar and grill protection options are available. This includes what we call low to mid-height bull bars that extend up to the bottom or mid portion of the grill. There are also full height protection options that extend up to the top of the grill and even around the headlights in some cases.

    Quick View

    In this article, we review the following:

    C4 Fabrication Tacoma Front Bumpers

    C4 Fabrication offers a few front bumper options for the Tacoma that are extremely impressive not only for their design but also the quality of the craftsmanship they exhibit. C4 has what they call a Hybrid front Tacoma bumper as well as an Overland Series front Tacoma bumper which both are excellent choices but do differ in what they offer. C4 also offers a Lo-Pro Tacoma winch bumper.

    All full width (Hybrid and Overland Series) C4 Tacoma bumpers feature a winch mount, LED light bar mount, and mounts allowing you to easily attach accessory lighting. One thing to note about C4 bumpers is that they do not come powder coated (this prevents damage when shipping and allows you the ability to customize its look) . It is recommended to paint or get the bumper powder coated to prevent any rust or corrosion. Optional frame support brackets can be included with all C4 Tacoma full-size bumpers and are recommended for those who plan to mount a winch.

    The C4 Hybrid Bumper Tacoma provides ample protection while minimizing weight. The unique hybrid design combines steel plate with steel tubing. This tends to be lighter than full plate bumpers with this particular model weighing 115 lbs. without top bull bar and 125 lbs. with the top bull bar.

    The C4 Hybrid can be ordered to best fit your needs. You have the option to order the bumper without a bull bar, with a mid-height bull bar, or a full bull bar with tube gussets. This bumper provides a great deal of protection but slightly less protection than the C4 Overland Series Bumper.

    C4 Fabrication Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    C4 Fabrication Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    The other full-size Tacoma bumper in C4's arsenal is the C4 Fabrication Overland Bumper which is a full plate bumper providing numerous grill protection options. Like all C4 bumpers, the Overland Series Bumper offers the ability to mount a winch and includes numerous light mounts. The full plate design on this C4 bumper does end up being slightly heavier (115 lbs. - 135 lbs. depending upon the bull bar option) than the hybrid model but does provide additional protection specifically towards the front sides of your Tacoma.

    If you are looking for maximum protection, the C4 Overland Series Bumper can be ordered with a full-height bull bar with grill and headlight protection. This particular configuration provides protection up to the top of the grill and around the headlights.

    C4 Fabrication Overland Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    C4 Fabrication Overland Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    C4 also offers their Tacoma Lo-Pro Front Bumper which is not considered a full-size bumper and does not provide the protection like C4's other offerings. Instead, this Lo-Pro Bumper mounts below the grill on the Tacoma and only covers the center section between the frame. This can be the perfect option for those looking to mount a winch and light bar, but aren't ready to commit to a full-size bumper. An optional top bull bar can be included.

    C4 Fabrication Lo-Pro Bumper Tacoma

    C4 Fabrication Lo-Pro Bumper Tacoma

    CBI Offroad Tacoma Front Bumpers

    CBI Offroad has stood the test of time and is focused on continually advancing the design and overall capability of their Tacoma front bumpers. CBI likely has the largest offering of Tacoma overland bumpers and also offers many ways to customize the bumpers to fit your specific needs.

    CBI gives you the ability to order their bumpers with or without a powder coat finish. Many CBI bumpers can also be ordered in aluminum for those looking to keep weight down.

    CBI Offroad offers three main full-size full plate bumpers that all feature a mount for most winches, cutout to mount a light bar, and fog light cutouts. The primary difference between the three full-size bumpers CBI offers is the grill protection/bull bars which extend up to offer additional coverage.

    The CBI Classic Series Front Bumper features an all plate design and does not include any sort of bull bar or protection for the grille and/or headlights on your Tacoma.

    The CBI Baja Series Front Bumper features the same lower half design as the Classic Series, but comes with a mid-height bull bar. This bull-bar provides grill protection for the lower half of your grill.

    CBI Baja Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    CBI Baja Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    The CBI Adventure Series Front Bumper provides the maximum protection of any CBI Tacoma bumper. On this particular model, both the grill and headlights are fully protected. A bull bar extends up to the top of the grill and there is added protection around each of the headlights.

    CBI Adventure Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    CBI Adventure Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    In addition to CBI's full-size bumpers, they also offer a Dakar Hybrid Front Bumper. This unique hybrid design is 33% lighter than a traditional steel plate bumper. Despite the lower weight, protection and functionality are not sacrificed. A winch mount, light bar cutout, accessory lighting tabs, and a mid-height bull bar are included. The functionality of this bumper is very similar to the full-size bumpers but the appearance and weight are the biggest differences.

    CBI Dakar Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    CBI Dakar Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    Rounding out CBI's Tacoma bumper lineup is one of their newest products, the CBI Covert Front Bumper. The Toyota Tacoma Covert Front Bumper is a gusseted winch mount that follows the factory lines on the Tacoma perfectly. This Covert Bumper does not provide ample protection for the front sides of your Tacoma so if protection is a top priority you would want to consider something else. However, if you are looking to maintain the factory look which also benefits from a winch mount and the ability to mount a light bar, the CBI Covert Bumper could be a great option. For some additional added protection, the CBI Covert bolt-on grill guard can be added.

    CBI Covert Front Bumper Tacoma

    CBI Covert Front Bumper Tacoma

    Backwoods Adventure Mods Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Backwoods Adventure Mods burst onto the Tacoma bumper scene and has quickly become a staple name among the industry. The Backwoods Hi-Lite Overland Front Bumpers feature a unique design with the bumper weighing only 80 pounds total! This is thanks to the steel winch cradle which weighs 54 lbs. and the aluminum outer shell which only weighs 26 lbs. This unique design allows you to keep weight down while maintaining strength where it matters most.

    Backwoods Hi-Lite Front Bumper Tacoma (no bull bar)

    Backwoods Hi-Lite Front Bumper Tacoma (no bull bar)

    Backwoods offers their Hi-Lite Overland Front Bumper without any grill protection and then there is also an option to order a second variation of the bumper, called the Hi-Lite Overland Front Bumper - Bull Bar. The two variations are the same aside from the bull bar variation including protection to the top of your grill and around your headlights. Both bumpers have steel winch mounts designed to fit up to a 12K lb. winch, cutouts for accessory light pods, cutouts for winch access and spooling visibility, and 2 D-ring shackle mounts. Backwoods Tacoma bumpers will work with the Toyota Safety Sense sensor found on the front of many newer Tacoma models.

    Backwoods Hi-Lite Front Bumper Tacoma (with bull bar)

    Backwoods Hi-Lite Front Bumper Tacoma (with bull bar)

    RCI Offroad Tacoma Front Bumper

    RCI Offroad has been known for their quality Tacoma products and Tacoma Rock Sliders. The RCI Tacoma Front Bumper builds on this long running reputation providing enhanced protection for the front end of your Tacoma.

    RCI's Tacoma Front Bumper is constructed out of 3/16 inch plate and will handle anything you throw its way. Despite the whole bumper being constructed out of 3/16 inch plate which sounds heavy, the bumper features a fully interlocked sub structure for added durability without the unnecessary weight. The total weight of the bumper is 112 lbs.

    Mounting a winch, lights, etc. all can be accomplished with the RCI Tacoma Bumper. Included with the bumper is a built-in winch mounting plate, 3/4 inch shackle mounts, cutout designed to fit a 30 inch light bar, fog light cutouts, and it comes with an optional heavy-duty satin black powder coat with epoxy primer base coat. Optional hoops can also be added to the bumper for grill/headlight protection. This includes a small center hoop that extends up toward the lower half of the grill, or full hoops which extends up to the top of the grill and also includes protection around the headlights.

    RCI Offroad Front Bumper Tacoma

    RCI Offroad Front Bumper Tacoma

    Expedition One Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Expedition One has been known for their rear swing out bumpers which are in a league of their own. Expedition One Tacoma front bumpers are no exception. Whether you are looking for a full-size bumper with maximum protection or more of a winch mount, Expedition One has something for you.

    Expedition One Front Bumper Tacoma

    Expedition One Front Bumper Tacoma

    The Expedition One Tacoma Front Bumper sometimes referred to as the RangeMax Front Bumper provides a level of protection not seen with many of the other Tacoma bumpers on the market. The bumper's inner structure is constructed out of 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch steel with the outer skin being 3/16 inch steel(~150 lbs. total) and extends up to the bottom of the headlights. This paired with the wraparound bull bar could be the best protection offered for the front of the Tacoma.

    The bumper is also available without the wraparound protection in the form of a single hoop or no protection at all. The EXP1 RangeMax for the Tacoma comes with a winch mount, fog light cutouts, and shackle mounts. Note, this bumper does not include a cutout for a light bar.

    For those looking for something more minimal, the Expedition One Basic DX Tacoma Winch Mount might be what you are looking for. This product weighs 60-70 lbs. and is designed to mount up to a 12K lb. winch and comes with shackle mounts. It can also be ordered with an optional single hoop.

    Cali Raised LED Tacoma Bumper

    The Cali Raised LED Stealth Bumper is more of a mid-center bumper that is not considered a full-size bumper. But that does not mean it can't provide protection and increase the functionality of your Tacoma. The 3/16 inch faceplate paired with the 1/4 inch steel winch plate provide a strong structure with the complete product only weighing 77 lbs.

    Included with the Stealth Bumper from Cali Raised LED is a winch mount capable of working with most 8K-12K lb. winches with a moveable solenoid box, 3/4 inch recovery points, and cutout for a 32 inch Cali Raised LED Light Bar. This bumper features a completely bolt-on design and is compatible with the TSS sensor.

    Cali Raised LED Stealth Front Bumper Tacoma

    Cali Raised LED Stealth Front Bumper Tacoma

    Body Armor 4x4 Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Body Armor 4x4 offers three competitively priced front bumper options for the Tacoma. This includes two full-size bumpers and one winch mount. All Body Armor products come with a black powder coat finish and feature a winch mount and light cutouts.

    Body Armor 4x4's most popular Tacoma front bumper is the HiLine Front Bumper which is a winch mount providing increased clearance and better approach angles. While this bumper does not extend out like a full-size bumper, it does provide ample protection for the center of your Tacoma and comes with a welded bull bar. A 20 inch cutout for a light bar is also included along with shackle points.

    Body Armor 4x4 HiLine Front Bumper Tacoma

    Body Armor 4x4 HiLine Front Bumper Tacoma

    Body Armor also offers the Desert Series Front Bumper and Pro Series Front Bumper for the Tacoma. The Desert Series Bumper features a tubular frame with sheet metal support while the Pro Series is constructed completely out of steel plate. Both these bumpers will increase your clearance and also have the capability of mounting a winch. light bar, and accessory lights.

    Southern Style Off-Road Tacoma Bumpers

    Southern Style Off-Road often referred to as SSO offers numerous configurations of their Slimline Bumpers for the Toyota Tacoma. These bumpers provide a stylish appearance while adding protection and functionality to the Tacoma.

    The SSO Tacoma Slimline Full Plate Bumper is constructed out of 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch, and 3/8 inch steel and weighs only 85-90 lbs. The full plate design provides a unique look and offers enhanced protection over some of the other SSO bumpers. Included with this full-plate Tacoma bumper is a winch mount (10K - 12K winches), weld through shackle mounts, and an optional 20 or 30 inch light bar cutout. You will also have the ability to order the bumper with just a winch line opening or the winch line opening with access holes on each side. A bull bar is also an option for enhanced protection.

    The SSO Tacoma Slimline Hybrid Tube Front Bumper provides the benefit of a steel plate center section with tubing extending from the center to the sides. This unique design reduces overall weight as compared to the full plate design by about 10 lbs. Like the full plate version, a winch mount and light bar cutout are available on the hybrid version.

    SSO Slimline Tube Front Bumper Tacoma

    SSO Slimline Tube Front Bumper Tacoma

    SSO also offers the Slimline Hybrid Front Bumper which is the most toned down version of the Slimline bumpers from SSO. This particular version is more of a winch mount and not a full-size bumper. While it does provide protection, much of it is concentrated toward the middle of the Tacoma without any protection extending out to the sides. This unique design only adds 40 lbs. more than what the OEM components weigh. A winch mount and optional bull bar and light cutouts are available allowing you to customize this to best fit your needs.

    SSO Slimline Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    SSO Slimline Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    Ironman 4X4 Tacoma Front Bumper

    Ironman 4x4 was founded back in 1958 and has continually pushed out new and impressive products. The Ironman 4x4 Raid Front Bumper for the Tacoma is one of those products. According to Ironman, it is the world's first fully crash tested and SRS compatible tubular style bumper for the Tacoma blending the Australian mindset of functionality with American design characteristics.

    When it comes to the design, the Raid Front Bumper from Ironman 4x4 features a two piece design where the winch cradle mounts directly to the frame. This provides the strongest and safest winching platform. In addition to the winch mount, this bumper features a light bar mount in addition to brackets designed to fit accessory lighting. To ensure this bumper provides the necessary protection, Ironman builds the bumper with cold rolled steel and finishes it off with a ultra durable AKZO NOBEL black powder coating.

    Ironman 4x4 Raid Front Bumper Tacoma

    Ironman 4x4 Raid Front Bumper Tacoma

    ARB Tacoma Front Bumper

    If none of the brands previously mentioned ring a bell, you might be familiar with ARB. ARB has a long running tradition of quality products and the ARB Summit Bumper for the Tacoma continues this legacy.

    The Summit Tacoma Front Bumper is a bit more bulky than some of the other options, but it does provide an enormous amount of protection thanks to the massive two-piece grill guard and larger tubing. This grill protection extends up to the top of the grill and includes headlight hoops for maximum protection.

    The Summit Bumper from ARB comes with fog light cutouts (lights included), a winch cradle, and the ability to mount accessory lights on top of the bumper near the top of the winch. The bumper also features a split pan design leaving large openings so air is not restricted from flowing to your radiator or engine.

    ARB Tacoma Front Bumper

    ARB Summit Front Bumper Tacoma

    Demello Offroad Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Demello Offroad offers numerous quality built front bumpers for the Tacoma including their Stealth Series Bumpers and Off-Road Tacoma Bumpers. Both these models can be customized with different grill protection and they all come with winch mounts and options for lighting.

    The Demello Stealth Series Tacoma Bumpers come in either a flat top version without any protection extending up above the bumper, a Baja version with protection extending toward the top of the grill, and a 3 hoop version with protection to the top of the grill and around the front headlights. The only difference between these three models is the protection they offer. Each of them come with a winch mount, 3/16 inch skeleton internal design, one piece shackle mounts, and a 1/8 inch outer skin to keep the bumper as light as possible. The one-piece shackle design ties into the winch plate and bolts to the frame making it an extremely strong design.

    Demello Stealth Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    Demello Stealth Series Front Bumper Tacoma

    Demello also offers their Off-Road Tacoma bumpers which share many of the same key features seen on the Stealth Series Bumpers including the different grill/headlight protection options. These Off-Road Bumpers also feature a winch mount, 3/16 inch skeleton design with 1/8 skin to keep weight down, and one piece shackle design. Demello Off-Road Series bumpers weigh 115-130 lbs. depending on the configuration.

    Demello Off-Road Baja Hoop Front Bumper Tacoma

    Demello Off-Road Baja Hoop Front Bumper Tacoma

    Relentless Fabrication Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Relentless Fabrication offers multiple Tacoma front bumper options including their Hybrid Front Bumper, Stealth Front Bumper, Summit Front Bumper, and Predator Front Bumper. The Stealth, Summit, and Predator front bumpers are very similar with the only differentiating factor being the grill/headlight protection. All Relentless bumpers come standard with frame bracing plates.

    The Relentless Hybrid Tacoma Bumper features a hybrid design combining 3/16 inch plate with 1.75 inch .120 wall DOM tubing (113 lbs. total). Unlike some of the other hybrid bumpers, this particular bumper features a one-piece continuous top tube with filler plate design. As expected, this bumper is winch ready and comes standard with 3/4 inch welded through recovery points, front cutouts allowing you to easily access the winch, 30 inch light bar cutout, and light tabs on each side for accessory lighting. An optional powder coat finish is available.

    Relentless Fabrication Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    Relentless Fabrication Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    Relentless also offers full plate Tacoma bumpers including the Stealth, Summit, and Predator models. Each of these models are constructed entirely out of 3/16 inch steel and feature solid 3/4 inch thick recovery points. They also come standard with cutouts for a 30 inch LED Light Bar and cutouts allowing you to easily access and service your winch. Square cutouts are also included designed for accessory/fog lights.

    Relentless Fabrication Stealth Front Bumper Tacoma

    Relentless Fabrication Stealth Front Bumper Tacoma

    The Stealth model does not provide any grill or headlight protection. The Summit model provides a bull bar extending up to the top of the grill and some additional support tubing. The Predator variation provides the most protection with tubing extending to the top of the grill and around the headlights.

    Relentless Fabrication Summit Front Bumper Tacoma

    Relentless Fabrication Summit Front Bumper Tacoma

    Lil Bs Fabrication Tacoma Front Bumper

    Lil B's Fabrication is one of the newer names on the scene, but don't let that sway you into thinking they are any less quality than the other brands mentioned throughout this blog. The Lil Bs Hybrid Front Tacoma Bumper features a unique design that enhances the ground clearance and approach angles on the Tacoma.

    Like many hybrid Tacoma bumpers, the Lil Bs Hybrid Bumper features a steel plate mid section and tubing extending out toward the sides. This design does not sacrifice any strength and is much lighter than a traditional bumper at only 105 lbs. Functionality is also maximized with this bumper thanks to the included winch mount, shackle mounts, and bracket design to fit 2 accessory lights per side.

    LIl Bs Fabrication Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    Lil Bs Fabrication Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    Dissent Off-Road Tacoma Front Bumper

    Dissent Off-Road broke onto the scene with their stunning Land Cruiser products and have since launched a line of Tacoma products that are sure to impress. The Dissent Tacoma Modular Bumper features a unique aluminum/steel hybrid design that generates trail rated toughness in a lightweight package. A majority of the bumper is made from 1/4 inch 5052 aluminum plate with the frame brackets being constructed out of 1/4 inch steel. The internally reinforced design pushes stress away from the weld joints and into the frame.

    The Dissent Tacoma Modular Bumper is completely winch capable and can be ordered with an optional powder coat finish. Accessory lights can also be added to the bumper if desired.

    Dissent Off-Road Front Bumper Tacoma

    Dissent Off-Road Front Bumper Tacoma

    Bay Area Metal Fab Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Bay Area Metal Fab, sometimes referred to as BAMF offers two primary bumpers for the Tacoma: a Hybrid Front Bumper and Overland Plate Bumper. Both bumpers feature winch mounts and numerous options for lighting.

    As Bay Area said well themselves "with Hybrid Bumpers being all the craze these days just about every company offers one, we felt it could be done better." And to back that up they say theirs is one of the strongest Hybrid Bumpers on the market. We aren't here to validate those claims, but what we do know is the Bay Area Tacoma Hybrid Front Bumper features a steel plate and tube design and boasts a massive .250 inch HRPO A36 steel winch cradle. To further strengthen the mount to the frame, Bay Area includes .188 inch steel welded reinforcement brackets for worry free winching. To round out this Hybrid Bumper you will have a mount for a 30 inch single row LED light bar, 3/4 inch d-ring mounts, and light mount for various accessory lights on each side. This bumper can be ordered with no hoops, low center hoop or a full height center hoop. Without any hoops, the bumper comes in at under 100 lbs.

    BAMF Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    BAMF Hybrid Front Bumper Tacoma

    The BAMF Overland Tacoma Front Bumper features many of the key benefits found on the Tacoma Hybrid Bumper including a super thick winch cradle (.250 inch), light mounting options, steel reinforcement brackets, and d-ring mounts. The primary difference is the plate design which does add additional weight (140 lbs. without hoops) to the bumper but it can also provide some additional protection particularly on the sides. One unique feature to this particular bumper as well as the BAMF Hybrid Tacoma Bumper are the removeable bash plates found near the bottom of the winch cradle. These are designed to be easily replaced as needed. Instead of taking a hit on your bumper's main structure you are likely to take the hit on these bash plates and once they are destroyed you can simply replace them.

    BAMF Plate Front Bumper Tacoma

    BAMF Plate Front Bumper Tacoma

    Victory 4x4 Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Victory 4x4 has amassed a huge number of Tacoma products in a short amount of time. This includes a Tacoma Strike Front Winch Bumper which is a full plate designed winch bumper and a Tacoma Blitz Front Winch Bumper that is more of a minimal front bumper.

    The Victory 4x4 Strike Front Winch Bumper for the Tacoma is known for providing extra tire clearance and numerous options to increase your Tacoma's capability while not breaking the bank. In terms of construction, this bumper features CNC cut and formed .188 inch steel (or .250 inch aluminum) and optional tube work for grill protection. The tube work option provides protection up to the middle of your grill and the bull bar option provides full protection for your grill and headlights. This bumper is capable of mounting a winch (8k-10K non-integrated solenoid winches) and various lights. A 20 inch light bar cutout is included as well as built-in provisions for cube lights on each side of the bumper.

    Victory 4x4 Strike Front Bumper Tacoma

    Victory 4x4 Strike Front Bumper Tacoma

    The Victory Tacoma Blitz Front Winch Bumper is not a full size bumper but does provide many features allowing you to take your Tacoma to the next level. This is a great option for someone wanting to maintain a factory look while also having the ability to mount a winch, light bar, and have access to large d-ring recovery points. If weight is also a concern this could be a great choice as it comes in at only 63 lbs. Like the Victory Strike Bumper, the Blitz Bumper can accommodate most 8K - 10K winches, 20 inch single row light bar, and is confirmed to work with the TRD PRO factory skid plate.

    Victory 4x4 Blitz Front Bumper Tacoma

    Victory 4x4 Blitz Front Bumper Tacoma

    Hefty Fabworks Tacoma Front Bumpers

    Hefty Fabworks is a family owned company located in Colorado Springs, CO that has been pushing out some impressive products including their Tacoma Steel High Clearance Front Bumper and Tacoma Low-Profile Banshee Bumper.

    The Hefty Fabworks Banshee Low-Profile Bumper provides the ultimate in strength and functionality and only weighs 55 lbs. Unlike other similar bumpers on the market, the Hefty Fabworks Banshee Bumper is completely modular. You simply remove seven bolts and the front aluminum face can come directly off the bumper leaving just the steel substructure. This allows you to access critical areas such as the winch without removing the whole bumper. While this bumper doesn't offer the protection found on a full-size front bumper, you do have the ability to include a low hoop designed to protect the lower portion of your grill. Mounting a light bar is seamless as there is a cutout ready for a 20 inch light bar.

    Hefty Fabworks Banshee Front Bumper Tacoma

    Hefty Fabworks Banshee Front Bumper Tacoma

    Hefty Fabworks also offers a Steel High Clearance Front Bumper for the Tacoma which offers unmatched protection while setting your Tacoma up for anything. This bumper is designed to offer it all and handle anything thrown its way. It is constructed out of 3/8 inch and 3/16 inch steel with massive 1/4 inch steel frame mounts. A 3/16 inch steel winch plate is also included with the bumper allowing you to easily mount a winch of your choice. A 30 inch light bar cutout can accommodate your favorite light bar and fully integrated structured tabs are there to freely mount all your accessory lighting. For added protection, a pre-runner hoop can be added to the bumper if desired. There is no doubt this bumper will provide enhanced protection while only weighing around 130 lbs.

    Hefty Fabworks Steel High Clearance Front Bumper Tacoma

    Hefty Fabworks Steel High Clearance Front Bumper Tacoma

    Final Thoughts

    It can be daunting and challenging to find the perfect Tacoma bumper. There are so many similar bumpers out there and it is difficult to determine the minor differences between them all. Fortunately, all the bumpers outlined above are quality bumpers from brands that you can trust. Whether you are looking for a full-size bumper for maximum protection or looking for a simple winch mount, there is something out there for you.

    Hopefully this article helps you identify the minor differences between bumpers along with the key features of each. Appearance is also a crucial factor when shopping for a new bumper and while they may contain very similar features, there are no two bumpers that are exactly the same when it comes to the appearance. Lead time can also be a differentiating factor. Unfortunately the majority of bumpers outlined above do have a lead time as of the time of writing this, however we are optimistic to see that change as manufacturing and production times become more efficient. Contact us and we can help you in your search. After all, good things take time and a majority of the bumpers outlined above are made in the U.S.A. by quality craftsmen. 

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