Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
BUMPERS: HEAVY DUTY When push comes to shove on the jobsite, it pays to have the best to protect your work pickup's sheet metal and provide a solid winch platform by Bruce W. Smith D ents and dings in pickup bodywork is an expensive proposition. Although damage like this may not directly affect the actual functionality of the truck, when it comes time for resale or trade-in, such damage can instantly take thousands off the value. Unfortunately, a full-size pickup's inherent blind spots make accidental jobsite encounters with some object that caves in body sheet metal and factory bumpers an inevitable occurrence. It's just a matter of when. Another cause of body damage, especially to bumpers and lower front sheet metal, is hitting the ground when crossing depressions such as water bars, ditches and dozer cuts. The good news is such damage can be minimized, or eliminated altogether, by stepping up to heavier-duty bumpers designed for heavy-duty use. Such upgrades are designed to Aftermarket rear bumpers, like this Fab Fours model, can provide back-up lights as well as greater body protection. Versions that use the pickup's proximity sensors are the best, especially on big pickups that have very limited rear visibility. Most heavy-duty replacement rear bumpers have welded "D"-shackle brackets and a hole to mount the OE trailer plug. This Road Armor bumper also included holes for using the OE proximity sensors. make our pickups stronger and more functional. The key is getting the best value for your dollar. This is an area where function plays a much more important role than form. REDUCING REPAIR COSTS An errant limb, thick brush, or a suicidal deer can easily destroy a stock pickup bumper. They can just as easily take out the plastic grille, headlights, A/C condenser, and transmission/engine oil coolers that sit between the grille and radiator. Replacing a stock bumper can easily cost $500, while replacing a headlight, condensers, and coolers can top $2,000 in parts, paint, shop labor, and downtime. That's why it's important to consider adding heavy-duty grille/brush guards or replac- ing your truck's light-duty OEM bumper, with a true "off-road" bumper designed to take a hard lick without damaging what sits behind the bumper. Many heavy-duty aftermarket truck bumpers are usually designed to house a winch and auxiliary lights, too, further adding to their overall function value. BUMPER BUYING TIPS When you begin shopping for heavy-duty bumpers, concentrate your shopping toward off-road shops, truck upfitters, and specialty manufacturers who design and fabricate tough, nononsense products made from heavy-gauge steel or aluminum. Strength in the field comes from solid design and engineering as well as the type of material used to make such items. For 28 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Bumpers.indd 28 8/6/13 9:56 AM