luwaimn Posted January 24, 2021 Share Posted January 24, 2021 (edited) Hello there fellow Carnity members, hope you all are having a good day. With my Prado's stock bumper having had enough of my off-roading adventures and has finally reached a point where it has to be replaced, I have to get myself a new off-road bumper. I have been looking at a lot off options and already concluded on a plate bumper. but however I am still not sure on what material do I make for. Should I go for a fiber glass one which shall be lighter and cheaper but will be damaged easily it gets a big hit or a steel bumper which will be able to absorb impacts much better but will much heavier on the car and cost more. Please help. Edited January 24, 2021 by luwaimn 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anish S Posted January 24, 2021 Share Posted January 24, 2021 I personally won't go for a steel bumper mainly because of the weight. Especially with a LWB, I already feel the car is heavy enough and actually I want to get rid of weight. Secondly when u go for vehicle testing during renewal, they can be picky and might ask to put some rubber padding etc... 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaitanya D Posted January 24, 2021 Share Posted January 24, 2021 @luwaimn a proper bash plate (6mm or more) will keep the bumper pretty safe unless you maneuver extremely to make impacts and cause damage. We have members who drive Prado, probably can advise better with their experience( @Tero Vallas, @Mahmoud Hamzawy , @Nizam Deen , @asif , @Mikhail Lukichev) Slightly altering your approach and departure with some controlled speed will save your bumper for sure with a bash plate. Yes the air dam or low liners have to be removed . 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nizam Deen Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 Based on my experience below are a must for prado: Skid plate front and back Ensure skid plate its made of aluminum with 6 MM thickness. Aluminum is light weight so i found it to be best. Offroad Tyre - Geolander ATS 2" Lift would do alot of wonders if you want to continue with your prado until Intermediate and above. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brette Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 @luwaimn if the clips are still holding and the bumper has not come of the body, I'd suggest just trimming it and getting a skid plate. If the clips are broken and it has to be replaced, try getting a second hand one and trim it. Adding a metal bumper would not only add weight but can also be a problem passing the RTA test. You would have to put the rubber blocks on it for it to pass. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luwaimn Posted January 25, 2021 Author Share Posted January 25, 2021 2 hours ago, Nizam Deen said: Based on my experience below are a must for prado: Skid plate front and back Ensure skid plate its made of aluminum with 6 MM thickness. Aluminum is light weight so i found it to be best. Offroad Tyre - Geolander ATS 2" Lift would do alot of wonders if you want to continue with your prado until Intermediate and above. Thanks for the tip. I already have a 10mm aluminum bash plate installed. Main reason is the side clip which always tend to come out even when when a small bump occurs. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topgear Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 I think it will be better to trim the bumper 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tero Vallas Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 HI @luwaimn, I am driving with just a stock Prado, do not have skid plates or anything really. Looking now the engine area below, I would say skid plates definitely makes sense. Low liners definitely no go, they'll be lost in first drive. If you wish to have a sturdy front, steel bumper makes sense. It will increase weight a bit, maybe 30 kg +. I don't think this additional weight will impact your car performance too much though, hardly at all, if you have 4,0 l engine. It has plenty of power. @Luca Palanca Falsini has in his Fortuner modified steel bumper and looks cool and certainly will not get bent easily. As @Chaitanya D said, speed and approach angle for dunes makes big difference. I learn that hard way, having small dents in my front now. See u on sand... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tero Vallas Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 20 hours ago, Anish S said: I personally won't go for a steel bumper mainly because of the weight. Especially with a LWB, I already feel the car is heavy enough and actually I want to get rid of weight. Secondly when u go for vehicle testing during renewal, they can be picky and might ask to put some rubber padding etc... @Anish S & @Brette, yeah, your point regarding resale value of the car makes sense... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahmoud Hamzawy Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 Am driving my stock Prado for almost 2 years offroading perfectly, I fully agree on the side clips of the bumper but all what you need is as mentioned just trim the bumper and have more holding for it Prado has a stock engine protector at the bottom of the car, sure Skid plate is a good add on but from my experience with Prado its not a must Lifting 2'' is a great you can use King lifting kit which is perfect for Prado, some are using Fox but I can say KING is the best Never think of metal bumper it will add weight and will not pass RTA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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