Smittybuilt Xrc Bumpers - Great Lakes 4x4. The largest offroad forum in the Midwest

wadey · April 10th, 2012, 01:07 PM

I've been bumper shopping lately for my dad's new tj, and we both like the looks and features of the XRC bumpers. However I know that Smittybuilt has a reputation of being Shittybuilt, and I was wondering if their build quality has come around or if they are still junk?

8PTBUCK · April 10th, 2012, 01:14 PM

I like those XRC bumpers. But knowing somewhat of their rep, I may have mine custom built. I like the look of the stingers

mschaffer66 · April 10th, 2012, 01:56 PM

PM kristavsmichigan...

wadey · April 10th, 2012, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mschaffer66

PM kristavsmichigan...

That didn't take long

mschaffer66 · April 10th, 2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadey

That didn't take long

That's what she said...

Oh wait...

grnd93 · April 10th, 2012, 07:49 PM

have the src stinger and rear with swingout on my TJ. they look decent and are heavy as hell. I haven't bashed them on anything yet so I can't speak to the durability. My front I bought used and it was rhinolined since brand new. I did the same for the rear. the tire carrier is factory powdercoat and has held up fine for a year so far. The only thing I have had to do was replace the rub block on the bottom of the latch mechanism. from the factory it is abs plastic and snapped in half from the vibration. Had one made from nylon and it's holding up fine (they also send me a new plastic one under warranty).

chasetheface123 · April 10th, 2012, 08:26 PM

I dont know about their bumpers, but they look pretty darn good. I can speak from their winches though. I have had nothing but great luck with mine, and I know firsthand their customer service is TOP NOTCH!

wadey · April 10th, 2012, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnd93

have the src stinger and rear with swingout on my TJ. they look decent and are heavy as hell. I haven't bashed them on anything yet so I can't speak to the durability. My front I bought used and it was rhinolined since brand new. I did the same for the rear. the tire carrier is factory powdercoat and has held up fine for a year so far. The only thing I have had to do was replace the rub block on the bottom of the latch mechanism. from the factory it is abs plastic and snapped in half from the vibration. Had one made from nylon and it's holding up fine (they also send me a new plastic one under warranty).

Do you have a pic of the broken plastic part? Your opinion on the latch/swing out. Do the frame mounts seem up to par? Also how does the over quality seem? Chincy, poor welds, good, bad, ugly? ect

Thanks

grnd93 · April 11th, 2012, 12:23 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by wadey

Do you have a pic of the broken plastic part? Your opinion on the latch/swing out. Do the frame mounts seem up to par? Also how does the over quality seem? Chincy, poor welds, good, bad, ugly? ect

Thanks

Welds seem ok to me...overall quality is fine. The latch for the swing out is pretty basic. If I had any complaint it would be the design of the swing out in general...nothing particularly bad about it, just would like to see some more strength in it.

The rear bolts to the rear crossmember in 8 spots, the 4 outboard ones use existing holes, the other 4 you have to drill. It also bolts underneath to the frame. Seems solid enough, and the hitch is supposed to be rated for 5000lbs. They include some plates to help spread the load where the crossmember bolts go, and you could always use frame tie ins to beef it up more. I'd have to say for the price it's a good deal.

In the pic the black one is the one that broke...had the white made as a replacement. It's just a rub block for the bottom of the swing out latch, but without it the arm can bounce around and come unlatched.

wadey · April 11th, 2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnd93

Attachment 91364

Welds seem ok to me...overall quality is fine. The latch for the swing out is pretty basic. If I had any complaint it would be the design of the swing out in general...nothing particularly bad about it, just would like to see some more strength in it.

The rear bolts to the rear crossmember in 8 spots, the 4 outboard ones use existing holes, the other 4 you have to drill. It also bolts underneath to the frame. Seems solid enough, and the hitch is supposed to be rated for 5000lbs. They include some plates to help spread the load where the crossmember bolts go, and you could always use frame tie ins to beef it up more. I'd have to say for the price it's a good deal.

In the pic the black one is the one that broke...had the white made as a replacement. It's just a rub block for the bottom of the swing out latch, but without it the arm can bounce around and come unlatched.

Ok, that sound sufficient, especially for the price. How do you feel about sliding into a tree, or catching it coming off a rock with the tire carrier? That would be the main concern as it could crush the tub.

As for the plastic piece you had made, how much did that run you? And could you ever get another one made?

grnd93 · April 11th, 2012, 06:09 PM

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If the carrier got banged into a tree it may do some damage, but I would imagine most on the market would as well. The bumpers themselves I would have no issue smacking them up against a rock or tree.

I had a friend make that part for me, so it was free...if I can catch him when he isn't out on the road I could probably get another. If you get the XRC it may not even use the same latch, I'm not sure what the differences are

In the first pic you see what I feel is the biggest downfall of their design. I would prefer a spindle/bearing setup, but of course that's more money.
The second pic is just a general pic of their latch. Pull the safety pin and lift up the lever. You can see the white run block under the lever. It keeps the whole thing from bouncing around too much.

One other thing you may consider if you use the SRC is welding block off plates over the ends. They come open from the factory so mud and salt can get inside. I make it a point to flush mine thoroughly when I wash it . It also made it easy to run wires for the 6 pin trailer plug that I mounted in the bumper.

zoomin0074 · April 17th, 2012, 07:50 PM

I have that rear bumper / tire carrier w/ 33" tire on it, the swingout part broke off the bumper because the spindle was only butt welded on.. I called customer service and they sent me out a new rear bumper with the spindle going all the way through.. The latch mechanism is crap and rattles like crazy, I had to fabricate a rubber piece to keep it quiet.. Oh yeah and my plastic block broke in 2 pieces had to make a new one of those also.. I am currently looking for an alternative latch setup.

scaterbrain · March 8th, 2013, 07:31 PM

I have the stinger and I can tell you there are some trees that regret it. Still looks great. H20 winch that has never given me grief.

April 10th, 2012, 01:07 PM	#1
wadey ┌∩┐(ò_ó)┌∩┐ Join Date: 03-31-11 Location: White Lake / Mt. Pleasant Posts: 1,597 iTrader: (7)	Smittybuilt Xrc Bumpers I've been bumper shopping lately for my dad's new tj, and we both like the looks and features of the XRC bumpers. However I know that Smittybuilt has a reputation of being Shittybuilt, and I was wondering if their build quality has come around or if they are still junk? __________________ My Zr2 Rons Machining Service Great place for gears!!

April 10th, 2012, 01:14 PM	#2
8PTBUCK Hobo Joe and the TCG Join Date: 12-02-09 Location: Waterford/Gladwin, MI Posts: 1,508 iTrader: (5)	I like those XRC bumpers. But knowing somewhat of their rep, I may have mine custom built. I like the look of the stingers

April 10th, 2012, 01:56 PM	#3
mschaffer66 Still telln it like it is Join Date: 11-05-05 Location: West Bloomfield, MI Posts: 8,655 iTrader: (16)	PM kristavsmichigan...

April 10th, 2012, 07:49 PM	#6
grnd93 Senior Member Join Date: 11-15-08 Location: New Boston, MI Posts: 680 iTrader: (17)	have the src stinger and rear with swingout on my TJ. they look decent and are heavy as hell. I haven't bashed them on anything yet so I can't speak to the durability. My front I bought used and it was rhinolined since brand new. I did the same for the rear. the tire carrier is factory powdercoat and has held up fine for a year so far. The only thing I have had to do was replace the rub block on the bottom of the latch mechanism. from the factory it is abs plastic and snapped in half from the vibration. Had one made from nylon and it's holding up fine (they also send me a new plastic one under warranty).

April 10th, 2012, 08:26 PM	#7
chasetheface123 Senior Member Join Date: 12-13-09 Location: Boyne City Posts: 464 iTrader: (6)	I dont know about their bumpers, but they look pretty darn good. I can speak from their winches though. I have had nothing but great luck with mine, and I know firsthand their customer service is TOP NOTCH!

April 11th, 2012, 06:09 PM	#11
grnd93 Senior Member Join Date: 11-15-08 Location: New Boston, MI Posts: 680 iTrader: (17)	If the carrier got banged into a tree it may do some damage, but I would imagine most on the market would as well. The bumpers themselves I would have no issue smacking them up against a rock or tree. I had a friend make that part for me, so it was free...if I can catch him when he isn't out on the road I could probably get another. If you get the XRC it may not even use the same latch, I'm not sure what the differences are In the first pic you see what I feel is the biggest downfall of their design. I would prefer a spindle/bearing setup, but of course that's more money. The second pic is just a general pic of their latch. Pull the safety pin and lift up the lever. You can see the white run block under the lever. It keeps the whole thing from bouncing around too much. One other thing you may consider if you use the SRC is welding block off plates over the ends. They come open from the factory so mud and salt can get inside. I make it a point to flush mine thoroughly when I wash it . It also made it easy to run wires for the 6 pin trailer plug that I mounted in the bumper.

April 17th, 2012, 07:50 PM	#12
zoomin0074 Senior Member Join Date: 05-07-06 Location: Troy Posts: 270 iTrader: (2)	I have that rear bumper / tire carrier w/ 33" tire on it, the swingout part broke off the bumper because the spindle was only butt welded on.. I called customer service and they sent me out a new rear bumper with the spindle going all the way through.. The latch mechanism is crap and rattles like crazy, I had to fabricate a rubber piece to keep it quiet.. Oh yeah and my plastic block broke in 2 pieces had to make a new one of those also.. I am currently looking for an alternative latch setup.

March 8th, 2013, 07:31 PM	#13
scaterbrain pay attention to what? Join Date: 11-03-09 Location: Chelsea, Mi. Posts: 600 iTrader: (6)	I have the stinger and I can tell you there are some trees that regret it. Still looks great. H20 winch that has never given me grief.