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front bumper options

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8.8K views 16 replies 6 participants last post by  AustinCat  
#1 ·
Lately I have been researching front bumper upgrades that are functional for light overlanding. I am really in the market for a little more protection and slightly more rugged look without sacrificing too much ground clearance. I have looked into the LP adventure front bumper and skid plate combo. this is probably my top choice right now but I wish it mounted in place of the lower lip rather than under it. The other options I am debating are the rnofit fabrication front bumper and possibly fabricating one myself. skid plates are definitely going on at some point too which is why the LP adventure kit is so high on my list since it should all work seamlessly.

Does anyone have any suggestions other than what I have found?
 
R
#2 ·
any specific reason for the bumper other than protection? If your offroading your hybrid to the point where you're damaging your front bumper, your ultimately in need of a different offroading platform. But it is your vehicle and only my thoughts. Just understand that building your vehicle out with thousands in bumpers, lift, etc won't makeup for the limfac which is your AWD system.

I'd personally go with the LP Aventure with skids, but just understand that it will impact your approach angle. If you go with a heavier front bumper, this will greatly impact your daily drivability as the RAV4 simply isn't a suitable platform to load down with excessive weight. Keep it light and functional. As an overland rig, i'd compare it to a thru-hiker rather than a wilderness backpacker, if the comparison makes sense. Every ounce counts. Just my 2 cents though.
 
#3 ·
Rav4Outdoorsman said:
any specific reason for the bumper other than protection?

I'd personally go with the LP Aventure with skids, but just understand that it will impact your approach angle. If you go with a heavier front bumper, this will greatly impact your daily drivability as the RAV4 simply isn't a suitable platform to load down with excessive weight. Keep it light and functional. As an overland rig, i'd compare it to a thru-hiker rather than a wilderness backpacker, if the comparison makes sense. Every ounce counts. Just my 2 cents though.
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I think you nailed it here. I am looking to have it be slightly more rugged but still happily bring me to and from work everyday. I like tinkering and little mods on the weekend are fun to me. I am very happy with the vehicle and do not plan on pushing it way beyond its capability. At most I am looking for more durability and protection from smaller rocks and debris the tires may kick up on access roads or similar. Just feeling out the forum for advice if the LP adventure kit or other comparable options are a good fit for what I am looking to do.
 
#4 ·
I've had half an eye open for the same but haven't ever seen anything that isn't overbuilt and too heavy or completely functionless and all for looks. I don't think there's anything out there for these vehicles that's really what we're after because if you're to the point of needing more bumper utility you're already doing way more intense stuff than the Rav can handle.
 
#7 ·
Mr_Flux said:
I don't think there's anything out there for these vehicles that's really what we're after because if you're to the point of needing more bumper utility you're already doing way more intense stuff than the Rav can handle.
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indeed, i got a nudge bar up front, mostly for turning out of building car parks that have very tight turns ( a few in my area) also as first impact for those who may accidentally reverse park into my car when street parking...
 
#5 ·
hello everyone, am very happy with my "nudge bar" it's the factory one, tho i installed it myself. the kit came with front sensor caps & wiring harness, so i can plug the grille sensor hole and relocate the sensors to the "nudge bar"...not the easiest install, as the front of the rav4 has to come off, but the instruction sheet is very good so it took me about 1/2 a day to do as i was very careful.
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#8 ·
Don Ω said:
hello everyone, am very happy with my "nudge bar" it's the factory one, tho i installed it myself.
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this seems like a very nice option, what trim level rav do you have and if you have the part number of the nudge bar can you post that as well? did you need to wait for it a long time? honestly did not even realize toyota had that sort of option for the rav. I like the look of it, it sure makes the front look a small bit more rugged but still factory.
 
#16 ·
that's a copy of the instructions that comes with the nudge bar kit, and it
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looks harder than it actual is. i did mine in my apartment basement car spot, (wearing an led cap light) and used the box that it comes in, as a protective sheet under the car...my neighbours wondered what on earth am i doing to my new car, but once finished they all said it looks great, a few said it looks the way it should look now, and another said it's changed his mind about the rav4 as it looks like a proper suv instead of a fancy shopping car. lol
 
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