New Road Armor front bumper install and impressions

[DHayden]

I have always liked the looks of Road Armor, I really like the looks of the heavy duty brush guard bumpers with the built in winch plates but decided I would tone things down a bit on this truck compared to the last one so I bought a new Vaquero style front bumper (still Road Armor).
First things first,
I placed my order through an online retailer. They called me the next day and said this bumper was on back order for 3 weeks. No problem I can wait. After several calls and a lot of waiting, my bumper showed up after TEN weeks. So needless to say I was un impressed.
Ok, so bumper shows up and is very well packaged. Survived shipping with no issues and looks very solid and is painted very well and looks sharp. I ordered the winch plate which is very heavy and once bolted up looks like it is all one piece with the bumper, seamless integration. Bumper is very solid, not too bulky and provides great protection.
The bad,
The winch plate sits back a bit to far. I attached all of the power cables almost sideways so they would not rub up against the inter-cooler. I will need to go back and put some spaghetti wrap around the cables so there is no chance of rubbing against the inter-cooler when the wind blows against it. There were zero instructions for mounting the winch plate. I could not find instructions on their website or anywhere on the internet. The install was not hard to figure out, especially if you have any amount of mechanical inclination. It would have just been nice to have something to look at before you dive in so you know there not something your missing and will have to take a few steps back.
All in all it was a pretty easy install, looks good (to me anyway) and is solid and painted well so it should last and protect for a long time. Also keeps the factory tow hooks and fog lights.

 

[TFucili]

Looks sharp. How would you compare this with Ranch Hand? Do you anticipate an mpg hit?

 

[DHayden]

Its a little heavier built than the Ranch Hand. It was around the same price as the Ranch Hand as I recall but one of the things that swayed me was that I dont like the diamond plate look of the Ranch Hands.
I have the max tow package with the 4.10's so my mileage already sucks, I doubt I will see much mpg difference. The Buckstop bumper I have on my 2001 weighs about the same and I never saw a decrease in mpg's.

 

[Wiredawg]

Sharp Truck!

 

[DHayden]

Thank you both, I should have wiped my footprint off the side of the bumper lol

 

[TFucili]

I'm with you on the diamond plate. It has its place, but not everywhere. I have looked at some hauler bodies or skirted flatbeds that had way too much of it for my liking.

 

[evldsl]

NICE

 

[Wiredawg]

I'm with you on the diamond plate. It has its place, but not everywhere. I have looked at some hauler bodies or skirted flatbeds that had way too much of it for my liking.

You're exactly right! I like diamond plate on horizontal surfaces because I tend to stand, walk, and climb on them. Definitely no diamond plate on vertical surfaces. My 5500 is the first truck in 6 Ram Cummins that I went a different route...shine polished stainless steel. It has a chrome diamond plate step that is slippery when dry and dangerous when wet. I added 3M antiskid strips so I don't bust my tail checking fluids. Couldn't relocate the front Park Sense sensors to properly work, but no biggie. No for everyone, but I like it.

I like the diamond plate on the hauler bed with bed liner...keeps the old man from falling and can't get up.

 

[DHayden]

Diamond Plate on the beds doesnt bother me, the steps you have dont bother me and looks good. I just cant take it on the bumper itself...front or back.

 

[Wiredawg]

Did you upgrade your rear bumper too? I had my 02 3500 Ram QC 4x4 with front bumper like yours and a matching rear. It was a tank.

Cheers, Ron

 

[DHayden]

I havent yet but plan too. I am going to get one with a built in step. Looking at either one of these most likely:
#ad


or

#ad

 

[Wiredawg]

I havent yet but plan too. I am going to get one with a built in step. Looking at either one of these most likely:
#ad


or

#ad

Looks awesome. There's I guy that builds front and rear bumpers from oil pipeline. I had front and rear on my 02 Ram 3500. All I needed was rattle can black paint to touch up the yellow parking pillars from using the park by feel approach. Between upshifting it and billowing black smoke behind me and my trusty stout bumpers, I never worried about tailgaters.

If that front tube is welded air tight, you can drill and tap a schrader valve and carry 100 - 150 PSI of air in it. install two and you can add an onboard compressor to keep it aired up and add accessory air horns. Ain't accessorizing fun?

Cheers, Ron

 

[firehot]

Dhayden, I am also getting a built-in step, maybe the second photo is what I should get. Another problem I have is when the tailgate is open and I need to go up to my truck, I do have a hard time so I will be adding this: https://www.ramsareus.com/sku/82215289ag.html. A little bit over my budget but I think it will be worth it.