Winch bumpers revisited

[btoscano]

Hey all,



I have to get a front bumper to satisfy the local highway patrol. I am thinking of getting the Reunel Extreme Winch Bumper. Has anyone had any problems with recent orders in terms of delivery, quality, etc. ? I am wondering if its worth $650 for the brush guard and $125 for the D-hooks. I think I should get a M12000 winch to go along with it.



I think Michael Miller and others have this bumper but they have had it for a number of years. I am particularly interested in hearing of any recent orders to know if the quality and service is still as good as it used to be.



Thanks,

Brian

 

[dpuckett]

What's wrong with the bumper on your truck now?

 

[btoscano]

I want something more durable so I took off the existing one about 2 months ago to give me some incentive to upgrade.



Brian

 

[RonA]

I have a Reunel winch bumper on my first gen. I live about 25 minutes from their old shop(Yuba City). I think they moved a bit farther away. If you need someone to drive over and lay hands on it to make sure they have it, let me know.



RonA

 

[Rebel Ram]

Off the subject but curious, The picture in your RR is of a socket with the side ground out. What was this for? I am collecting quite a few home brew custom made or modified tools and am always looking for trick stuff.

 

[btoscano]

RonA,



I will call them on Monday... thank for your offer, I will let you know after I talk to them!!



Rebel Ram,



I made that tool to change the reverse gear sensor on the Getrag 360. Its easy to make and it took longer to make the tool than it did to use it.



Brian

 

[GHarman]

Does REUNEL make a front bumper for the 1st Gen. ? Not according to their website. A rear, Yes. I am looking for one myself. Would fabricate one, but cant handle the heavy material anymore. Might have to make one out of aluminum! GregH.

 

[benhall]

They do have it for the 1st gen trucks. It starts out at $1100.



Ben

 

[Rebel Ram]

Rebel Ram,



I made that tool to change the reverse gear sensor on the Getrag 360. Its easy to make and it took longer to make the tool than it did to use it.



Brian

Thanks Brian. I'll remember that when/if that ever comes up.

 

[GHarman]

Thanks BEN. I'll check it out! GregH

 

[MMiller]

I Has anyone had any problems with recent orders in terms of delivery, quality, etc. ?

They kept telling me after the 6 week initial time frame, it was two weeks, then another 2 weeks... ... . I forget how long it was, but in the end it was worth the wait. Having Ron go in a checking will help I bet.

I am wondering if its worth $650 for the brush guard and $125 for the D-hooks. I think I should get a M12000 winch to go along with it.

YES on the grill gaurd, especially if you live in deer country, and get the head light loops. Don't know about the D-hooks, they did not have them when I got mine. FWIW I haven't broken the tow hooks yet. Its well known, I've tried.

I think Michael Miller and others have this bumper but they have had it for a number of years. I am particularly interested in hearing of any recent orders to know if the quality and service is still as good as it used to be.

Yep, I've had mine for almost 10 years. It needs a good sandblast and some Line-X paint matched. The California paint job, didn't last in Iowa/Illinois winters. Its been a good investment.



Michael

 

[Dale Reed]

I have a complete REUNEL bumper and WARN winch on my 1990 RAM 4x4. Way too heavy so a south Seattle company re-sprung and re-shocked the truck. Sits fine and rides OK now.

 

[DiezelDriver]

I ordered mine in January and it took 5 months to get them, but I am completely satisfied with them. I got the brush guard, d-rings, and hooks. The new Warn Powerplant dual force HD has perked my interest.

 

[btoscano]

I ordered the Reunel with the grill guard and built for an M12000 winch. They said there is a 3-4 week lead time for production. I asked them about the 5 month lead time and they said yes that was one of the worst and that come this time of year the backlog starts growing and if the Calif. Hwy Patrol places an order they want precedence and last year they ordered 44 bumpers!



Brian

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'm very happy with the Reunel stainless bumpers on my 2004. The brush guard is very functional, unlike so many that are flimsy. It also ties the bumper together to add a lot of strength to it.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Way too heavy so[/QUOTE



I think this experience pretty much sums it up.



I'd suggest going with an aluminum model to reduce the weight, especially since you are also hanging a winch off the front end. I have a Denver Off Road, but there are some other options like Ute or Herd too.

 

[btoscano]

For the 1989-1993 trucks the choices are significantly more limited as many bumpers were never made for this truck or have since been discontinued. Reunel custom builds the bumper to order and they are still available.



Brian

 

[btoscano]

If someone has the tel # for Denver Off Road I would be interested because I cannot find a good web site for them. denveroffroad.com goes to one of those web sites that points to other web sites...



Brian

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Layne's (DOR) number is 970-464-5566.



Really nice guy. Great to talk to.