Hi guys im looking into a new rear bumper . I really like the marlin and trail gear bumpers as I already have the Trail gear front bumper but neither of them have a tow rating . Im sure theres legal reasons as to why they dont tow rate them but I am wondering if any of you have towed with them before and how big of trailer. I have a small malibu ski boat that I used to pull with my lowered chevy that I now need to be able to tow with my yota .I wont be going on any 500 mile trips but I do need to get out to the delta and up to the local lakes with it . Ive seen the bumpers they look like they are both REALLY strong and should have no problems towing a small ski boat . But i was wondering if anyone has any experience doing this . I figure with 5.29 gears and only 34'' tires and a new motor I should be able to tow the boat no problem as long as Im not in a big hurry .lol.Thanks in advance ,Ricky

 

They will both tow fine. Make sure to get the additional rear braces and use them.

:wabbit2:

 

Braces do make a big difference lol

 

Excuse my ignorance but i dont see extra bracing on trail gears website unless you mean the Optional Rear Bumper to Frame Support Kit for 84-89 4Runner, $40, 120112-1-K . I have a pickup and dont see any other bracing offered . Thanks

 

BTW the boat weighs 2300lbs plus the trailer which I am assuming weighs in at about 1000lbs so right at 3300lbs .

 

Sorry my crystal ball that sees everyones Toyota is at the cleaners.

I think it will still be more than fine.

:wabbit2:

 

I agree im sure ill end up beefing it up in some areas anyways and from there it should be even beter then fine .lol. I was hoping to hear from some folks that have done it before .Ill post the out come once Ive done it a few times .Thanks

 

You could also look to 4xinnovations. Their claim is that their bumper is rated as a class 2 hitch, as well, and it has side to frame reinforcements built in.
http://4xinnovations.com/c-1400.html

 

I second the vote for 4x innovations.. I ordered my sliders from him on a wed they were delivered by friday...

4X Innovations has a referral program

use 4X2290

So I can order a rear bumper sooner!

 

my friend has a 4runner on 37s with 5.29s and an lce crate 22 and pulled his boat just fine he says and the way i see it if you would recover your truck with it why couldnt it tow a boat

 

THERES NO BETTER WAY TO PUT IT !!! thats kinda what I was thinking !! How big of boat does he have ??

 

i believe he has a 26 foot wakeboard boat

 

I have a trailgear rear bumper, truck is all stock and I pulled a 13 ft. Boston Whaler last summer with it no problem.

 

Just for the record your recovery and towing you really can`t compare them Two very different type of load that just happen to use the same attachment point.

This could be a whole different thread if needed

i bow to Wabbits call since I have not seen other of the bumpers nor do I know if it is possible to use a true receiver hitch with either bumper. I have been fabricating bumpers and hitches for crazy horse women far to long

I will give 4X Innovations a plug I have bought things from Adam is workmanship is outstanding. He also finds time to answer questions during his busy day

 

UPDATE .. I got the bumper mounted and i love it . I towed the malibu yesterday with it and it seems to be just fine . The truck is a little slow but it does it as long as you dont get in a hurry ..lol

 

Any flex from tongue weight that you could notice?

 

Nit even with 275 lbs if fat ass jumping up and down on the trailer tongue . Lol

 

That's cool. Now which bumper did you get...?

 

Check out this thread about the steel marlin uses vs it's competitors. Which I'm almost positive they just mean trail gear.
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=60158.0

Although it might seem like BS, I completely agree with the test results. On my last 4runner I ran Marlin Bumpers and trail-gear sliders. They were both the same wall thickness DOM, but my trail gear sliders dented up much worse than my Marlin bumpers. YMMV

 

Of course thats what marlins page says ..lol I searched it and you get conflicting answers . i think for what im doing TG bumpers kick butt . I admit im no everyday Rock cimber but I do bang some stone occasionally . Ill report back if i bend either of my bumpers. As of now they are great ..