Bumper Help Needed Please

[ivan2]

hi folks

i am trying to get hold of a winch bumper for my 1996 rav 4, but cant seem to locate one anywere,

is there any of you kind folks out there know of anywere or of anyone who sells or makes them,

[bothwell_buyer]

hi folks

i am trying to get hold of a winch bumper for my 1996 rav 4, but cant seem to locate one anywere,

is there any of you kind folks out there know of anywere or of anyone who sells or makes them,

I've not seen a bracket advertised when I've browsed over the past 3 years - try some of the 4x4 websites.

You'll probably be cheaper getting a blacksmith to make one up for you - whether you are looking for a front or back winch, you'll need to seriously look at the robustness of the metal mountings. The rear where the towbar fits is pretty good and could take a reasonable winch with a bit of bracketry.

The front is more doubtful - the front frame is not that strong and I think you'd need to do some more work to increase the strength up front. I did have a front full bullbar which had mounts from down below, which is below and behind the front frame where the radiator is mounted. The front frame is lightweight metal and not suitable for anything like a winch - the bumpers I have seen available are all plastic - not like a landrovers which is 14 gauge steel.

I think you may be able to make something up by using the lower mounting points on the legs used for the bullbars, and braced from the top of the suspension turrets - are you looking to just pull the weight of the RAV?

[SQUEALEYHEALEY]

If you fit a front tow bar (http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/front_towbars.html) & then use a tow bar mounted winch you will not have to drive around with it permenantly fitted!

[ivan2]

hello. sorry its taken so long for me to reply, my pc has been very poorly.

thanks for your comments.

as i have put a tow bracket on my rav at the rear i think i might just use this and as you say get a winch that mounts on the towball.

thanks again