Just wanted to open up a discussion about skid plates and bumper guards. I like the look and setup of the Rocky Road Outfitters (RRO) compared to the Daystar setup. However, I think Daystar has better sliders. That being said. What are your guys' thoughts about the pros and cons of these mods? Personally I'm looking at going with RRO for the front with the skid plate bumper guard combo. And I'll get the super sliders from Daystar.
I have the RR super sliders. The quality is top notch. VERY beefy. I've read that the super sliders are the good ones that RR makes. The regular sliders they sell aren't as good as the Daystar ones (from what I have read), but the super sliders are. I see several folks running the supers and have had good results with them. Very sturdy and well made. I've also read where people who purchased the RR skids and winch bumper say that the skid didn't hold up well even the first time out. That it actually caved in and damaged the front bumper.
Like you, I REALLY like the Rocky Road bumper guard you show in your post. The only thing I don't like about it and the Daystar bumper is that it mounts in front of the factory bumper rather than replacing it. This effectively makes the nose of our Renegades LONGER and reduces the our approach angle. What I would really like to see and would buy in a heartbeat is a true bumper replacement and one that allows for a much better approach at the tires if nothing else. If Rock Road made their guard as a true "bumper", I would be sending them money today. As far as sliders go, I almost gave up on Daystar and almost picked up a set of Rocky Road's but, I'm really glad that I waited just a bit longer. The Rock Roads clearly look a lot easier to install but I think the Daystar sliders are designed better, should be stronger and look much more factory when installed.
Great point on the approach angles...That makes me reconsider. Do you think that this Renny is capable of running a true replacement bumper/skid? Probably would be another year or two before it is marketable. Looks like I'll be investing in the sliders first.
Without question a Renegade can run a true replacement bumper/skid. The Suzuki Sidekick and Geo Tracker guys have been doing it for years and most of them look similar to the Rocky Road bumper guard only without the factory bumper in place. Yes, the front end will be more exposed and it may not look as pretty to some but for practical purposes, it'll help out BIG TIME on the trail. I'm planning on removing my front bumper just to see what all is there and to possibly see if I can have a fab shop help me make something like this.
Yea im not interested in losing approach angles and weighing front way down. A whole new bumper or nada.
Can't wait to see this. Would be so nice to have options. I'm sure you will post up some pics as you do the tear-down. Keep us informed!
