[tuffdesigns]

Originally Posted by Austinb86

tuffdesigns,

Are there any changes that you are currently making to the bumper tire carrier combo? The reason I am asking, is if I or any other customer is interested in buying, would it be better to wait for any forthcoming improvements? Thanks.

We are not currently making any major changes to our tire carrier design so if you are interest please call us to discuss your needs in more detail. Thank you

[cmr250]

I made a few welds, the tire mount to the to the secure it to the frame, and the bolts for the tire mount to keep them in place so it is not impossible to put the tire on the carrier. I also welded some 1/4 inch 3X8 straps from the frame to the bumper. this is something that could have been done by tuff designs prior to shipment. I did these welds to keep the carrier simple and secure it to my YJ.

[tuffdesigns]

The new Tuff Designs Front Bumper is now available check it out
Page Title

[andito77]

Hey, I have the TD rear bumper/tire carrier, and I love it. I had a small problem which turned into a big problem, and I think that your website is having problems. I'd sent a message about a week ago, and haven't heard anything back. I sent another one this morning, and I'm going to send you a PM as well with this same info, and call you when it's around 9AM PST, in case you aren't subscribed to this thread.

The plastic caps came off the top, and the vertical beams filled up with water, and then swelled with our recent freeze. Before I deployed, I've had to constantly keep pushing them back in, but when I got back, the caps were gone, and this happened. The head on the bolt that holds the washer is gone, and the bolt is still inside, and I'm having a helluva time trying to extract it.

I'm not trying to get a whole bumper/tire carrier for free, but would like this issue resolved, fairly for both of us, as I loved the bumper, and would like to buy the front bumper as well. I would just like caps to be welded on in the future, with possibly a vent hole drilled into the bottom, in case that's even necessary. I don't doubt that you'll take care of this, as the previous customer service issue I had was dealt with swiftly by you and your folks.

By the way, I'm the guy that left the Ebay feedback, "Like a good plastic surgeon, these guys make a nice rack!" that is still used on your website.

[tuffdesigns]

I apologize that we have been playing phone tag so much and I have been out for the last two weeks because of Christmas and New Years. I will call you tomorrow to get more details and you taken care of. Thank you

[andito77]

Originally Posted by tuffdesigns

I apologize that we have been playing phone tag so much and I have been out for the last two weeks because of Christmas and New Years. I will call you tomorrow to get more details and you taken care of. Thank you

It's alright, we finally got in touch. I can't have my cellphone with me at work. Secured area and all. Anyways, thanks for coming up with the plan to get this worked out, it's a very fair offer. I'll be sure to buy the front bumper from you as I really like the design.

[andito77]

I meant to reply to this thread before and add that Preston did try to get in touch with me again. And instead of charging me a reduced price for a new carrier, he sent it to me, free of charge. He even welded caps into the carrier like I wanted. And this is after we established that I should have contacted him to get new caps (that he would've sent free of charge), but he hooked me up, and didn't even charge shipping.

Yes, there are probably better designed latches on tire carrier/bumper sets out there, there are probably quieter ones. But I'm very happy with what I got for the $450 or so that I paid for it. And happy with the customer service years after the sale (I bought mine in early 2008).

If you'd like a bumper that will be everything to everyone and money isn't an object, buy something else. If you want a bumper that does what is claimed, is good quality, and is budget-priced, buy this bumper. Just don't complain that this bumper doesn't have what other sets have at twice the price.

[velocipus]

I tried giving TD a call, cc in hand, ready to order front and rear bumper. Someone picked up the phone, but I couldn't really understand what was going on. Something about someone loosing a phone in a cab and to call back???
Here's a tip from one professional to another Tuff Designs; If you can't take a business call, don't answer the phone.
I was put off and have since decided to stick with my stock front bumper. Still shopping for a rear bumper/ tire carrier.

[tuffdesigns]

I operate from my cell phone so I am available to take calls at all times. I misplaced my phone in a cab several weeks back so I apologize I missed your call. It had nothing to do with not wanting to take your call. Good luck with your bumper search and please let me know if you have any additional questions.

[Rproject]

We purchased the rear bumper w/ swing away carrier for our YJ. The bumper comes with 2 tabs that are designed to tie in to the frame where there are already 2 bolts under the frame. Everything lined up perfectly; the 8 mounting points and the 2 bolts underneath. We originally did not tie it to the frame because the 2 lower bolts were rusted to the point that the heads were gone. After 2 weeks we drilled out the rusted bolts, retapped, and tied the bumper to the frame. Due to the size of the bumper and the weight of a 33" tire, anyone looking to put this, or any other, swing away carrier on, I highly advise getting the frame tie-in kit.

Ours was missing the rubber grommet at the stop point where the snap pin goes to keep the bumper closed. Fixed that with a bit of left over truck cap foam we use between our hard top and tub. As for a padlock, we drilled the snap pin hole out just a touch larger to fit a standard Master padlock. 2 minutes and a 5/16" drill bit and it was done. The only rattle we have is where the telescoping tire mount goes to the carrier. I'm going to dip that in liquid rubber. That'll solve that issue.

Let's see, $500 painted and delivered. A MINOR bit of thinking. $25 in miscellaneous parts. Yeah, I'd buy another Tuff Design bumper. Especially considering anything even CLOSE to the quality is over $750 UNPAINTED.

XRipX - you sound like a person that can never be satisfied and has an axe to grind. Get over yourself.

Unlimited04 - You tried to retrofit a T/D upper swing away to someone else's bumper design and you expected it to fit perfectly and work flawlessly? Come on. Seriously? Oh, and if you have the welding knowledge, stress test modeling software and access to high tech gear, why the heck didn't you just design and build your own swing away for the bumper you have?

[velocipus]

Originally Posted by Rproject

We purchased the rear bumper w/ swing away carrier...

Thanks for the review. I've been waiting for someone to have something positive to say about these bumpers. I can deal with some minor tinkering for the price. Now if TD has the customer service act together, I think I'll have to pull the trigger... problem is all my project money is going into another car at the moment.

[BlackSCRunner]

I realize this is an old thread, but I am curious if anyone here has any updates regarding their experiences with tuff designs, or if anyone ended up buying the bumper/tire carrier, or front bumper. Thanks!!

[cmr250]

hey BlackSCRunner, i do not know what you read about the bumper, here is the bottom line with me. it is Bad ***. the value for the dollar is pretty sweet. i have had mine since Oct of 2007, no issues at all. you can read all the posts, and make the determination yourself. i do not regret the decision to go with Preston's Product.

[Greenedoggie]

For those considering Tuff Designs, here's recent experience -- unfortunately still ongoing.

Purchased rear bumper with tire swimg mount in January. After waiting 5 weeks, was finally told my bumper had been damaged in shipment and a new one had to be sent. Bumper arrived and it looks pretty sweet. Bumper mounted up fine -- holes lined up well. Two major problems: 1) the telescoping tire mount is so loose it wobbles around and makes a h#ll of a racket. I'd say there's at least 1mm of play on all four sides. I'll probably end up welding it in place, but not what you'd necessarily expect. 2) the stop tab that prevents the rack from hitting the rear light/corner is misplaced, which means that when the tire mount is fully swung open, I can't open the rear hatch on the hard top. I'll end up having to cut tab off and reweld. Headache.

I've emailed Preston about the above issues, and never received a response. His customer service really isn't great.

Bottom line: great looking rack for $500. I haven't bashed it yet, but from a functional perspective, I'd give it a C-.

[mclovinal]

i have had an opposite experience to the negative posters on this thread it seems, i just got this bumper for my birthday, it came in about a week and a half, and it went on.. not easily, but it was mostly my fault with those things. one bolt didn't line up right, but a little tinkering got it in fairly easily. as for the bumper itself, i am a big fan. mine doesn't rattle, doesn't feel loose, opens and closes cleanly, ect. i got the frame tie ins too, just for the record.
i would buy this bumper again.