Smittybuilt vs Rock Crawler
- Thread starter Mopar7014
- Start date
I've never heard of Rock Crawler, but I can tell you that there's a reason Smittybilt is called shitty built.
The issue I have with Smittybilt is the thin pop can metal (or whatever it is) that they make their parts from. They rust through so easy it's ridiculously. It's true what they say though, you get what you pay for.
Smittybilt stuff will work if you're on a budget, but if you plan on keeping the Jeep for a long, long time, invest in something higher quality (i.e. Savvy).
The issue I have with Smittybilt is the thin pop can metal (or whatever it is) that they make their parts from. They rust through so easy it's ridiculously. It's true what they say though, you get what you pay for.
Smittybilt stuff will work if you're on a budget, but if you plan on keeping the Jeep for a long, long time, invest in something higher quality (i.e. Savvy).
OP
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- Feb 18, 2016
- Messages
- 135
Everything I have owned that has been Smittybuilt has been poor quality. It looks great, but doesn't line up correctly, breaks quicker than other products, etc. my experience is with their soft top (seams ripped), fender flares (broke and was ripped off by heavy wind), and my TJ has one of their rear bumpers (metal on mine is very thin). I've replaced the fender flares with bushwhacker ones and have a warn bumper on the front. I'll replace the rear one with a warn when I can afford to do so.
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OP
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- Feb 18, 2016
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Thank you for honesty. Is it a bad idea to get the rear bumper with the hitch built into it?
You'll be fine. The only thing you'll find is that it won't last as long as a high quality American made bumper (something made of high quality metal). I also find for whatever reason that Smittybilt is extremely prone to rust issues.
Seriously though, if you're on a budget it will do!
It is actually a very good idea to get a rear bumper with an integrated trailer hitch, I've been running one for nearly 20 years. Check out http://www.thedirtworx.com/#!bumpers/c1qjq who makes excellent low-cost high-quality bumpers right here in the U.S.. I have run his rear bumpers with integrated receiver hitches on both of my TJs.
OP
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- Feb 18, 2016
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- 135
Ok I will check his out. Next question is it necessary to have the rear bumper with the spare tire pole? Will the spare not fit with the other?
OP
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- Feb 18, 2016
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OP
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- Feb 18, 2016
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- 135
I'm sorry. I am new to this stuff and thought that was a brand. Guess it isn't after all. One I was looking at just said Rock Crawler. Now I see, it's not a brand.Just looking for something decent w/o breaking the bank and that isn't pure junk.
mouth
TJ Enthusiast
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- Dec 18, 2015
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- 387
It's OK, there are so many brands out there that i wouldn't be surprised if there was both.
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That is the wheel size, not the spare tire size. But if the spare tire is the factory size, you don't need anything but the factory spare tire holder.
JFjeld
TJ Enthusiast
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- Dec 10, 2015
- Messages
- 125
I'm one of the few who has actually been lucky with the quality of their Smittybilt products. I have the Smittybilt tube fenders and rear corner armor, as well as the Smittybilt X20-8 winch. I've been running these products for 5 or more years. One common complaint is the powder coat quality on Smittybilt products. Mine have never flaked, chipped, etc. even after serious scrapes and rock crawling. I have had to replace the wired winch remote ($25) but has otherwise been fine and not let me down.
So, if you're on a budget, and depending on your intended use, you may just be fine with Smittybilt. That said, had I had a more sizeable budget at the time, I would've preferred to go with another vendor known for their quality, such as Poison Spyder Customs, Genright, MetalCloak, etc.
So, if you're on a budget, and depending on your intended use, you may just be fine with Smittybilt. That said, had I had a more sizeable budget at the time, I would've preferred to go with another vendor known for their quality, such as Poison Spyder Customs, Genright, MetalCloak, etc.