Josh here with SHERP USA! Today is bumper testing day as we finally finished our rear bumper that matches our front bumper system. Let’s dive into the details of this bumper before we put it through its paces.
SHERP Bumper Overview
This bumper is built with 11-gauge stainless steel construction, ensuring durability and strength. It features a class 3 receiver hitch on the back, shackle points on both sides, and a 5k enclosed winch tucked underneath an aluminum cover. Everything else on this bumper is stainless, except for the aluminum cover. If you missed the video on our new front bumper system, make sure to check it out!
SHERP Bumper Testing
Now, let’s get to the fun part—testing! I have to admit, I never want to break anything. This is a tough moment for me because while the bumper is designed to take a beating, it’s all shiny and new.
First Impressions
These bumpers have been a passion project for me for the last nine months to a year, so putting the first scratches in it is a bit painful.
Initial Test
We took the bumper through some serious obstacles, and the results were insane. I was purposely trying to hit the bumper in places where it would typically show wear and tear, especially along the edges, but after several attempts, I couldn’t even find a scratch.
Tree Testing
For those of you who might not be SHERP owners and haven’t driven through a lot of trees, this is crucial. The area we tested in has a lot of spots where people typically dent their bumpers due to tree encounters. We hit a ton of trees, and surprisingly, there were no scratches or dents. This bumper really held up.
Disclaimer
It’s important to note that these trees are more of a nuisance here. They choke out the growth of all the healthy vegetation around them. This area was logged years ago, and knocking down these poplar trees allows for more brush growth and supports wildlife like turkeys and deer. So, no worries about the trees—it’s all in favor of the ecosystem.
Tree Size Assessment
Sometimes it’s hard to gauge scale on video, so let me show you just how big some of these trees are. I tried wrapping my hand around one, and it was massive! These aren’t just small saplings.
Heavy Impact
We even had a tree stuck in a tight spot, and it was a big one. It took the hit like a champ! The bumper remained straight as an arrow, despite the impact. It even lifted the front end off the ground, showcasing its strength.
Waterproof Testing
After proving itself against trees, we decided to test it in some swampy conditions. We drove through a deep, muddy trench that typically buries trucks with 44-inch tires. I was amazed to see that the floorboards stayed dry, and our seals held up perfectly. The bumpers aren’t submerged when floating in water, which is a great feature.
The New SHERP Bumper
Overall, our testing was a success! We didn’t see any damage, not even a scratch. The best part about these bumpers is the new front step that makes it incredibly easy to climb right in. If you’re interested in a SHERP or want to know more about our front and rear bumpers, feel free to reach out through our website.