Pete Trasborg
Brand Manager, Jp
Warn Industries:
Model number(s): PN 65509 (bumper), PN 64337 (tire carrier)
Price As Tested: $649.49
Material (Bumper): 3/16 formed plate steel
Material (Carrier): 3/16 and 1/8 wall steel tube
Latch Type: spring loaded pin
Hinge Type: 1 1/2-inch solid steel pin
Hinge Hold Open: No
Recovery Points: No
Receiver Hitch: Yes, not for towing
Hi Lift Mount: No
Frame Tie In: Yes
Max Tire Rating: 37-inch
Available Optional Items:
Finish: gloss black powder coating
Instruction Rating (1-5 high): 4.5
Installation Notes: Everything buy the adjustment of the latch went exactly as the directions said it should. We ended up bending the retainer slightly and adding some foam rubber weather stripping to keep rattling down.
Tools Needed: Simple hand tools, and large locking pliers
Usage Rating: 3
Usage Notes: The latch had its moments. Depending on the retainer that goes over the swing arm, it was either too loose and rattled, or too tight and was difficult to get open. We opted for the difficult to open, and as a result, opening and closing was a two-handed plus a knee affair. We'd really like to see some actual recovery points, as that receiver just doesn't cut it. As mentioned, the cross member is weak, and yanking on that receiver (as intended) only bends things.
Rattle Rating (1-5 [being rattle the least]): 4
Vibration Rating (1-5 [5 being vibrated none at all]): 5
Rattle and Vibration Notes: While it did still rattle a little, even after messing with the latch, we don't think it vibrated. The simple design has a lot to be said for it.
Perceived Durability Rating (1-5 high): 4
Perceived Durability Notes: The only reason this bumper didn't get a 5 is the recovery points. Warn actually suggests in the documentation to use the receiver for recovery, and we did, and it resulted in a slightly tweaked bumper and cross member damage. The torque exerted by pulling below the centerline of the bumper, with no firm attachment within better than a foot was just too much for it. We feel that something closer to the frame rails, and hence, the attachment points would make for a better unit.
