Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle, May 28, 2008
ARB 4×4 Accessories

Due to the ever growing popularity and recent release in Australia, ARB 4×4 Accessories is proud to announce the release of the newest accessory in the Hummer H3 ARB product line up, the ARB Deluxe Winch Bumper.

Considering ARB’s twenty-year history manufacturing both original and after market accessories for vehicles around the world, you can be sure to expect a customized mounting system and sleek yet, functional winch compatible bumper system specifically engineered to enhance the look and operation of your H3.
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Having recently witnessing first hand what a deer can do to a full size vehicle at highway speeds and considering the locations I travel to and from, I decided it was time to add a little protection to the front of my Toyota FJ80 Land Cruiser.

My needs for protection of the front of Land Cruiser were simple, maximum front end protection from animal strikes and other objects, and a strong point to mount a future winch. Since I’m building my Land Cruiser as an overland expedition type vehicle, there was no need for super high clearance rock crawling bumpers. I wanted a bumper that would increase the chances of reaching my destination if the unthinkable happens.

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Since I purchased my 1992 Toyota FJ-80 Land Cruiser, I noticed, that when compared to other 80-series Land Cruisers, my FJ-80 actually sat a little higher than the typical soccer mom vehicle. Sometime in the past, a previous owner must have installed some aftermarket suspension on the Land Cruiser. Whatever brand of suspension was installed, it did not ride very well, providing a spine-jarring ride just over the rough pavement. There had to be a change.

My intended use for the Land Cruiser is primarily as a daily driver and to double as an expedition capable vehicle for taking the family camping, exploring, snowboarding and mild wheeling. I didn’t need a suspension system for extreme four wheeling or rock crawling. I needed a suspension that allows for a good ride when either empty or when carrying a load for a week-long adventure.

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One important aspect of any outdoor adventure is the ability to make it home safely. Animal strikes are one of the leading causes of vehicle damage when traveling in rural and remote areas, especially at night. As anybody who travels the highways knows, here in the Pacific Northwest, we have our share of animal strikes. The most common you see along the side of the road are deer. I have also seen collisions with elk, cattle and horses. Our friends to the North in British Columbia frequently witness collisions with moose.

In a full head-on animal strike, at a minimum, you will most likely damage your radiator, which can totally incapacitate your vehicle. Hopefully, the collision will be a glancing blow, minimizing the damage. I’ve seen pickup trucks where a 60 mph collision with a deer caused damage to the entire front end including the bumper, grill, radiator, core support, hood and both front fenders. The loss of your vehicle far from home is the last thing a person wants on an adventure.

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