Dissent Off-Road Rear Bumper Long Term Review

We all know that aftermarket rear bumpers are a staple of the off-road and/or overland industries. They are valuable additions to any rig regarding both safety and functionality.

Many rear bumpers are designed purely for taking gnarly hits and scrapes on trails, and others are more suited for the function of carrying extra equipment with some added protection. While many companies offer these options, the most exceptional company on the market providing the best of both is none other than Dissent Offroad.

If you missed Brenan’s original Dissent Off-Road rear bumper review post, check that out. In that post, Brenan gave us his initial impressions and overview of the post. While that post is very detailed, my post will cover more of a long-term (1+ year) review.

Who Is Dissent Offroad?

Dissent Offroad is a legendary fabricator with roots in the Land Cruiser world. They create some of the most well-made products on the market with top-tier craftsmanship and precision. Everything is made at their headquarters in Colfax, CA.

It might sound like I’m over exaggerating, but I’m not. Their gear is freaking stout and ready for the most hardcore trails, prepared to be put through its paces. It’s all rigorously tested in the most precarious of situations.

Every Dissent Offroad product showcases exceptional craftsmanship. You’ll find nothing but top-tier welds and precision engineering throughout their lineup. Each piece is meticulously designed and spec’d specifically for the vehicle it’s built for, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum performance. Their proprietary swing-out systems are a standout feature: modular, intuitive, and equipped with a push-to-lock latch system that I’ll dive into later. It’s genuinely impressive.

In the past two years, Dissent has expanded its offerings to include other platforms, including the 4Runner, which I own. That expansion gave me the perfect chance to integrate one of the best rear bumper setups on the market into my ongoing 4Runner build.

Why I Went With Dissent

I had been in the market for a rear swing-out for quite some time. Previously, I ran a lower-profile, high-clearance single swing-out. While it was a decent product, I encountered several issues. Many of its components rusted quickly, and the latch design was neither the most secure nor the easiest to use. Opening my rear hatch became a hassle, especially since I had to lock the swing-out every time to prevent it from swinging freely once unlatched. This was particularly frustrating on any incline. It also featured a flimsy fold-down kitchen table and offered no modularity.

On top of that, I had to cut off my crossmember and factory hitch, and the bumper’s built-in hitch was not rated for towing. While I do not tow often, losing that capability was definitely disappointing. Dissent’s rear swing-out system on my new 4Runner build has solved every one of these issues while retaining some of the features I did like about my previous setup, which I had not found in other products on the market.

Build Quality & Key Features

As I mentioned previously, the build quality is top-tier, nothing but the absolute best welds. It’s extremely well enforced and gusseted in all of the right places. The bumper is mostly made of steel. Before adding the swingout options, the bumper itself comes in at 125 lbs. It guarantees strength without adding too much extra weight. It also has really departure angles as well, which help tremendously for off-road performance.

Key Features

• Supports dual swing arms, can be run with no swing arms or just one
• Fits all Dissent Land Cruiser swing arm accessories
• Optional weld-in High Clearance 2″ Hitch Receiver, Factory Bolt-On Hitch Kit, or no hitch option
• Integrated 1/2″ beveled steel recovery points (soft shackle compatible!)
• Recessed Trailer Plug Relocation
• Optional stop/turn/reverse combo lights
• Swing-outs are truly easy-open, requiring little force to unlatch, gas strut-assisted, so they’ll never close on you, and they auto-latch when you slam them shut
• Dual shear hinge makes a more rigid swing-arm that doesn’t rattle and requires less space, making for a higher clearance bumper
• 100% designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA

One of the standout features of Dissent’s swing-out system is its proprietary latch mechanism. Unlike traditional setups, this system incorporates gas struts and a push-to-lock design that eliminates the need for manual latching. It auto-latches securely with no extra effort, giving you complete peace of mind. Releasing it is just as simple—a slight inward push followed by pulling the latch toward you.

I cannot overstate how much easier this makes opening and closing the swing-outs, especially compared to other systems I’ve used. As a bonus, it even comes with built-in bump stops for the swing-out arms. It feels incredibly refined and, honestly, a little bougie in the best way.

The fold-down camp table is just as impressive. It features a simple two-fold system—lift the table and move the support arm into place. That’s it. The table is incredibly stout and can even support the weight of a person, which speaks to how solid the design really is. Setup is quick, easy, and secure. I have never been a fan of camp tables that hang by a wire. They tend to rattle, feel unstable, and are more prone to rust. Dissent’s design eliminates all of those issues, offering a stable, durable solution that holds up to real use.

I also took advantage of their blank spaces for combo lights, which is such a great cherry on top. It enhances the overall aesthetics of the bumper while adding a high-quality feel. Plus, it is a very practical feature since the swing-outs can sometimes block turn signals from certain angles.

Lastly, you can slightly adjust the tire angle and height on the swingout so that it can sit on the vehicle exactly the way that you want it.

Long Term Review

I’ve been running this bumper since late 2023 and have had enough time with it to share my full thoughts. Simply put, there is no other bumper I would rather have on my 4Runner. My only regret, which was a personal decision, is that I chose the triple Jerry can setup on the left side instead of Dissent’s MOLLE ladder. Since I use my rooftop tent frequently, the ladder would have added more utility.

Aside from that, there’s no other company’s bumper I’d rather be running. This rear swingout has been an outstanding addition to my rig, offering excellent protection while allowing me to carry extra gear with ease.

Now, The Cons

I have spoken very highly of Dissent Offroad throughout this entire review, and rightfully so. Their products truly stand out. That said, there are a few minor points I feel are worth mentioning. These are not deal-breakers by any means, but rather things to keep in mind when running a rear swing-out system and a few specifics related to this particular setup.

First, there is the price. Dissent Offroad is a premium fabricator, so you can expect to pay premium pricing for their highest-quality products. This rear bumper configuration costs roughly $4,600 + tax. For some, it may be difficult to justify spending that amount when those funds could go toward other gear, such as wheels, tires, or suspension upgrades.

While this price is higher than some competitors, experienced enthusiasts recognize that it is justified because you are paying for the best craftsmanship and durability. This gear is truly built for hardcore off-roaders and overlanders. For those who primarily stick to intermediate trails, this rear bumper setup might not be entirely necessary. Additionally, if you only need a single swing-out solution, this particular product may not be the best fit.

Next is the weight. This is not unique to Dissent, but any additional weight added to a vehicle will impact fuel economy as well as wear and tear. I estimate that I have added over 300 lbs. to the rear of my vehicle when you include the bumper, swing-outs, spare tire and wheel, and three full Jerry cans. To handle this extra weight, you will need a heavy-duty suspension or at least the right spring setup, such as those from Dobinsons. It’s best to have your rig fully built out before adding this system to ensure everything works together properly.

While the bumper is relatively high-clearance and sleek, some people might still consider it “bulky”. However, I believe this bumper strikes a balance between sleekness and durability, taking one hell of a beating.

I mentioned earlier that I wish I had chosen the ladder swing-out instead. Ideally, it would be great if a hatch ladder could fit behind the jerry can or tire swing-out. I’m not sure if the current designs or the latch system would allow for that kind of modification, but it would be a welcome option.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that you will potentially need to relocate your rear camera. A simple fix for this is installing a WOLFBOX or similar kit. There are plenty of locations to mount it, but like many rear swing-out bumpers, it’s something you’ll want to be aware of. Dissent does offer a relocation kit on their website, which mounts in the middle above where the tow hitch would be.

Lastly, I wish the swing-outs on the 4Runner model were angled flush with the body of the vehicle, rather than slightly angled inward. This is a very minor and primarily aesthetic point, but it would have been a nice touch.

Final Thoughts

Dissent Offroad produces some of the most well-made and precisely engineered products in the entire industry. They have earned their reputation as a legendary fabricator for good reason. If you are in the market for a rear bumper and dual swing-out system and want a top-of-the-line product made right here in the USA, this is the company to choose. Their products are rigorously tested on demanding trails and built to last the lifetime of your vehicle.

The modular swing-out system is one of the best available, offering enough options to suit everyone’s needs. The proprietary latch system has made me reluctant to use any other swing-out bumper, and even their fold-out camp table consistently turns heads. That said, the price is premium, so this setup is best suited for those who frequently hit the trails and already have well-built rigs they’re investing in.