Truck owners: Swapping out that flimsy stock metal bumper for something bolder and better is a top priority.
The factory rear bumper is often the first thing to get banged up on the trail, at the job site, or backing up to a trailer tongue. Recently, YouTuber Ryan Miller of Heartland Rebuilds installed a Westin HDX Bandit Series Rear Bumper on his 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty. Let’s walk through the install of this heavy-duty 11-gauge plate steel construction bumper with them to see how the build turned out.
Why Upgrade To Westin’s HDX Bandit Bumper?
The factory Super Duty bumper may get the job done for the average commuter, but most of us need more. Ryan noted a few massive upgrades right out of the box:
- Integrated Corner Steps: This is a standout feature for trucks without factory tailgate steps. The HDX Bandit features wide, diamond-plated corner step cutouts, making it easier to hop into the bed.
- Relocated Trailer Harness: The factory trailer tow connector often hangs dangerously low, just waiting to be ripped off the next time you misjudge a departure angle. This bumper relocates the wiring harness up and out of the way, right next to the license plate.
- Retained Factory Functionality: You don’t have to sacrifice your OEM tow hitch or your backup sensors.
- Total Rust Protection: The entire bumper is a one-piece design that is fully black powder coated to resist rust and corrosion.
The Super Duty Installation Process
Westin designed the HDX Bandit to be a direct bolt-on upgrade, meaning no cutting or welding is required. Here is a quick breakdown of Heartland Rebuild’s install process:
1. Unboxing and Disassembly
We may be biased, but Westin Bumpers are especially well-packaged for protection during shipment. Be certain you shake all the boxes, remove all the bubble wrap, and lay out all the contents before starting – some parts may still be hiding in the packing. Ryan found disassembly of the stock Super Duty bumper straightforward. It only required the unplugging of the main wiring harness for the rear sensors and license plate lights, then busting out the 21mm impact to remove the 4 factory mounting bolts.
Pro tip: Getting to the 2 passenger side bolts may be a bit tricky due to the exhaust routing, so take your time.
2. Swapping The Sensors
Once the old bumper is off, you’ll transfer the factory parking sensors over to the new Westin brackets. The Bandit’s precision-cut holes accommodate the OEM rubber grommets. Extending the wiring harness is simple, so all your safety features remain fully functional.
3. Mounting The Bandit
Because the HDX Bandit is built from heavy-duty plate steel, it’s hefty. After installing the mounting brackets, Ryan recommended using your trailer hitch as a temporary resting ledge to help support the bumper while you line up the new 18mm bolts, washers, and nuts on the heavy-duty mounting brackets.
Backup Lights And Wiring
One of the biggest functional improvements of the HDX Bandit is the lighting. The bumper comes with flush-mount LED backup lights that can be wired directly into the factory reverse light harness.
The verdict? They are insanely bright. As the reviewer noted, “Can’t even tell that the factory backup light is even on, which is amazing.” Backing up to a trailer in the dead of night or navigating dark trails is completely transformed.
“These lights are significantly brighter – you can’t even tell that the factory backup light is even on, which is amazing.”
The Verdict: Built To Outlast
Overall, the fitment, build quality, and raw utility of the Westin HDX Bandit make it a massive win for Super Duty owners like Ryan. The combination of the aggressive diamond-plate aesthetic and the incredibly sturdy construction creates a rear end that can take a beating.
“This bumper is probably going to last longer than my truck. … The side steps and rear backup lights alone are definitely worth it.”
Ready To Upgrade Your Rig?
If you are tired of your weak factory bumper and want an upgrade that works as hard as your truck does, it’s time to make the switch. Check out our entire line of bumpers online.
Westin has been an industry-leading manufacturer of quality automotive aftermarket products for Trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs since 1970. You can browse our huge catalog of products – including bed mats, nerf bars and running boards, truck caps and more – for Trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and even ATVs and UTVs. Contact us if you have questions – and order today.
GET OUR NEWSLETTER
