Favorite obscure brands?

[Alpine Warthog]

I don't know about other people, but I like finding little known companies that make insanely good products that nobody else seems to know about. I almost always skip the first page of google results to find the companies that don't pay to be at the top.
I was into Rusty's Offroad early and had all their stuff on my XJ. Now, I'm looking for a bed rack so I'd like to find something that isn't plastered over every billboard everywhere. It's getting harder to find the small time fabricators with all of the Chinese knock-offs sprouting up everyday so I'm hoping to get help from you guys.

What are your favorite companies that nobody knows about? (and not just for bed racks, I'm looking for any product)

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[NC_Overland]

I heard that Rusty’s got better over the years, but 20+ yrs ago when they first came onto the XJ scene they made complete junk. Old school rough country bad.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

I heard that Rusty’s got better over the years, but 20+ yrs ago when they first came onto the XJ scene they made complete junk. Old school rough country bad.

I must have discovered them right when they got their act together. I lifted my XJ in 2006 and I still have it. 4.5" lift with the HD trackbar. Used their rock rails and stinger bumper too. That XJ has taken a beating. It's also the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. It spoiled me, making me think Jeeps were indestructible LOL

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I heard that Rusty’s got better over the years, but 20+ yrs ago when they first came onto the XJ scene they made complete junk. Old school rough country bad.

Seems like it was the XJ guys who were the most vocal about Rusty's not being good.

 

[NC_Overland]

I must have discovered them right when they got their act together. I lifted my XJ in 2006 and I still have it. 4.5" lift with the HD trackbar. Used their rock rails and stinger bumper too. That XJ has taken a beating. It's also the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. It spoiled me, making me think Jeeps were indestructible LOL

That timeline sounds about right.

 

[rharr]

Motobuilt and Cavfab make some nice stuff US based. Cavfab tries to use US materials in their products.

 

[ericw.]

I love the look and quality of my Relentless Fabrication bumpers.

Their design is unique on the market and the entire operation is run by a couple in Reno, NV who love what they do.

 

[Free2roam]

Bed racks are a dime a dozen. I bought a Tuwa Pro and it served it's purpose. Height adjustable. But the engineering could have been better. Slots and holes were sloppy (to big, not sloppley cut) again it served it's purpose. Step22 makes some quality products.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Man, these days I get skeptical if I've never heard of a company. It's too easy to come up with a name and then source a shit product these days. Or in the case of 4x4Colorado, have a great product but a shit business strategy and go bankrupt leaving customers to fend for themselves.

I think for me it comes down to the type of product... expensive cost and plays an important role? I'll stick with the known names that are known for good customer support. But if it's a product thats inexpensive and really doesn't matter, sure I'll take the chance.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Seems like it was the XJ guys who were the most vocal about Rusty's not being good.

I got a ton of people telling me I'd regret it, thankfully they were wrong

 

[NC_Overland]

I looks at a lot of companies for a rear bumper that looked close to stock, worked with my factory hitch, had a step, and worked work my back up sensors, license plate lights, etc. it might be some Chinese brand, but I’m really impressed with my Body armor rear bumper I had never heard of them but the quality is great. The construction, price, finish, etc. it’s super strong. I can’t remember the price, but it was cheap.

 

[ATL_Rubi]

I looks at a lot of companies for a rear bumper that looked close to stock, worked with my factory hitch, had a step, and worked work my back up sensors, license plate lights, etc. it might be some Chinese brand, but I’m really impressed with my Body armor rear bumper I had never heard of them but the quality is great. The construction, price, finish, etc. it’s super strong. I can’t remember the price, but it was cheap.

I had a Body Armour 4x4 quad hoop bumper on my JK. Lasted many off road trips, a few accidents (I was a risky teen) and didn’t rust at all. Not sure how their stuff is now, but circa 2010 they were great

 

[NC_Overland]

I had a Body Armour 4x4 quad hoop bumper on my JK. Lasted many off road trips, a few accidents (I was a risky teen) and didn’t rust at all. Not sure how their stuff is now, but circa 2010 they were great

I think it’s 1/4” steel and the welds and finish are great.

It was between that and the warn rear bumper for almost 3x as much. I took a chance and I’m happy with it.

I can’t remember what I paid, but it’s gone up at least $100 since last spring.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

Nexen and Hercules tires. We did tire testing for these companies and they are really a fantastic tire at a great price point. We first tested the Nexen Roadian MTX a good 5-6 years ago. We ran them in several rigs against name brand MT tires. We personally decided to keep them as our go to tire. Out of five rigs nobody ever experienced a tire failure, and we beat the bejeezus out of them on So Cal’s toughest trails. They all either wore out or aged out. More recently we tested the Hercules/TIS RT1. Another fantastic tire. It’s a hybrid but has amazing off road traction and quiet road ride. Perfect for an over lander type rig. Great tires and best bang for the buck, but would still choose them if they were the same price. Not Chinese tires. Made in Korea.

 

[NC_Overland]

Nexen and Hercules tires. We did tire testing for these companies and they are really a fantastic tire at a great price point. We first tested the Nexen Roadian MTX a good 5-6 years ago. We ran them in several rigs against name brand MT tires. We personally decided to keep them as our go to tire. Out of five rigs nobody ever experienced a tire failure, and we beat the bejeezus out of them on So Cal’s toughest trails. They all either wore out or aged out. More recently we tested the Hercules/TIS RT1. Another fantastic tire. It’s a hybrid but has amazing off road traction and quiet road ride. Perfect for an over lander type rig. Great tires and best bang for the buck, but would still choose them if they were the same price. Not Chinese tires. Made in Korea.

I’ve only heard of them for trailer tires.

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