RPM Front Bumper and Skid Plate for Arrma Kraton 6S V5 Black RPM81812

Overview

The RPM Front Bumper and Skid Plate for Arrma Kraton V5 and EXB is an essential upgrade for owners of the 6S version of this legendary RC monster truck. Whether you're a weekend basher pushing your Kraton to its limits or a serious competitor looking to protect your investment, this engineered protection system is specifically designed to absorb the massive impact forces that come with high-speed crashes. The RPM front bumper is one of the most popular chassis protection upgrades for the Kraton in the UK RC market, and with good reason — it delivers genuinely effective impact absorption without compromising your truck's performance or aesthetics.

RPM has engineered this front bumper system to dramatically reduce the amount of impact force that transfers into your expensive aluminium chassis during collisions. If you own an ARRMA Kraton 6S RC monster truck and want to keep that pristine chassis looking new, this is the upgrade you need. The V5 edition has been specifically updated with an expanded differential clearance area to accommodate the larger differential hump found on newer models, and importantly, the package now includes the hinge pin retainer plate, meaning you won't need to purchase additional parts to get it fitted and ready to run.

Manufactured entirely in the USA by RPM R/C Products and backed by their limited lifetime warranty against breakage, this front bumper represents the quality engineering and durability that RC enthusiasts across the UK have come to expect from premium aftermarket components. All RPM molded products are produced from an exclusive blend of engineering grade nylons that deliver unmatched strength and durability compared to standard plastic alternatives.

Key Features

• Two-Piece Design with 4mm Thick Skid Plate — The engineering-grade nylon skid plate is 4mm thick, providing substantial protection against the abrasive surfaces you'll encounter during off-road bashings and competitions. This thickness is critical because it spreads impact forces across a wider area, preventing localized damage to your chassis and protecting the expensive aluminium components underneath.
• 1.5mm Skid Ribs Along the Bottom — These ribs extend along the length of the skid plate and serve a dual purpose: they add structural rigidity to prevent the plate from flexing excessively under impact, and they help guide the bumper assembly smoothly over rough terrain without snagging on obstacles during low-speed crawling or high-speed bashing.
• 38mm Forward Extension — Extending more than 1.5 inches ahead of your chassis means this bumper provides a genuine first line of defence, taking the initial impact energy before any force reaches your truck's aluminium frame. This forward extension is critical for protecting the front of your expensive drivetrain components and gearbox case.
• 171.5mm Width Coverage — At 171.5mm wide, this bumper provides comprehensive front-end coverage across the entire width of the Kraton, ensuring that impacts from any angle — head-on collisions, angled crashes, or glancing blows — are properly absorbed and distributed rather than concentrated on one area.
• Curved Oval Bumper Profile — The top bumper is a massive 3/8 inch (9.5mm) thick, 1/2 inch (12.7mm) tall, and 6.75 inches (171.5mm) wide curved oval design that's engineered to deflect incoming forces rather than absorb them head-on. This curved geometry is significantly more effective than flat bumpers because it allows energy to be redirected rather than absorbed entirely by the bumper material.
• Body Protection Without Body Damage — By absorbing and redirecting impact forces before they reach your body and chassis, this bumper helps prevent the expensive damage that can occur to both the truck's structural components and your custom painted RC monster truck body during crashes.
• Hinge Pin Retainer Plate Included — Unlike earlier versions, this V5 and EXB edition includes the hinge pin retainer plate in the box, eliminating the need to purchase additional parts separately. You can install and run this bumper immediately without worrying about compatibility issues or needing to source extra components.
• Expanded Differential Clearance — The V5 and EXB models feature a wider differential clearance area specifically designed to accommodate the larger differential hump found on current Kraton generations, ensuring perfect fitment without any grinding or clearance issues.
• Engineering Grade Nylon Construction — RPM's exclusive blend of engineering grade nylons provides superior strength, durability and impact resistance compared to standard plastic compounds used in cheaper alternatives. This material maintains its integrity through repeated impacts and won't become brittle in cold weather or fade in UV sunlight.
• 100% USA Made with Lifetime Warranty — Every RPM bumper is manufactured in the United States and backed by RPM's limited lifetime warranty against breakage, reflecting their confidence in product quality and giving you peace of mind when pushing your Kraton to its limits.

Technical Performance

The RPM Front Bumper and Skid Plate system represents advanced engineering specifically optimized for the ARRMA Kraton 6S platform. The two-piece construction combines a 4mm thick primary skid plate with supporting 1.5mm ribs that create a rigid, lightweight structure capable of withstanding repeated high-impact collisions without permanent deformation. The 38mm forward extension provides critical protection depth, ensuring your chassis and drivetrain components remain shielded even during severe frontal impacts. The substantial 9.5mm x 12.7mm x 171.5mm curved oval bumper works in concert with the skid plate to create a hierarchical protection system: the bumper deflects initial impact energy and the skid plate distributes remaining forces across the chassis. This engineering approach is significantly more effective than single-piece bumper designs because it handles different types of impacts appropriately — high-speed head-on collisions are absorbed by the bumper's curved profile, while lower-speed scrapes and ground contact are managed by the protective skid plate. The engineering grade nylon material used throughout maintains consistent performance characteristics across temperature ranges, ensuring reliable protection during both summer bashings and winter RC sessions across the UK. The system has been specifically tested and validated for fitment with ARRMA Kraton running stock gearbox case set AR310427, as well as most ARRMA vehicles V5 and older that use this or the AR310854 gearbox case, making it an exceptionally versatile upgrade for Kraton owners across multiple model generations.

What's in the Box

• RPM Front Bumper assembly (curved oval bumper piece)
• RPM Skid Plate assembly (4mm thick primary plate with 1.5mm ribs)
• Hinge Pin Retainer Plate
• Mounting hardware and fasteners

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will this RPM front bumper fit my ARRMA Kraton V5 or EXB without modifications? — Yes, this is the correct bumper for Kraton V5 and EXB models. The design has been specifically updated with expanded differential clearance to accommodate the larger differential hump on V5 generation Kratons, and it includes the hinge pin retainer plate that's required for proper fitment. Simply ensure you're running the stock gearbox case set AR310427, and installation should be straightforward with no modifications required to your truck.
• Will this bumper work on older Kraton models like V3 or V4? — This bumper (model RPM81812) is specifically designed for V5 and EXB Kratons. If you own a V3 or V4 Kraton, you'll need the earlier RPM bumper model. Owners of V3 or V4 models running the AR320432 front bumper should note that RPM does sell separate front bumper/hinge pin retainer assemblies (model AR330230) that allow compatibility with their older bumper design, but the easiest approach is to confirm your specific model before ordering.
• What type of damage does this bumper protect against? — This bumper protects against multiple types of impact damage: head-on collisions with obstacles at speed, angled impacts during aggressive cornering, ground contact damage during low jumps, and scraped impacts when bashing through rough terrain. The 4mm skid plate handles sustained ground contact and lower-speed impacts, while the curved oval bumper absorbs and redirects high-speed frontal collisions. Combined, they significantly reduce the likelihood of aluminium chassis damage, bent suspension components, and damaged gearbox cases.
• Will this bumper affect my Kraton's top speed or acceleration? — The bumper is engineered to add minimal weight and zero air resistance during high-speed running. The impact on overall truck weight is negligible, and there's no aerodynamic penalty since the bumper sits at the very front of the truck. Your Kraton's top speed and acceleration will remain essentially unchanged.
• Can I use this bumper on Durango DEX8T vehicles? — Yes, this bumper will fit Durango vehicles running the stock gearbox case set TD210046. However, RPM cannot guarantee proper body clearance on Durango models, as some body trimming may be necessary depending on your specific DEX8T variant. Check compatibility with your exact model before ordering, or contact our team at RC Model Shop for confirmation.
• Is the hinge pin retainer plate truly included, or is that an extra cost? — The hinge pin retainer plate is included in the box with this RPM81812 bumper set. Earlier versions of the RPM bumper required purchasing the retainer plate separately, but this V5-specific version bundles everything you need for immediate installation without additional purchases.
• What makes RPM bumpers better than cheaper alternatives available on the UK market? — RPM bumpers are engineered grade, USA-made components backed by a lifetime warranty against breakage. The engineering grade nylon used is significantly more durable and impact-resistant than standard plastic, the two-piece design with specific rib reinforcement is more structurally sound than single-piece designs, and the curved bumper profile is specifically engineered for deflecting impact forces rather than absorbing them. You'll see the difference in durability after your first few serious crashes.
• Can I fit this bumper myself, or do I need professional installation? — The RPM front bumper is designed for straightforward installation and can be fitted by anyone with basic RC mechanical skills. You'll need standard hex tools and approximately 15-20 minutes. If you're comfortable changing tyres or adjusting suspension on your Kraton, you can definitely install this bumper yourself.
• Will this bumper clear my custom body if I've made modifications? — RPM cannot guarantee proper body clearance on non-standard Kraton configurations. If you've modified your body shell or made significant chassis adjustments, some trimming may be necessary. The bumper is designed for stock Kraton body fitment, so custom bodies may require adjustment around the bumper area.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the RPM Front Bumper and Skid Plate for Arrma Kraton V5 and EXB RPM81812 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.