Few brands in the off-road industry can match the history and legacy of Smittybilt. For 70 years, Smittybilt has helped off-road enthusiasts outfit their Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs with reliable, functional accessories built to explore beyond the pavement.

The Smittybilt story began in 1956 when Basil Smith, better known as “Smitty,” started a small machine shop in his garage. As one of the early four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, Smitty set out to design and build practical equipment for trucks, Jeeps, and other 4WD vehicles. His passion for the growing off-road lifestyle became the foundation of what would eventually become Smittybilt.

As the business grew, Smitty’s son, Tom Smith, began working alongside his father. Having grown up around four-wheel-drive vehicles and the off-road lifestyle, Tom brought his own ideas and enthusiasm to the company. He helped expand Smittybilt’s product lineup with innovative accessories designed specifically for the needs of off-road enthusiasts.

Under Tom’s direction, Smittybilt introduced products that would become recognizable parts of off-road history, including the original “Nerf Bar” side step and the classic tubular front and rear bumpers that can still be found on vintage and classic Jeep builds today. These products helped establish Smittybilt as an innovator in the rapidly growing off-road aftermarket.

That spirit of innovation continued as Smittybilt grew from a family-run machine shop into an internationally recognized off-road brand. In 2006, Smittybilt was acquired by TransAmerican Auto Parts, parent company of 4 Wheel Parts (4WP). In 2023, ownership transitioned to Wheel Pros (WP). In 2026, Smittybilt entered its latest chapter under the ownership of BPAG (Bestop Premium Accessories Group), carrying forward the legacy that Basil and Tom Smith began seven decades earlier.

Today, Smittybilt offers hundreds of products purpose-built for overlanding, rock crawling, trail riding, camping, recovery, and off-road exploration. Its expansive lineup includes bumpers and armor, winches and recovery equipment, tents, awnings, tops, trail gear, soft goods, and much more.

Smittybilt products continue to be developed with real-world use in mind and tested in demanding environments, from rocky trails and open desert to remote backcountry. That hands-on experience helps drive the design of durable, functional products built for enthusiasts who expect their equipment to perform when it matters most.

From a small garage machine shop in 1956 to one of the most recognized names in the off-road aftermarket, Smittybilt has spent 70 years helping enthusiasts build capable vehicles and explore farther. While the vehicles, trails, and products have evolved, the spirit behind the brand remains rooted in the same passion for four-wheel drive that inspired Smitty from the beginning.

70 years of innovation. 70 years of adventure. One goal: GET OUT THERE!