- Location
- Huntsville, AL
What are y'alls thoughts on bumpers? I'm conflicted on what I'd rather do. Since they are both considerably expensive, I want to prioritize.
Front:
The way I look at it, you generally go down the trail face first (notice I said generally). Protection from obstacles both at hood level and at the lower radiator level would be nice. Moreover, they are usually built to make winching, or really the ability to hold a winch, and front recovery easier. However, I see weight as a downside. That means I would probably have to purchase stronger coils, despite having near brand new coils on my front coilovers. But I've heard a mixed consensus on what coils should be used anyway. For reference, I'm using 650# coils on 2.0 TS emulsion Radflos. Not to mention, a front bumper would cost more for me (continue reading).
Rear:
Rear bumpers are more of a luxury for trail-goers. I'm talking about a swing away bumper here. The swing away would allow me to throw all sorts of crap (the good kind of crap) on my bumper as opposed to in the cargo area. I would build a bumper that would allow me to carry my standard, 48" Hi-Lift, 33-35" spare tire, CB radio antenna, and potentially a trail-ready tool box. And that is only the few things I really want out of a swing-out. I could build one for about half the price, if not a quarter of the price of a pre-built rear, and that pretty much knocks out the whole buying sitchiation. They also provide much better rear recovery points and a towing solution, even though I already have a Curt receiver. On the negative side, as mentioned, they are more a luxury and the added weight would incline me to upgrade my leafs. I said incline, not require.
Both:
I'm going with plate either way and I'm not really willing to be swayed to a pre-runner/tube style considering where I wheel (you can go drown your X in sand without me). Sure, both front and rear plate bumpers add protection for that one guy/gal that forces you into an accident, but its hard to predict an accident.
Fire away. :
Front:
The way I look at it, you generally go down the trail face first (notice I said generally). Protection from obstacles both at hood level and at the lower radiator level would be nice. Moreover, they are usually built to make winching, or really the ability to hold a winch, and front recovery easier. However, I see weight as a downside. That means I would probably have to purchase stronger coils, despite having near brand new coils on my front coilovers. But I've heard a mixed consensus on what coils should be used anyway. For reference, I'm using 650# coils on 2.0 TS emulsion Radflos. Not to mention, a front bumper would cost more for me (continue reading).
Rear:
Rear bumpers are more of a luxury for trail-goers. I'm talking about a swing away bumper here. The swing away would allow me to throw all sorts of crap (the good kind of crap) on my bumper as opposed to in the cargo area. I would build a bumper that would allow me to carry my standard, 48" Hi-Lift, 33-35" spare tire, CB radio antenna, and potentially a trail-ready tool box. And that is only the few things I really want out of a swing-out. I could build one for about half the price, if not a quarter of the price of a pre-built rear, and that pretty much knocks out the whole buying sitchiation. They also provide much better rear recovery points and a towing solution, even though I already have a Curt receiver. On the negative side, as mentioned, they are more a luxury and the added weight would incline me to upgrade my leafs. I said incline, not require.
Both:
I'm going with plate either way and I'm not really willing to be swayed to a pre-runner/tube style considering where I wheel (you can go drown your X in sand without me). Sure, both front and rear plate bumpers add protection for that one guy/gal that forces you into an accident, but its hard to predict an accident.
Fire away. :