Priority: Front vs. Rear Bumper?

[TheFauxFox]

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. :

 

[NismoFire]

Rear. If I had the money, I'd do it right meow.

 

[J Everett]

I went with rear bumper first for a couple of reasons:

1. Truck has solid recovery hook up front but no recovery points from factory in rear.

2. A tow hitch can easily be used as a recovery point, but a bumper will have a tow hitch built in, with a better departure angle, and I hate doing things twice, i.e. buying and installing a hitch only to replace it a later date. My 2nd Xterra (really hate that I did THAT twice, but first rig wasn't 4wd) did not come with a hitch, and the difference between the two was less than $100 (no tire carrier; while useful some of the time, it would annoy me greatly to open that swingarm every time I needed to get into the rear.)

3. As you pointed out, the rear bumper allows you to carry gear outside that would otherwise be inside the rig. That, to me, is way more useful than the improved approach angle and possibility of a winch. Winches are awesome, but you don't necessarily need one, especially if you havea wheeling buddy and a good recovery rope (Shameless plug: Bubba Ropes are freaking awesome. Get one)

4. A full bumper up front, especially if you add a winch, is more than likely going to also require stiffer springs to help support and control the additional weight. That's not a bad thing, just and additional expense to consider.

 

[obi_krash]

I went with front.

My thing is - let me armor up what I am approaching things with. I personally also do not have a tow hook up front because of my rad skid, so that takes care of that. My front bumper has taken way more a beating than my rear, so my experiences would make we lean towards a front.
Also, my front is current held on by zip ties, I think anyone who knows me I want to replace that.

 

[TheFauxFox]

I went with rear bumper first for a couple of reasons:
3. As you pointed out, the rear bumper allows you to carry gear outside that would otherwise be inside the rig. That, to me, is way more useful than the improved approach angle and possibility of a winch. Winches are awesome, but you don't necessarily need one, especially if you havea wheeling buddy and a good recovery rope (Shameless plug: Bubba Ropes are freaking awesome. Get one)

4. A full bumper up front, especially if you add a winch, is more than likely going to also require stiffer springs to help support and control the additional weight. That's not a bad thing, just and additional expense to consider.

I should note that I do not have immediate plans for a winch. I have never wheeled alone, and don't really plan to. Its not as much fun, IMO.

 

[drbandkgb]

I think Mudchet has a rear bumper for sale or will be very soon..

 

[J Everett]

I understand. I recently ordered my front bumper, and will be shopping for a winch soon, but the reason is because I plan to do some solo desert camping before I get too old to enjoy it. Before I got that idea in my head, and bumper winch combo was something I wanted, but not needed. The rear bumper, however, has been indespensible on several occasions so far.

 

[robcarync]

I voted for front but maybe I should have read everything you said first...

For armor...the front bumper wins.

For cargo room and gear storage...rear bumper wins.

Do you need protection, or do you need more space?

 

[TheFauxFox]

I voted for front but maybe I should have read everything you said first...

For armor...the front bumper wins.

For cargo room and gear storage...rear bumper wins.

Do you need protection, or do you need more space?

At the moment? Neither. I don't have my hi-lift with me (though I should), and I always have room in my truck for my spare when I wheel.

 

[ellisfamilyokc]

I did front first due to a drunk hitting my Xterra. The rear I just got is worth it's weight in gold! Departure angle is much improved. My hi lift and spare are out of my cargo area. Rear gets my vote all day.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TJTJ]

Yeah, its something to base on your actual needs and wheeling areas, etc.

I hate weight, and, the lower it is, the better.

I fought getting a rear carrier for years...and, finally, needed the room in the rig, and found the wind drag and COG impact on the roof were not working for me. Also, I am in swamps more than any other terrain, and, having swam under the rig to get the spare ONCE before, I KNEW that was never an option again, ever.

If its drier where you wheel/you will not have the rig sunk so the tire can't drop down, etc....and it FITS under there...its a good spot (Free, low, and, out of the way).

If you can stash the spare flat in the cargo hold (brake side bowl up for best storage), or, leaned on a rear well in the hold, etc, or, upright between the seats (In bag, so you have something to put the muddy one into if you have to USE IT), etc, that's fine too.


I drive where there are inattentive drivers, and, tons of suicidal deer.

My wife bought me a front bumper BECAUSE of the damn deer....and, it made bushels of venison puree w/o ever allowing any damage to the rig....worked like a charm.

The REAR I only got after getting so frustrated I had no decent choice....and, I am glad I did, because I have been rear ended over a dozen times, and, my X would have been totaled by more than half of them if I didn't have that rear bumper carrier.

Lifted Ford F-250 with steel bumper that hit me in the butt going ~ 20 mph (It was totaled)

It hit right at the spare tire carrier, above the main bumper bar, because the Ford was lifted and on 37's.

This is my 2001 X immediately after that butt ramming.


Notice the Ford's front end is exploded and mushroomed, etc....and my rig looks pretty much OK?





So, BOTH have benefits...but, neither is essential to everyone. You really need to think about what you want them to do for you.

 

[drbandkgb]

Im not going to fight about it but I do not see where the rear carrier is such a issue?

IS it a extra step to get into the back of your Xterra? Sure but its not been a crazy thing..

 

[metzican]

I say rear just due to the recovery points. If your looking for crash protection. Which one are you more likely to do rear end someone/head on or have someone rear end you. If your talking about offroad capability I think it is a tie. Front give better approach angle. Rear removes hitch for better decline. But also can remove spare so it is accessible when needed.

rear tire carrier. If you have a nice fitting one it swings open and close with ease. I know there have been some that sag and people have to struggle to open or close it.

 

[TheFauxFox]

The glorious thing about building a rear bumper is that I can modify it to suit my needs. That includes fixing any faults I find with my craftsmanship or its structural integrity.

So far, in my experience wheeling, I have worried more about the front bumper colliding with something (and ripping off, giving me an excuse to replace). However, I have only dragged the rear tow point multiple times to date.

I don't drive fast and I like to think I'm a great driver. I've rear ended someone (brakes gave out in the rear) and been rear ended (no damage).

 

[mudchet]

I think Mudchet has a rear bumper for sale or will be very soon..

Correct.
Calmini. Looking to find it a new home.

 

[granitex]

Go with the front first, best improvement to the approach angle, while providing protection.

Unless you plan on backing over all of the obstacles in case a rear might be better.

 

[TJTJ]

Go with the front first, best improvement to the approach angle, while providing protection.

Unless you plan on backing over all of the obstacles in case a rear might be better.

LOL

That IS fun though.

 

[Prime]

I vote rear. Aside from the recovery points that people mentioned, it gets the spare out from under the truck and really helps your departure angle.

 

[TheFauxFox]

I am happy I started this thread. It seems there is a very even consensus on which to go with first, and both have their merits.