Front bumper upgrade question (need lil help, plz)

[rkwfxd]

Here is another SINGLE data point for more "affordable"bumpers. This past May I was wheeling with a group of guys and following one who had Rugged Ridge HD bumpers front and rear. I watched him slowly drive down a ledge that caught the left side of his rear bumper.

Bent.

Not flexed but dent upwards a solid inch. I think it is possible that maybe the holes are a little large and the bolts might not have been as tight as they could have been but in any case, that bumper was a full inch higher on the left than it was on the right.

I have also come down HARD on my aluminum RockHard4X4 rear bumper (I'm not the best driver.) and other than scratched paint on the bottom, you would never know.

Finally, the skid on my LOD front bumper is all scraped up but my sway-bar disconnect motor is still unscathed.

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[VKSheridan]

Notice how everyone with different tastes, expectations and budget tend to recommend their choice? Luckily, I will offer my totally unbiased, heavily researched and scientifically authenticated recommendation:
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[TyRoosevelt]

Good morning, All

I am super new to the Jeep world but I absolutely Love it! I got 2021 Rubicon Unlimited with XR package. I really want to upgrade the front bumper but there are so many options that my head spins. Looking for something functional for off-roading and good looking at the same time. I like the look of AEV but it is just so ridiculously expensive. I know that most of you on this forum have been Jeep owner for a while. Could you please recommend a great front bumper? Are there good options that come with the winch? or winch installation is always separate? These might be very basic questions but I am a total newbie. Anyone has experience with ARB bumpers? I read really mixed reviews but that's true for every bumper I looked at so far
Please help?

I have had many different brands of bumpers on several of my wranglers. The factory one is outstanding. If I was not using the factory steel, I would use Motobilt, Rockhard 4x4, or Artec. Motobilt and Artec come unfinished but that gives you limitless finishes to choose from.

A lot of companies will say their bumpers have zinc primer but I have always had rust issues with bumpers that come powdercoated except for rockhard. In my experience, Rugged ridge has been cheap and their customer service awful. Same with Rough Country. I had fishbone offroad and it also rusted.

Quality is also big in my book. The welds on fishbone offroad look like garbage compared to the ones I have recommended.

Finally, go with a company that has good customer service. Motobilt, Artec, and Rockhard have excellent customer service. Rockhard paid for the install on my sliders because one of their installers messed up. I didnt even ask them too.

This is subjective but check out those three if you do not go with Mopar. As others have said, you will be happier if you spend a little more now and get something you will enjoy for a long time.

 

[Lakersgrl27]

Thank you all so much for the advice! Some great options to consider. Thank you again for taking time to respond.

 

[haligen]

Here is another SINGLE data point for more "affordable"bumpers. This past May I was wheeling with a group of guys and following one who had Rugged Ridge HD bumpers front and rear. I watched him slowly drive down a ledge that caught the left side of his rear bumper.

Bent.

Not flexed but dent upwards a solid inch. I think it is possible that maybe the holes are a little large and the bolts might not have been as tight as they could have been but in any case, that bumper was a full inch higher on the left than it was on the right.

I have also come down HARD on my aluminum RockHard4X4 rear bumper (I'm not the best driver.) and other than scratched paint on the bottom, you would never know.

Finally, the skid on my LOD front bumper is all scraped up but my sway-bar disconnect motor is still unscathed.

I had a rugged ridge front bumper. Had being the key. A camros’ rear quarter panel crumbled it like a can. Now I have Road Armor.

 

[toolaide4fit]

I went with the AEV bumpers! I got the first commercial bumper that was sold and don't regret one penny! I love the look and the quality is the best in the industry. They are crash tested and meet a high standard. They only other bumpers that meet crash standards are stock. I am not aware of any other manufacturers that have done this. The front bumper is partially made of Boron steel which is lighter than steel and stronger.

Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. I didn't purchase the steel bumpers because I knew I wanted the AEV Front and Rear Bumper with the Tire Carrier.

I suggest you look on Youtube there are some very honest opinions on some bumpers that look good but don't protect the body of your jeep. Hit one rock and damage you quarter panels or anything around the corners of your Jeep and the body damage will cost you more than a good bumper.

I was wheeling and climbing a pretty steep rock ledge and the turbo spooled and lunged, Went up on 1 wheel and the front slammed onto the granite shelf...took a hung out of my steel D-ring connected to my bumper and did NOTHING to the bumper at all.

Well worth the money!

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