rcadden
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Ricky
- Joined
- May 4, 2021
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- 85
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- Location
- Fort Worth, TX
- Vehicle(s)
- 2021 Hydro Blue Sahara Altitude
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- Marketing
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- #1
I'm shopping for steel bumpers and really having a helluva time trying to understand what I should be looking for, how to tell the difference between similar bumpers, etc.
I know the features/styles that I want:
Going to reputable sites like 4WP or ExtremeTerrain or Quadratec, I get this massive range. The cheap ones like Barricade or Rugged Ridge seem to have great reviews. Barricade in particular says it's built with 5/32 steel and a 2-stage powder coat - both things that seem to set it apart.
Is there something that the $1K+ bumpers have that these cheaper models don't? It's a pretty massive difference (2-3X the cost) so it doesn't seem like just a brand markup.
What am I missing?
Planned Usage - in case usage is relevant, I'm a total 4wd noob. I definitely plan to hit some trails, but don't intend to go hard - I've literally never owned an offroad-capable vehicle, nor have I ever taken a vehicle offroad. Usage will likely include weekend trips to local parks, staying on the easy trails, maybe heading out to Colorado next fall. Not likely to hit Moab or Rubicon or anything. This is my DD, so I need to be able to drive it to and from the parks. Requirements above are more aesthetic than functional.
I know the features/styles that I want:
- Full or mid width
- Includes or is able to take a bar
- Sunken winch mount
- OEM foglights
- Prefer if it has a matching rear bumper
Going to reputable sites like 4WP or ExtremeTerrain or Quadratec, I get this massive range. The cheap ones like Barricade or Rugged Ridge seem to have great reviews. Barricade in particular says it's built with 5/32 steel and a 2-stage powder coat - both things that seem to set it apart.
Is there something that the $1K+ bumpers have that these cheaper models don't? It's a pretty massive difference (2-3X the cost) so it doesn't seem like just a brand markup.
What am I missing?
Planned Usage - in case usage is relevant, I'm a total 4wd noob. I definitely plan to hit some trails, but don't intend to go hard - I've literally never owned an offroad-capable vehicle, nor have I ever taken a vehicle offroad. Usage will likely include weekend trips to local parks, staying on the easy trails, maybe heading out to Colorado next fall. Not likely to hit Moab or Rubicon or anything. This is my DD, so I need to be able to drive it to and from the parks. Requirements above are more aesthetic than functional.
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