Stubby bumper for a daily driver - cons?

[gus2k]

It's time to upgrade the bumper, from the stock non-steel rubi bumpber. For the replacement I'm considering a stubby, mostly because the full-width version is out of stock, but I suppose the stubby is a tad lighter and looks a little cooler.

I'm offroad sometimes, but the ride is also a daily driver. Are there major negatives of a stubby bumper on a daily driver? I'm wondering specifically about: Safety issues? Damage that would be worse (to either party) in the event of a fender bender? Something else? Thanks!

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[MrMischief]

If you have the plastic bumpers highway fuel economy may take a hit if you switch to a stubby. Wind going directly into a tire increases drag which is why the less off road focused trims have lower fenders and that ugly cover in front. The plastic bumpers also function to move some of that air away from the tire.

Otherwise... I suppose with an exposed tire you may be more likley to climb the hood of that car that turned in front of you, so you may be more likely to roll, but the JL likes to roll anyways. If you clip a pedestrian maybe they're more likely to get pulled under the tire? As far as damage to your rig goes... I don't think the plastic bumper offers much protection to the tire area from impacts, so I don't imagine you're likely to have more damage in a low speed accident than you would have had otherwise. Offroad you're much less likely to catch a stubby bumper on a rock. Personally I can not see myself ever buying a bumper that is not a stubby.

 

[gus2k]

Your quick thoughts are much appreciated, thank you! Those are great considerations.

 

[rcadden]

Just upgrade to the stock steel bumper for the best of both worlds.

You can usually find them on your local marketplace for ~$500-600 if you watch for it.

They're really well-built, modular, and obviously bolt right on. The only downside (IMO) is they don't come with a winch plate.

Edited 1/4 7:21p to remove inaccurate statement that the XR package includes steel bumper package

 

[stojanowski]

Just upgrade to the stock steel bumper for the best of both worlds.

You can usually find them on your local marketplace for ~$500-600 if you watch for it. Stock has picked up a bit since they're included in the XR package.

They're really well-built, modular, and obviously bolt right on. The only downside (IMO) is they don't come with a winch plate.

Steel bumpers come stock with the XR package?

 

[rcadden]

@stojanowski nope, my bad.

Still a great option for you though.

 

[stojanowski]

@stojanowski nope, my bad.

Still a great option for you though.

Could always get the eBay knock off for 350

 

[ColoradoMike]

I also was going to say, with the OEM steel bumpers, you can convert back and forth really quick and easy between stubby and full-length, and they look great IMHO. See my avatar.
I wondered about exposure to damage by not having the full-length bumper... but then I stopped worrying about it. I do suspect it is hurting my gas mileage a bit, especially at higher speeds.

 

[GreenWilly]

Depends on how strict your DOT laws are and if they are enforced. Most states require bumpers to cover the wheels or extend so many inches beyond frame rails.

But offroad performance will be improved in your ability to navigate obstacles. And you cannot forget the cool factor.

 

[Jhawth]

The only con that comes to mind is the stubby looks so damn cool you might start day dreaming when you're walking back to your Jeep after leaving target with a full shopping cart and 240lbs of water softener tablets loaded up on that SOB and you end up plowing through Matilda and her 9 children in the parking lot.







?

 

[andrew4fins]

Stubby on a daily driver rocks! As others have noted your gas mileage may take a hit but no other issues if your state allows it.

 

[lashlee]

Stubby all the way!! Looks much better and obviously can lead to a better approach angle. My wife chose a Motobilt crusher series for her JLUR, and my best friend has a JTR with an aluminum GenRight that's similar in shape and size.

 

[AZ Hella]

There are no cons.

 

[webwbr]

If you have the plastic bumpers highway fuel economy may take a hit if you switch to a stubby. Wind going directly into a tire increases drag which is why the less off road focused trims have lower fenders and that ugly cover in front. The plastic bumpers also function to move some of that air away from the tire.

Otherwise... I suppose with an exposed tire you may be more likley to climb the hood of that car that turned in front of you, so you may be more likely to roll, but the JL likes to roll anyways. If you clip a pedestrian maybe they're more likely to get pulled under the tire? As far as damage to your rig goes... I don't think the plastic bumper offers much protection to the tire area from impacts, so I don't imagine you're likely to have more damage in a low speed accident than you would have had otherwise. Offroad you're much less likely to catch a stubby bumper on a rock. Personally I can not see myself ever buying a bumper that is not a stubby.

Geez… I had no regrets having a Smittybilt XRC Gen 2 stubby bumper on my DD until I read your post! Glad I saved my plastic OEM. (lol)


I’ll live with the risks, but I think I may have taken a MPG hit now that you mention it.

 

[Mudduck]

Partial to the stubby myself.

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