Heavy Duty Bumpers for Expedition/Overland Use: Practical Necessity or Superfluous an

[FellowTraveler]

Front bumper; Animal strikes, some impact protection, step for maintenance, winch mounting, approach angle increase, brush guard, platform for additional lighting are my reasons for front WARN bumper.

Knowing well the ill effect of putting something heavy way out in front of the front axle/steering would change the vehicles balance, handling and stopping distance I used GM factory up-fitter manuals to keep CG and axle loads at or very close to factory design. The additional expense of tweaking after install related to the bumpers/winches is always a consideration, can I do it or do I have to have some shop do it?

Rear bumper; Impact resistance, better ground clearance, shackle mount points, and help bring the front bumper/winch install back into harmony with the vehicles original design.

1999 k2500 Burb 011.JPG1999 k2500 Burb 013.jpg

[keezer37]

I recall someone posting pics of his newer model Tacoma after a dear strike. As I remember it, the ARB bumper looked pretty good still. Problem was, it was about a third of the way in the engine compartment. And I do believe, the truck was still totaled.
I think any critter big enough not to roll under a modestly lifted truck, is gonna be heavy enough to do damage regardless. If not to the bumper, what is directly behind it.
I got mine because my insurer covered the cost after I destroyed the plastic et al. I don't think it will save your truck but may save your wallet from minor damage repairs that the OE bumper would not withstand and be within your insurance deductible.

[BlackClassic]

I got my bumper mainly for the front tow points, but second added approach. Because with only my stock bumper and air dam she sat low. I have had to get pulled out a couple of times and the bumper worked great. Not mentioan it looks cool. May add some sort of pre runner hoop, stinger someday but I'm good with my light bar. Also if I want to add a winch I can pretty easily. I probably do a rear one some day too.

[HumphreyBear]

I think any critter big enough not to roll under a modestly lifted truck, is gonna be heavy enough to do damage regardless. If not to the bumper, what is directly behind it.

I agree, and they don't cover all situations. Many years ago my high school industrial arts teacher ran over a wombat in a road car he had just finished restoring, and it damned near ripped the front axle off (like hitting a slightly malleable rock at 90km/hr) as it went under the vehicle and launched him skyward. His next car restoration was an MG and he took the legs out from under a cow and the cow joined him in the cabin which didn't do him any favours.

In general though, if it stops the engine moving rearwards in a big collision and impinging on the driver (personal experience with a head on vehicle smash that I never want to repeat), or discourages the deer/cow/'roo from rolling over the bonnet then I'd call that a win even if the car doesn't.

[BIGdaddy]

-I've been run into 2 times in parking lots, with zero damage
-I've been rear-ended 3 times in the last year with zero damage
-I've pulled out stumps on our land with the tow points
-Just mounted a winch with very little fuss on it.
-Been recovered in deep sand with recovery points.
-Holds my pair of hella 500 lights
-Great spot for tools on the wings when I'm doing maintenence on the front end of the jeep.
-Perfect spot for children to stand (i have 3), and for beers to wait to be consumed.
-Not to mention how well protected my cooling system is from major damage in a moderate impact with a car/rock/tree, etc...

I have no illusions that a 30-40mph crash will overload and crumple the bumper, but I also am a big fan of cannibalizing other vehicles
crumple zones whenever possible, which the added weight helps with, if the worst happens. (Hasn't in 16 years of driving, and I don't plan on losing that record, but you never know...)

[98dango]

Well i look at most aftermarket bumpers as a joke. there to heavy and ugly. The last good looking bumper was made by warn. Runell makes a fair bumper but over heavy. You do not need to build a bumper to witstand a train. The last bumper i build is a mix of 1/4 3/16 and even 1/8th. Its on a dura max and has held well for years did finaly get a dent in the 1/8 cover. One man can install it with no help. Living in Wyoming it has hit many a antalope with no issues. The bumper i am building for budget beater will be much like it.

The only reason is a critter getter and they look better but you dont need that giant 200lb ranch hand bumper. I also say the bolt over the stock bumpers ones they sell now are not worth your money.

[toymaster]

The need for a heavy bumper increases as your usage increases. A heavy duty bumper is an extension of your frame for the reasons already stated: recovery point, accessory attachment, protection. If you need these things then you need a heavy duty bumper; if you do not need these things then it is for show.

I have a 'ranch hand' style bumper I made for my F350 back in 2001 which has more than paid for itself. I've hit three mule deer without a scratch on my truck. I'm sure I would have hit more but the last six years the truck as basically been parked. On my JK they serve all the purposes mentioned and could not/would not image keeping the 10lb plastic bumpers on a vic built for the off-road.

[Cee-Jay]

The need for a heavy bumper increases as your usage increases. A heavy duty bumper is an extension of your frame for the reasons already stated: recovery point, accessory attachment, protection. If you need these things then you need a heavy duty bumper; if you do not need these things then it is for show.

Just to take the opposing view (since most people seem to be supportive of heavy duty bumpers), one could argue that there are often lighter ways to create recovery points and winch mounts then installing a full-sized heavy duty steel bumper. Same with swing out tire holders, fuel can racks, etc.

But I agree, as many have pointed out, that some stock bumpers these days may as well be made of cardboard. And I also agree with you, toymaster, and some other posters here that heavy duty, full coverage steel bumpers probably make sense if you often bash big things including animals (assuming that driving at slower speeds is not a viable option).

Here are a few links arguing for moderation for the sake of weight savings:
http://www.overlandexpo.com/overland...overrated.html
http://www.jpmagazine.com/featuredve...p/viewall.html

My gut instinct is that there's a lot of wisdom in the keep it simple, keep it mostly stock kinda mentality. That being said, sometimes there are d*mn good reasons to make upgrades and that goes for heavy duty bumpers too I suppose.

One problem, as several of you have pointed out, is that sometimes you don't know that you need a heavy duty bumper until after it's already too late... kinda like insurance.

[AFSOC]

Heavy Duty Bumpers for Expedition/Overland Use: Practical Necessity or Superfluous and Heavy?

My heavy duty bumpers are just to look cool and to mount my M8000 and the rear has my tire swing.

[colodak]

I got mine after a rock took out the lower portion of my original setup. Originally I had the stock bumper with a push bar/winch mount to house my lights and winch. Few years back, nailed a rock on a trail, bent the lower bar, tweaked the whole mounting and was actually bending my frame rails from stress. As for weight, well, I saved 20 lbs going from steel cable to synthetic line while with the old setup. Previously, I had a 35 lb bumper, 7lb valance, 100 lb pushbar, and 70 lb winch, and 5 lbs of lights. Now, I have a 70 lb winch, 110 lb bumper, and 5 lbs of lights. The truck still sits the same in the front, but now looks like it will survive an IED attack.