Pav

Hey guys, first time Jeep owner here and already loving it. I've been searching for a new bumper for my '15 JKU.

As of right now I've been looking at the Rock Slide Engineering Rigid Series, but it's a little pricey in my opinion. Also I don't need anything that crazy as I don't rock crawl.

I also like this Smittybilt XRC Altas bumper (http://www.quadratec.com/products/12500_1500_07.htm) but I've been told that smittybilt is not a reputable company...does that hold true?

I'd like a bumper that I can add a bull bar to so I can mount some headlights.

Any opinions/suggestions/success stories on bumpers? Front bumper for now, I'll replace the rear when I get bigger tires

rob_engineer

I got smittibilt XRC bumper on rear. Very happy with the quality. Had it over a year now. I specifically bought it to help with heavy towing. It's the only bumper that is rated for 5000 pounds and 500 pound tongue weight. Makes a huge difference if you tow with a weight distribution setup. I would buy smittybilt again.

Pav

thanks for your input, I might get a smittybilt front and rear combo if they're reputable since quadratec has some deals going on for front and rear combos

rob_engineer

Pics of my smittybilt. And a picture of the crappy cross member that the stock receiver attaches to. The XRC improves upon receiver strength because the receiver is welded to the plate steel bumper which then ties it to the frame rails in addition to the cross member.

Cutman

I got an e-autogrilles delivered for $320. It has a bull bar mounted on and tabs for lights. Also has a recessed mount for a winch as well as a winch plate. Plus 2 d-ring mounts. Rings included.

There has has been a lot of debate about their products. But apparently they have revamped their product line and customer service. This thing is freakin solid and I love it.

jaxhammer

You might also look at KO Off-road bumpers. Same as eautogrill. I just put my KO Off-road on and I love it. Eautogrill had same bumper for $50 more, delivered.

Also, it might also help you to look at the "Show Your Front Bumper" thread. Lots of good info there.

Kojack

Have a look at the tactik bumpers from quadratec. They are inexpensive, built well and are lightweight. Weight is a concern on an overland built rig more than a rock crawler. That's why you see more AEV, ARB bumpers on overland rigs, than say smittybuilt, eauto etc...they all weigh a ton.

Rock Krawler Suspension

When we do an expedition type build we are always looking to save weight on fixed components. We do this since we know we'll be loaded with gear. With that in mind we'd suggest a Savvy, Nemesis, or something light weight. If you spend a lot of time in Jersey the aluminum is a lot easier to deal with rather than the rust you'll see from a traditional steel bumper too.

spicoli

I think Shrockworks makes a great overlanding bumper, it is also a good rock crawling bumper. Holds 2 jerry cans for extra fuel or water, each Jerry can holds 5.25gallons. The upper rack is pretty good size and can mount large boxes in it. Vehicle side of the rack has hi-lift jack mount and there is a place you can put a couple holes above the jack mount location to mount Maxtrax. I have rigid SR-Qs mounted for back up lights which is nice.

Bumper


Picture of my Alu-box 81L box in the rack

Picture of my friends Rightline Gear 4x4 weather proof duffle (4.3 cu ft)

kmrtnsn

I ran the XRC Atlas for a couple of years. I liked the ability to carry two Jerry cans. I have since switched to an AEV rear bumper and will be adding the integral AEV fuel caddy.