After seeing this picture of the Rugged ridge XHD front bumper w/ winch plate, I saw just how much material is cut out from the stock stubby.



Compare that to the non winch plate version,




It seems to me that the winch plate version wouldn't stand up to a direct impact as well as the non winch mount version due to the larger cut out portion meant for the winch. What do you guys think? Am I correct in this assertion, or would the winch plate bumper without the winch hold up about as well to a direct impact to the front of the bumper?

 

Anyone have any opinions?

 

Ok, I'll state my opinion. Without seeing the contruction of the non winch mount bumper, I'd say dead even. The winch mount is not just a plate. The sides are bent down and makes like a box that surrounds the fog lights. It basically moves the top deck down, but with more reinforcement (welds and vertical support). Does the non mount have any structure behind it other than the top plate, the front and the bottom? I'm not a structural engineer so this is my opinion. Think of it like an I-beam and a channel beam.

Disclaimer: Just the opinion of a retired millwright. Only worth my .02.

 

The way you describe it, it almost seems as if the winch plate version would be stronger. If that's possible.

 

Here's a picture of the back of the winch plate version, you can see the box that protects the lights. Does anyone have a picture of the back of the non winch version, or know if it has a similar box or if the top just extends to the back and ends?

Thanks.

 

I would think that any structural integrity issues would be resolved once there is a winch in there. those things are pretty stout and may make up for anything lost and may actually provide more...better yet if you do dent/brake it just swap out winches and you're back in business.

 

I don't plan on having a winch, but would take the winch version over the non winch if the design and extra welds make it a stronger bumper, also because the pre-drilled holes on the front of the face plate will make mounting my license plate much easier.

 

They both mount to the frame the same way, right? I would think that unless you hit a pole directly between the fog lights, the impact would affect the frame the same way. If you did hit a pole, I doubt there would be any real difference between the two different bumpers.

 

I would suggest going with a treks front winch bumper, less money, better product

 

Where are they less than $504 shipped?