I've had Jeeps for over 30 years, traded my 2017 JK for a Gladiator... Have to disagree, no disrespect, and repeat, there are some really ugly bumpers available now and sliding over obstacles is not what 90% of owners want to do with a $60k+ vehicle!! I'll ad, as an retired engineer, if they are wanting to design to slide over objects, most of them miss the mark!
I agree with you, the vast majority of bumpers look like they came from a F-117 parts bin.
Curious as to what safety factor you're referring to. Modern OEM bumpers are designed to crumple and take impact energy. Are you looking for an aftermarket that is built to crumple or take an impact with minimal damage?
A bumper designed with the airbags being considered. Bumper would have to be full width to take into consideration of any offset frontal impact whether it is from an accident or even a deer, no stubby or mid-width fills that need. If your just using your rig off-road, I guess it wouldn't matter but I daily drive my Gladiator and want the full width protection. Other things to consider, what are the recovery points rated for, the Gladiator weighs much more than a Wrangler. Will the winch plate actually support a 12k+ winch, recess into the frame and have enough room for the winch of your choice. Can you use your existing fog lights and any other lights you might already have (I kept all 4 of my KC lights when I traded the JK in). Then you factor in the weight of some of the newer bumpers... choices really are limited.
Are you saying you want your airbags to deploy when impacting a deer? Why go aftermarket if you want to keep the plastic crush can/almost guaranteed airbag deployment wether you need it or not? Do you honestly think the sheetmetal substructure of the factory plastic bumper would do anything to mitigate the impact of a legit offset crash? Watch the offset crash testing if you believe that. The factory bumper in my opinion offers no more protection than a quality stubby or mid width aside from maybe a shopping cart in a low speed parking lot. We wheel both our Jeeps so I'll stick with the stubby for clearance, but I seriously don't want difference in a legitimate crash. You'll still get airbag deployment. The frame still has its designed crumple zones. For low speed I'll take the extra rigidity of a quality aftermarket steel bumper.
They are nicer than a lot of the bumpers out there and don't look weird, are made in the USA and they are comparable to the ARB bumper. Not sure if they are airbag friendly though. The factory bumper wouldn't take a deer hit, believe me, I know and that's why I had a steel bumper on my JK. I'm looking for a full width steel bumper that just doesn't look weird to me... I'm old school, listen to classic rock and old country. I have driven all the trails in Moab and I'm going back there this year but not cracked up about the factory bumper.
I disagree re crush cans and guaranted airbag deployment on deer impact. 21 JTM OEM front bumper received only minor damage after striking a white tail at 25 mph. No airbag deployment, and the collision avoidence system probably help to prevent worse damage. BTW, all systems go after collision.
Not guaranteed, but more likely with the flimsy stock bumpers for sure. I still don't see the point of looking for an aftermarket bumper that copies the cheap and light duty design of the stock units. Most aftermarket bumpers have integrated winch plates which means they are inherently stronger than stock.
