Anyone running steel bumpers without a winch?

[Blue Ridge]

I love my Gladiator, but it just bugs the crap out of me that the bumpers are plastic. I'd like to get steel or aluminum bumpers (at least the front), but most that catch my eye seem like they would look odd with no winch in the giant hole. Full length preferred. Rugged Ridge's Venator is near the top of my list, but I have yet to see one without a winch, and the cut out on that one is so much empty space. I may decide on a winch down the road, but for now just want a decent steel bumper. Budget is $1000 unless something just blows me away. So if I may, please post your aftermarkets bumpers without winches if you have them. Thanks!

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[kgc]

I still don’t have a winch in mine … Rebel Off Road Summit bumper. I put 2 gallons of milk in there on the way home from the grocery store to make myself feel better.

 

[Chestnut]

Dare I make a strange suggestion. The Rubicon bumper is mostly? steel. I see them on craig's list from time to time fairly cheep.
This is what I was going to try and put on my glad when it finally gets delivered.

 

[Blue Ridge]

I've been looking for a Rubicon takeoff since I got mine in March but only plastics have appeared so far. I'd be stoked to find one of those at the right price. Which I'm not even sure what is. I saw one on FB Marketplace for $300 before I got my JT and have kicked myself for not buying it since.

 

[GRAN1TE JT]

Cavfab bumper ftw!! Even has fog light holes

 

[BRMoose]

Following, I’m looking for the same in full width

 

[mx5red]

What about the Dv8 lookalike or the oem knockoff (or same Chinese factory) ebay ones? They even include fog lights and wiring I believe

 

[trailless]

I ordered mine with the MOPAR steel front bumper. I'm also going to order a rear bumper and leaning towards LOD as that's what I had on my JK. I just like the extra protection they provide.

I was actually rear ended in my JK when I had my LOD bumper. The bumper had a scratch and this is what happened to the other car...

 

[Mr._Bill]

I love my Gladiator, but it just bugs the crap out of me that the bumpers are plastic. I'd like to get steel or aluminum bumpers (at least the front), but most that catch my eye seem like they would look odd with no winch in the giant hole. Full length preferred. Rugged Ridge's Venator is near the top of my list, but I have yet to see one without a winch, and the cut out on that one is so much empty space. I may decide on a winch down the road, but for now just want a decent steel bumper. Budget is $1000 unless something just blows me away. So if I may, please post your aftermarkets bumpers without winches if you have them. Thanks!

I like the Rugged Ridge Spartacus. It comes with a cover plate for the winch hole. Buy it with the winch plate, for $850, and leave the cover on until you're ready to install a winch.
https://ruggedridge.com/p/rugged-ridge-spartacus-front-bumper/rgr-11544-23/

 

[Blue Ridge]

Can I see that on your Jeep? I'm finding some photos Googling but they tend to be shown with a winch.
Edited to add: Hmm, I wonder if that cover plate would fit the Venator?

 

[Mr._Bill]

Can I see that on your Jeep? I'm finding some photos Googling but they tend to be shown with a winch.
Edited to add: Hmm, I wonder if that cover plate would fit the Venator?

I don't have one, yet. The Spartacus is the one I picked out, but not quite ready to spend the money.

 

[be77solo]

I went with the Arcus just because I love the look of it, but it's not the ideal candidate for no winch. Here's how it looks without, still great and much better than stock, but I know that's a big hole for a winch ha even if most random people don't.

I struggle with the winch idea too.... It's just not something that will be used much at all, and will end up being installed mostly for looks. The type of off road driving we do here are mostly fire roads/mountain trails and knock on wood, in 20 years we've never actually needed a winch. Just use another buddies truck and straps/shackles when occasionally needed.

So, I'm 50/50 of either just installing a winch or fabricating a cover that fills the hole.

Pics just for an idea until I make up my mind:

 

[NateKY]

If you like the looks of the factory steel bumper, check these out.

For 2018-20 Jeep Wrangler JL 3-Piece Steel Rubicon Front Bumper w/LED Fog Lights | eBay

For 2018-20 Jeep Wrangler JL Steel Rubicon Rear / Front Bumper w/ LED Fog Lights | eBay

Amazon.com: Steel Front Bumper With Fog Light For 2018 2019 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon: Automotive

 

[be77solo]

And don't want to steal his thunder ha, we've been discussing bumpers and lift options for a few weeks, but he just got this installed in the last couple days.... it's what you wanted to see without a winch:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-do-to-your-gladiator-today.23705/post-755194

 

[Blue Ridge]

I can't decide if that hole would be something I stopped seeing or saw more every time I looked at my truck! Hoping I hear back from RR soon about the chance that the plate cover on the Spartacus fits and could be bought separately.

If you like the looks of the factory steel bumper, check these out.

For 2018-20 Jeep Wrangler JL 3-Piece Steel Rubicon Front Bumper w/LED Fog Lights | eBay

For 2018-20 Jeep Wrangler JL Steel Rubicon Rear / Front Bumper w/ LED Fog Lights | eBay

Amazon.com: Steel Front Bumper With Fog Light For 2018 2019 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon: Automotive

I may go that route if no takeoffs materialize, but reviews seem to be hit or miss on them coming with scratches and no instructions. I'd much rather pay roughly the same $ for a Mopar one that someone replaced, though for all I know they are indistinguishable.

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