Bumper Analysis Paralysis! HELP!

[Challenger85]

I know I want a new bumper for my Mojave but I’ve never bought a bumper for anything. I don’t know what brands to look at or what quality looks like, I’m not even 100% sure I know what I want. I’ve been looking for the past 10 months and the more I look the more confused I get. I like some with lights but I’m not sure I ‘need’ the lights. I like ones with a winch but I’m not 100% I ‘need’ a winch. Maybe a good idea in Colorado

Pro/cons with a stubby/mid/full besides looks?

Brands?

recommendations? Anything that fits a Mojave without a bunch of cutting?

Id like some quality that isn’t AEV 2K. I’d imagine $6-1000 is a good range for a good quality bumper?

My wife says she likes this one and I do to but it’s 128 pounds shipped so it’s gotta be a heavy bitch.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/carnivore/front-wrangler-jk-jl-gladiator-jt/mid-width-bumper

Share away. Please! Lol. I’m going crazy here.

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[USMC_1Wire6337]

You might need to give a little more information about how you use your Gladiator. You have a Mojave, do you play mostly in the sand or do you do light/medium/hardcore trails? Is there anything you have done that makes you hang up on your current bumper?

I went with Rugged Ridge Arcus stubby bumper for looks and more open front end for trails. Quite a few people have it and have had good experience. Comes with a beefy winch plate, but I have also seen some run without a winch.

I am waiting for the install of my lift next week before I install mine, or I would show you pictures.

 

[ALVagabond]

I had a Quadratec QRC full width on my JK and it was a solid bumper.

I have a Quadratec QRC stubby on my JT and I have no complaints.

Both are heavy (120 & 90 pounds, respectively), but both were/are well made.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Also check with your insurance company if your covered if you experience a frontal impact and you’ve altered your bumper. Reason I say is because your vehicle is made to accordion or crumple which is also engineered to reduce impact stress on the driver/passenger/others and if the front is made “solid” with a nice heavy steel bumper, the people inside will be the next ones to feel the impact, which may then cause an injury claim where there may not have been one if the vehicle could ….smush,… if you know what I mean.

I hit an Elk doing 100kms/h on the highway with my last truck and I didn’t have a big solid steel bumper and the impact was so soft, I didn’t feel it nor spilled my coffee. The front of the truck was pushed right in and the air bags didn’t even go off. 30k cad in damage and written off.

Now however, if the front of the truck was all steel,…the shock of the crash would have transferred into me instead. My truck would most likely driven away from the scene but I would have been a mess.

I then later read up on aftermarket steel bumpers and insurance claims and some will not cover an insurance claim. I love the look of these bumpers, just make a call to see how they view covering claims after this change.

 

[Jaxmax]

I think full width bumpers that cover the tire a bit might help MPG a bit ,stubby bumpers are better for hard core wheeling. Being a weight weenie is not a bad thing, a lot of guys put 200 plus pounds on front of Jeep when doing a winch and bumper, then they are putting spacers in to help recover the sag. Barricade and Gen Rite are two companies making aluminum bumpers. Finish is a tough thing, I put a winch on my Mojave and used a LOD winch plate the powder coat was tough and didn’t scratch even banging on it, other products I have bought including my side steps are rusting a bit, that sucks. This Mojave is my second Jeep with a winch, I am using it to pull trees out of my land and I spend most of my time surf fishing on the beach in Spring and Fall ,might be nice for self rescue but have not got myself stuck in like 40 years, but do pull people out almost every year. I will say think about what you really need, is a winch and lights really needed or just for looks? The Mojave is a hell of a capable Jeep anywhere, most people think it is only for blasting in sand, but it is great at most things, but will not beat a Rubicon with both rears locked in low range, and sway bar disconnected, although Apex and many others have simple options for the sway bar.
Good luck with your search, you have hundreds of options and opinions!…..Jack

 

[ALVagabond]

I was read-ended in my JKU (stock rear bumper) and that launched me into the back of an old Honda sedan in front of me. My steel bumper trashed the Honda's read end. My read bumper, tailgate, spare carrier had to be replaced. The front bumper had a scuff that sprayed over. I felt bad for the lady in the Honda though; her car was totaled.

 

[Jefe1018]

I have a Rugged Ridge Arcus, it looks phenomenal, but I don't think I'd recommend it. The powder coat is very thin and even during install you'll inevitably scrape it off in at least a few spot. It'll rust in those spots. We finally had rain in the desert this year, and I have small spots with rust after it being on here for less than 6 months.

 

[XJFanatic]

Two options to consider Westin full width on the left (JT) Rugged Ridge HD Stubby on right (JL)

 

[kevman65]

It really boils down to;

A.) How do you plan on using your JT

2.) Is this REALLY just about aesthetics?

If it's mostly for looks and you're staying on the road 99.99% of the time, get a full width to keep as much of your MPG's as you can. You can get aluminum to save weight but lose money.

If you're going off road anywhere near 50% of the time and you're going to be climbing obstacles, you need a stubby.

 

[rharr]

ARB makes solid products with good finishes. If you are looking for a particular quality, ARB probably has something for you.

 

[sass JT]

I’m a big fan of metalcloak. Their bumpers are a frame built system. Just smother option

https://metalcloak.com/jeep-jt-gladiator-parts-accessories.html

 

[Challenger85]

Damn this website! Apparently I wasn’t watching this thread and didn’t get any of these updates until I saw it bumped to the top of the forum list. Thanks everyone for your replies so far, I’ll respond in the morning!

 

[PJZ]

Lots of great choices. I agree with the weight comments. Had both an ARB and the stock metal rubicon bumper on my JK. Wish I never sold the stock metal bumper to add the ARB. Its lighter, can add a winch if you want, lots of accessories from Maximus3, ends are removable and it looks good. My two cents are to find a take off metal bumper and toss that on there. Really no bad choices and you will pick the one that is best for you!

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Stubbly are illegal in some states, you might be OK in Colorado. I have the Barns Pritchett Canyon bumper on a Mojave. You can use your factory Mojave skid plate no prob. It looks like it just belongs on a Mojave. Build quality was outstanding, made in Utah right nextdoor to you. There are so many to choose from it can be overwhelming.

 

[JD101]

Hard to beat the fab Fours stubby . With or without hoop. It's strong , very well made and coated . It's a flat top so it looks good with or without a winch ( no giant hole ) . It's pretty light for what it is too. The price and availability is also pretty attractive. I have purchased and installed one on our JL and one on our JT .

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