oem rubicon 3pc bumper opinions?

[chadinsc]

hey guys im considering ordering a gladiator rubicon and was wondering if the oem winch bumper is a good one? or should i go aftermarket? i know it needs a winch plate added just curious about its strength vs aftermarket options. im not a rock crawler but do alot of ruff trails and frequently have to run over small trees and climb small hills were the bumper will touch dirt at the start. i basically need a bumper that can handle running over the average diy backyard doghouse and keep rolling along. also any idea who makes these? i remember hearing some are made by aev or arb or one of the big names, cant remember which. also no dog will be in the doghouse

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[JTR178]

I'm pretty satisfied with mine. Learning that I could take off the ends and make it a stubby bumper was a happy bonus and I did it on Day 1. The fact that you have to buy a winch plate separately is dumb, (thanks Jeep) but it's a solid bumper.

 

[JD101]

I would say go aftermarket. The oem is just alright . And once you put a plate on it you could have put that $ toward a better bumper. However if you really like the oem+ look or are staying mild with your build . The oem will better compliment that . JMO of course.

Check out the Barnes Pickett Canyon or the fab fours stubby . Both are very nice and very reasonably priced .

 

[cb4017]

I haven't seen any aftermarket bumpers that I care for. Most of them just don't look right to me. I do like the OEM steel bumper so I ordered one for my Sport.
Eventually I'll add a winch but I haven't decided on which one yet.

 

[shrinkhead]

Love mine!!! Really good quality and been running it stubby since going 38s. I have bumped into many a rock or tree and there are scratches but no rust. I also run the winch hoop with lights and just like the look and it covers the winch nicely

 

[Bjeepz]

For the additional cost of having the bumper added to the order and then the winch plate you could go aftermarket for less and it may be an easier install for tue winch depending on the bumper you choose.

 

[Gvsukids]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...s-real-aluminum-rubicon-3-piece-bumper.43856/

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Sorry, just didn't like any of the aftermarket enough to justify the costs. The stock Rubicon steel bumper simply LOOKS Jeep, like it belongs, and not like a blacksmith made something to fit or that looks like it belongs on a tank, a panzer.......

 

[CrazyCooter]

Like many have said.....The OEM bumper is kinda cheesy. If you plan on wheelin' hard and bashing it go aftermarket!

I got it because I wanted a factory looking bumper the match the rear bumper that would accept a winch.....It works great for that! Also it's covered by your insurance as a factory installed part, so that is a plus.

 

[cdyoung9799]

I'm pretty satisfied with mine. Learning that I could take off the ends and make it a stubby bumper was a happy bonus and I did it on Day 1. The fact that you have to buy a winch plate separately is dumb, (thanks Jeep) but it's a solid bumper.

+1 for everything you mentioned.

I ran aftermarket bumpers on my 2 prior Rubicon Wranglers because they didn't come with the factory steel bumpers. I like the simplicity of the factory steel bumper better than the previous ones I had, but that's just my opinion.

 

[DocMike]

Agree with @ShadowsPapa. I dig mine. Fits my winch, hoop and lights. I wheel mine a lot in Colorado. No Issues so far.

Sorry, just didn't like any of the aftermarket enough to justify the costs. The stock Rubicon steel bumper simply LOOKS Jeep, like it belongs, and not like a blacksmith made something to fit or that looks like it belongs on a tank, a panzer.......

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Agree with @ShadowsPapa. I dig mine. Fits my winch, hoop and lights. I wheel mine a lot in Colorado. No Issues so far.

I like the theme of your truck, too.......

 

[JD101]

I haven't seen any aftermarket bumpers that I care for. Most of them just don't look right to me. I do like the OEM steel bumper so I ordered one for my Sport.
Eventually I'll add a winch but I haven't decided on which one yet.

It is really preferential for sure . Nothing wrong with that. Durability is superior with aftermarket tho. However if you hang a battering ram on the front all the force still goes somewhere and people need to consider that too.

 

[DocMike]

I had to explain it to a lady in her 60s. "What's rat patrol?"
"Cool jeep show from the 1960s where they blew up a bunch of nazis in the desert." She was mildly amused. Now if only I could find a nice .50 cal for the bed.

I like the theme of your truck, too.......

 

[WhyNotJeep]

I am going to Overland Expo next month. Everything will be there. Would like a solid aluminum with winch ability for future.

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