Thoughts on bumper widths?

[Securtis12]

Adding a winch and trying to decide on a bumper. Like to know the thoughts on stubby vs mid vs full. Also Aluminum vs Steel
Thanks

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[JTenn]

It really is a matter of personal preference. Obviously full width will offer more protection for the front wheels in the event of a collision but mid and stubby offer more clearance for off roading. If weight savings is a factor, smaller is lighter. The Tyger mid lenghth on my JT weighs 130 lbs while the Tyger stubby on my wife's JT is about 80 lbs. Just find the style that catches your attention the most and start looking for one with good reviews. There are hundreds of good ones out there. I am completely happy with the Tyger brand and they are one of the most substantial bumpers I've seen. They're both made of 5mm plate steel and the wrinkle powder coating has been flawless over the last couple of years.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

Looks and safely. It comes down to those two.

God bless you if you like the look of a full width bumper then you get the best of both worlds.

 

[psuntlion]

Tire size also factors in. I learned on my JL that 37s and higher will rub on a mid- or full-width bumper. I’m running 37s on my Gladiator, too, so I had to go with a stubby.

 

[Dickster]

Know what tire size you plan on running. I have 38s and I had to cut my bumper ears off. At full lock and half flex my tires hit the bumper. OEM bumper also rubbed a little, the mid and stubby bumpers are ideal with over sized tires.

 

[Sandevino]

I prefer a mid-width steel bumper which is a good blend of strength and safety.

I don’t plan on running anything larger than 37’s (eventually) which will clear without issue.

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Stubbly and mid are illegal in some states if that's a concern for you. It's to protect pedestrians and bicycles, the theory is to have them deflected away instead of being run over. All that being said, there's stubbies everywhere in my state and they are illegal, it's not really enforced as far as I can tell. Yet.

 

[Max-t]

I think the stubby bumpers look silly. Full width bumpers only seem to come in mega heavy farm tractor/tow truck style or oem.

So I went with a 5 foot bumper. 60lbs. doesnt look like a stubby.

I’ve also known people to get in minor accidents with short bumpers and break front suspensión or axle. better to have a bent bumper than a tow bill. but you know, thats a bit rare. not like its ifs.

 

[GOCAMPN]

Similar to previous replies, Steel is going to be heavier. Some states require full-width. Stubbys will be nice if you want to eliminate approach angle.

I had a stubby on my JK when fenders didn't have anything worth protecting. Now that the fenders have nifty lights and turn signals in there (which I like) I decided on full-width for the added protection.

A while back Rugged Ridge had a modular bumper and you could swap from stubby, to mid, to full width with just a few bolts.

 

[Volksparts]

I originally went full width because I like the look and the protection coverage. I was running 35s with a two inch lift. But, swapped to 37s and needed to get a stubby bumper for clearance and fitment purposes. I still prefer full length though.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I’m a full width person on the road. The first deer I hit in my lifetime was a few weeks ago. It hit right in front of the driver tire. The bumper saved the fender, grill, lights, everything.

I run 37’s and used to rub off road with full articulation. But I wanted the best of both worlds. So I chopped it, welded some plates on for ends, and created a modular version. Now I have a full strength full width on the road, and a stubby off road. I just attach the wings with grade 8 bolts. It’s 3 minutes to remove or install the wings. I’m very happy with the results. And it’s functional, sadly according to the large now deceased deer.

 

[bleda2002]

What bumper is that? I like the stubby version you made a lot. I may need to copy that.

 

[WILDHOBO]

What bumper is that? I like the stubby version you made a lot. I may need to copy that.

It was formerly a Warn Elite full width. It was a lot of work for an amateur welder, but I’m super happy I did it. I could have stopped at the stubby, but two more end plates and some holes drilled gave me what I really wanted.

The idea would work for most full widths though.

 

[WILDHOBO]

What bumper is that? I like the stubby version you made a lot. I may need to copy that.

If you saw it close up, it shows I’m an amateur. But it’s really strong.

 

[bleda2002]

If you saw it close up, it shows I’m an amateur. But it’s really strong.

Stick or mig? I can't lay a good looking stick weld for shit, my mig welds look moderately not horrible occasionally though.

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