What You Need to Know About Buying Bumpers for Jeep

Think buying a new bumper for your Jeep is an easy decision? Think again.

Like choosing most aftermarket solutions for your Jeep, it takes you doing your due diligence. But this is arguably even more true for Jeep vehicles, especially if your ideal upgraded bumper is going to need to stand up to the rigors of off-roading or adventurous driving style. And why wouldn't it? This post will take a closer look at all that you need to know when it comes to selecting an aftermarket rear and/or front bumper for your Jeep vehicle. Have a look:

Why Upgrade Your Bumper?

While the OEM bumper on your Jeep might be just fine for city driving, it's not as functional or stylish as many drivers prefer. Those are the two main reasons to upgrade to a bumper, and you might be surprised to learn that front bumper upgrades are among the most popular automotive modifications that are performed today. Here's a closer look at why Jeep drivers would likely consider upgrading their bumper:

• Extra protection and enhanced durability, which comes in handy in more rural or dirt road environments. The added durability can also come in handy if you drive through areas with deer and wildlife and risk hitting them on a regular basis. In the event that you were to hit them, the bumper would take the brunt of the force, helping to keep the rest of the vehicle safe.
• Function: For the off-roader, some bumpers are equipped with winches, tow hooks and D-rings that can help get your vehicle out of a jam on the trail.
• Style: Rather than settle for the bumper on the vehicle when it comes off the lot, many drivers opt to purchase one that's better suited to match the style of their vehicle.

Another nice thing about aftermarket bumpers is they're fairly easy to install. Even novice DIY'ers can typically handle installing the accessory themselves, thereby saving a trip to the auto shop.

Bumper Buying Considerations: Size

When it comes to buying a bumper, size matters and front bumpers are offered in a variety of different sizes, including full-width, mid-width and stubby. Here's a closer look at these three main sizes:

• Full-width bumper: As the name implies, these types of bumpers span the entirety of the vehicle from one side to the other. In fact, many full-width bumpers are even outfitted with end caps that extend beyond the fender for extended protection. One thing to note about full-width bumpers, however, is that they're best utilized on vehicles with stock (or only slightly larger than stock) tires. Think 31x10.5-inch tires. Larger tires won't fit properly on Jeep vehicles with full-width bumpers.

• Mid-width bumper: These types of bumpers are shorter than OEM ones, and fit around the vehicle up until the fenders and tires. Mid-width bumpers are ideal for those who want to outfit their Jeeps with oversized tires beyond standard 31x10.5 inches or make modifications to the suspension.

• Stubby bumper: These are the shortest of all aftermarket bumpers, as they leave the corners of the vehicle exposed. Stubby bumpers essentially work to protect the grille and lights. Like mid-width bumpers, they're ideal for Jeep drivers who want to make modifications to the vehicle suspension or install oversized tires (31x10.5 inches or greater).

Other Bumper Buying Considerations

Aside from size, there are various other considerations to take into account when it comes to buying front and rear bumpers for your Jeep Wrangler vehicle. Here's a look at some of them:

• Material: Material matters, especially when it comes to the makeup of your bumper. The best aftermarket bumpers are typically comprised of three layers, which include carbon steel, and electro-galvanized layer, and a powder-coated layer to make it corrosion resistant.

• Finish: The finish of the bumper is important for giving it the look that you want. Some of the most popular finishes, such as those offered on OEDRO bumpers, include glossy, matte, or textured.
• Tow hooks: Do you want an aftermarket bumper to come with tow hooks? If you plan on off-roading and vehicle recovery may become an issue, the accessory could prove to be very valuable.
• Approach angle: Approach angle is important to know and consider for Jeep owners that enjoy off-roading. Essentially, the term refers to the angle at which you can drive without hitting your bumper against certain obstacles. In city driving, this isn't a big deal. But out on the trail, the angle at which you ascend and descend at, as well as objects and terrain that you come into contact with, should be considered. Measure your approach angle by taking a yardstick and placing one end on your front tire and the other to the lowest point of your bumper. The longer the measurement, the greater your approach angle.
• Winch: Winches are essentially hauling and lifting devices, turned either by a crank or motor. Many aftermarket bumpers come equipped with winch plates that can accommodate a winch of more than 10,000 pounds. While not everyone will install a winch, those who use their Jeeps for trail riding and off-roading should strongly consider it. Generally, you should choose a winch that supports 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle it's being installed on. Winches come with installation hardware, which can either be performed by the owner or done professionally.
• Matching rear bumper: When most people think of aftermarket bumpers, the front bumper is the only one that comes to mind. However, there are benefits to purchasing a matching rear bumper as well. This can help balance out the weight from a front bumper and also help complete the custom look that you're going for when giving your Jeep an aftermarket makeover.

• Weight: Weight is something that must be considered when shopping for an aftermarket bumper, as the heavy-duty nature of these parts has the potential to cause vehicle front end dipping. Bumpers come in various weights some weighing more than 130 pounds excluding the winch. If any vehicle sag is a concern for you, you should consider a leveling kit or aforementioned rear bumper to help balance out the weight.

Additional Features to Consider

Beyond the bumper sizes and main features that we listed above in this piece, it's worth also pointing out that there are various additional features that you may want to consider when selecting an aftermarket bumper. Here's a look at some of these:

• LED fog light: Many bumpers come standard or can be custom-made with cutouts for additional lightings, such as LED fog lights. These can be a nice accessory for driving at night in foggy conditions or navigating trails in the darkness. If the bumper you select doesn't have light cutouts, you can cut them yourself.

• LED light bar: Not only can an LED light bar give your off-roading adventure more illumination for safer driving, but these bars are also highly stylish as well. What's more, is LED light bars bolt right onto most aftermarket bumpers and can be installed using basic tools.
• D-ring shackles: Too many Jeep drivers, D-ring shackles are an essential accessory when hitting the trails. That's because many Jeep drivers swear by them when it comes to towing and vehicle recovery situations.
• Skid plate mounts: Regardless of your bumper's approach angle, it's safe to say that any Jeep driving the trails is subject to a bit more wear and tear compared to the one that's just driving in city conditions. And despite how careful you drive, chances are there's going to object that brush-up or come into contact with the underside of your vehicle. That's where a skid plate mount can help, as it provides an extra layer of protection from the underside of your vehicle or bumper and everything else.

If you're looking for a durable, tough, and stylish aftermarket bumper for your Jeep, look no further than jhlion . As a leading provider of both front and rear bumpers, we offer a quality selection of aftermarket bumpers to help keep your trails lit and your vehicle safeguarded the next time you head off-roading.