by Torque Staff Report
For many, the factory Jeep Wrangler front and rear bumpers are simply things to live with while exploring many other upgrade options like wheels, tires, seat covers and lifts kits. And while those can all be nice enhancements over the factory set up, swapping out stock bumpers for stronger metal or aluminum aftermarket versions actually can be a fantastic first upgrade, while adding enhancements like winch compatibility, auxiliary lighting mounts and tow strap attachment points.
Here is the good news, too, for Jeep owners who do want that extra protection: The market for upgraded bumpers is constantly expanding and there are no shortages of options to customize your Jeep how you want; all the way from a basic double tube style bumper to the multi-option Carnivore series. And everything in between.
So with that in mind, here is a list of the top five reasons you should consider investing in bumper upgrade for your next Jeep modification.
Protection
Getting out and trail riding is one of the best parts of Jeep ownership — especially now as the weather is beginning to warm up for most around the country. In doing so, though, the front and rear of your Jeep can sometimes impact against rocks, trees and the earth, no matter how hard you try to keep them out of harm's way.
With that in mind, you'll quickly realize the factory plastic bumper setup was not designed to live up to that kind of abuse, which is why a swap is definitely recommended. Most aftermarket options are constructed from heavy steel to keep the body of your Jeep protected from impacts. Plus, for those who also drive daily, heavier-duty bumpers will make that guy in the Prius think twice before tapping your bumper while parallel parking.
Mounting options
If you spend enough time on the trail, it ends up being a pretty good idea to invest in a winch to help assist in recovery situations. Thankfully, winch-mounting options are built into most front bumpers on the market. All you need to do is make sure the bumper you choose can accommodate your winch.
In addition to winch mounts, many Jeep bumpers also offer connection points for a wide variety of accessories, including D-ring shackles, auxiliary lighting, spare tires, hi-lift jacks, and even front or rear license plates.
Recovery points
As we said, a winch is an invaluable tool for vehicle recoveries, whether your own, or a buddy, but they aren't the only asset in the recovery arsenal. This is why most aftermarket front and rear bumpers have a shackle mount on every corner where you can attach a D-ring and strap in order to tug a stuck Jeep out of the mud. Or, if a catastrophic failure has left the Jeep unable to continue, you can use that strap to tow the vehicle all the way back to the road or trailhead for repairs, or a long tow home.
Tire clearance
Unlike factory bumpers, aftermarket versions are not a one-size-fits-all accessory. In fact, they come in several different widths. So choosing the right one can be important if you have added larger tires on your Jeep.
For daily drivers, full-width bumpers that extend across the vehicle's entire face, work well no matter what tire size is on the Jeep. But when the vehicle is taken off-road, and you have above-average tire articulation on an obstacle, then those larger tires (generally 35-inch or higher) can press againt a wider front bumper.
So that’s why mid-width bumper versions that stop about midway through the flare, or a stubby bumper, which ends around the edge of the grille, are popular. These shorter bumpers eliminate tire articulation issues while still providing ample front-end coverage, and allow you to better concentrate on successful approach angles.
Style
One of the first things most people see when a Wrangler pulls up is the front bumper. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle has a lift kit, shiny new top, or aggressive wheels and tires, the eyes just seem to focus on the bumper to make that first impression.
Luckily there are MANY options out there for Jeep bumpers, and the Carnivore series bumpers are an excellent choice with stubby, mid- and full-size options. When you nail down the style you like, there are even more decisions to make as far as lights, winches, grill guards, and even color. So you really can go as custom as you like to fit the exact style you want to present. Don't be intimidated by all the options, either. Customizing is a big part of the Jeep life, and just because you pick one now doesn’t mean you have to settle with that choice. You can always change that bumper look in the future if your tastes change.
