Which bumper is best for Overlanding?

[JTOverlander]

I’ve been debating between a stubby bumber vs a full width bumper but I’m not sure whats more practical? I like the aesthetics of stubbies but I’m concerned about them being practical for overlanding. I dont plan on doing any major rock crawling either.

Any pointers would be fantastic!

 

[MMc]

I went with a Big Old Winch, for me it was function. I don’t change anything for looks. I drive Baja a lot sometimes at night. I wanted something to help when I hit a cow or a goat in the middle of the night. It seems you are leaning towards a stubby. Both work, you can get a winch bumpers that are very tight to the truck.

 

[M Rose]

Function over looks... a bumper is designed to take the front impact. If your not crawling over obstacles, what is the purpose of a stubby bumper... more importantly how does the bumper effect the approach and departure angles? How well does it protect the vulnerable cooling components? How does the new bumper effect the airflow into the engine compartment. Does the bumper offer the addition of lights, winch, and recovery points down the road? All of these are the things to look at when looking for a new bumper.

 

[LostWoods]

Fellow JT owner and you need to be careful if you plan on going up to 37's. Many of the full-width bumpers on the market rub when you stuff a tire which will happen more often than you'd think on trail.

My personal recommendation is a mid-width for protection because the outer corners on a full width are really only covering fender. Stubby or mid-width, a strong grille guard is going to be critical with how the front end is set up because one good hit and you are dead in the water. The ARB classic stubby is a great bumper, Genright makes an awesome aluminum that is equally good and much lighter, and JCR makes a solid mid-width with hoop.

 

[MidOH]

It's not wise to use the front of your tires as a bumper.

Hardcore jeepers bump into all kinds of stuff. They also have replaced plenty of broken knuckles, tie rods, bearings, axles, etc. etc. If you're prone to gently bump into trees and rocks.......maybe full width bumpers are best for you.

I'd get a shorty with a huge stinger though. But never combine that with angry bird eyes. Bad voodoo.