4 Different Types of Off-Road Bumpers for Your Vehicle
Bumpers are the unsung heroes of the automotive world. They never get as much attention as the engine or tires, yet they’re responsible for reducing damage in an accident by protecting your hood and grille on one side and your exhaust and trunk on the other. Off-road bumpers do even more for your ride:
- Offer a space for winches and other recovery equipment
- Increase approach and departure angles
- Guard your engine components
- Protect your lights
With all that in mind, having the right bumpers or the job is just as important as other upgrades you may make. Knowing the different types of off-road bumpers for your vehicle will help you narrow your options to make the best choice for your rig.
Tubular Bumpers
Tubular bumpers are some of the more basic types of off-road bumpers for your vehicle. The concept is simple: several rounded, metal tubes span the length of your vehicle’s grille. This design offers greater protection than smaller, pre-runner bumpers. Even so, the thin shape doesn’t get in the way of your vehicle’s approach angle.
However, the lightweight nature of tubular bumpers makes it difficult to attach a winch or other recovery equipment.
Stubby Bumper
Stubby bumpers have many similar benefits to tubular bumpers, such as being able to protect your grille and offering some of the best approach and departure angles of any bumper. Additionally, the added weight makes them a more viable option for mounting recovery equipment.
Another feature that makes stubby bumpers unique is the fact that they don’t extend beyond the grille itself. This leaves your wheels exposed, which can leave them open to obstacles. However, it makes tire installation far easier, especially for taller tires.
Grille Guard Bumpers
A grille guard is about as heavy-duty as front bumpers go. This combination of metal tubing and mesh covers the front of your grille, offering the greatest protection to your vehicle. Grille guards also allow you to add additional off-roading lights directly to the bumper.
Stinger Bumper
The stinger bumper juts out from the vehicle at a 45-degree angle, much like the insect appendage that gives it its name. There are several crucial benefits to this, especially if you’re planning on going rock crawling in a Jeep. The angle of the bumper helps prevent your Jeep from rolling over onto its roof—one of the most dangerous types of Jeep accidents.
Off-road bumpers may be the unsung heroes of the automotive world, but here at Ironman 4x4, we’re always singing their praises. That’s why we have a wide assortment of 4x4 bumpers to get your rig off-road ready.