Opinions on winch bumpers

[CorbinsRanger]

I forgot about the 20% off sale... got the email yesterday.

Nothing shows up for us northern cousins....

 

[Uncle Gump]

Use code newyear20 at checkout.

 

[Shran]

Box the end of the rails if need be? I agree the rails are the weak link in the chain.

Then you just move the weak point further down the frame or to your welds.

3/16 is plenty thick for our trucks if the bumper is designed appropriately. 1/4 is way overkill unless you are using the entire thing for a skid plate. I guess the point I am getting at is it's more important to design your bumper so that it can't twist or bend and that's why you can get away with lighter, thinner materials (and also why thicker materials are simply a weight penalty and not actually stronger.)

 

[Roert42]

The guy who makes them is based out of Pennsylvania I believe. So I could see the shipping be a lot.

Picking a random town in Sas, UPS shipping was over $250. So, over $700 even with the 20%.

Shipping to me is only $30.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'd much rather the bumper absorb an impact than the frame rails. Easier to replace or repair bumper...

 

[Curious Hound]

Gen 3 frame rails are already boxed at the front.

 

[CorbinsRanger]

Use code newyear20 at checkout.

I'll try that thanks

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have dragged my truck out many a time by the receiver hitch and never even thought about my open c channel frame.

 

[CorbinsRanger]

Then you just move the weak point further down the frame or to your welds.

3/16 is plenty thick for our trucks if the bumper is designed appropriately. 1/4 is way overkill unless you are using the entire thing for a skid plate. I guess the point I am getting at is it's more important to design your bumper so that it can't twist or bend and that's why you can get away with lighter, thinner materials (and also why thicker materials are simply a weight penalty and not actually stronger.)

I think 1/4 is just for the winch plate and center/skid plate where it welds on the rails, I lost my last ranger to an insurance total loss because of a deer and flimsy bull bar. I can see your logic certainly, and thanks for the input. That's why I'm asking

 

[CorbinsRanger]

The guy who makes them is based out of Pennsylvania I believe. So I could see the shipping be a lot.

Picking a random town in Sas, UPS shipping was over $250. So, over $700 even with the 20%.

Shipping to me is only $30.

Thanks for looking. I can remember a few/4 years back you could get them for $400 Amazon free shipping.

 

[CorbinsRanger]

I have a question folks....how close of a fit would a 2nd gen bumper be to a 3rd gen as in mount points and general body line?

 

[CorbinsRanger]

Gen 3 frame rails are already boxed at the front.

Good to know, thanks. I have never seen them

 

[dvdswan]

Personally, I'd go with a receiver style winch setup. 2 reasons; 1. you can mount it when needed front or rear,(you just have to mount receiver hitches front and rear plus wiring, still cheaper than a bumper), 2. It can be stowed away when not in used.

Or if your stuck on a bumper, build your own. Hit up you local metal scrap yard. When I built mine, bumpers were going for 1000 unpainted. I spent a 100 on scrap metal and 300 on powder coat on mine.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Personally, I'd go with a receiver style winch setup. 2 reasons; 1. you can mount it when needed front or rear,(you just have to mount receiver hitches front and rear plus wiring, still cheaper than a bumper), 2. It can be stowed away when not in used.

View attachment 87682 View attachment 87683

Or if your stuck on a bumper, build your own. Hit up you local metal scrap yard. When I built mine, bumpers were going for 1000 unpainted. I spent a 100 on scrap metal and 300 on powder coat on mine.

View attachment 87684

I am going with receiver mounted on mine to look like it is part of a grille guard. A old warn transformer is my inspiration.

Then I can slip it off when I don't need the extra weight.

Or plug it in the reciever on dad's trailer when I need to drag something on the trailer.

 

[Shran]

I have a question folks....how close of a fit would a 2nd gen bumper be to a 3rd gen as in mount points and general body line?

Totally different (stock bumper vs stock bumper) but it would be easier to build one that interchanges between 89-92 and 93-up than it would be either of those and a 1st gen. FYI, 2nd gen frames are boxed at the front too. 3rd gen has crumple zones there so while they are "boxed", they are not smooth.

I did a receiver mount on my Explorer, it slides into a channel so I can take it off and use it on the back, or on my Ranger that has a front receiver hitch, or my car trailer.