[16PRO4X]

I've been watching Ronny Dahl's Youtube Channel a lot over the last several months and I've made an observation watching his channel. The Modified episodes where he reviews other people's rides with them, it seems folks are split pretty evenly between those who have plate bumpers (mostly the ARB's) vs those who have tube bumpers.

I see most members on here have plate bumpers. I'm assuming the tube bumpers would be lighter weight. Can folks here talk about why one is preferred over the other?

 

[R00]

I prefer the look of plate, personally.

 

[whistler]

Plate bumpers are generally used for rock crawling,overlander style trucks.
Tube bumpers for pre runners more often.

 

[Sixspeed-SV]

combination tube and plate.

We operate with both plate and tubular. The front is plate and tubular on the outside corners. Plate along the frame below. The tubular rock sliders on the flanks. The plate upfront assists with the attack angle on the obstacle and deflection at the corners. The departure is eh! so what. They all seem to work reducing the impact damage to the frame and bodywork for the most part as they are most useful going through the narrows and assorted trail challenges at low speed.

Overall, steel plate and tube at 1/4" thick has some weight. Hefty Fab works has a good product. However, there is the option for aluminum and that has its own bonuses and faults.

Most important is that the rig runs and you have fun.

::smile::

 

[mtaylor]

I think it's mostly personal preference. The goals of an aftermarket bumper can be met with either plate or tube, depending what you want. I went with a plated tube. ::wink::

 

[Nomad 13]

Beyond personal preference there are a couple differences.
Plate bumpers usually offer more coverage, that's why many rock crawlers prefer them. They are also typically heavier gauge steel so you can use them for "rock feelers" without damaging anything but the paint. Plate bumpers are also almost always available with provisions for a winch, which is not as prevalent in tube bumpers. They are very heavy though.
The benefits to going tube is the weight savings for the most part. There are a lot more hybrids showing up recently that blend the benefits of both. Lighter weight and more coverage/protection for the rocks. I'm currently in the process of designing one of these hybrids myself to lose some weight from the front end and still provide the approach angles and protection I need in the rocks as well as internal ("hidden") winch mounting.

 

[shawscar17]

I think it's mostly personal preference. The goals of an aftermarket bumper can be met with either plate or tube, depending what you want. I went with a plated tube. ::wink::

I like the bumper in this picture... who makes it or where can I purchase one like it? Thanks

 

[coop74]

Need i say more...

 

[BCBrian]

I went with the plate style from Shrockworks for my Xterra for the reasons that Nomad stated above. Strength and looks were key in my decision. The formed steel body of the Shrockworks and the quality of the welds on their products sealed the deal for me.

The Shrockworks design for the X is 130 lbs when the full brush guard is included. I ordered mine without the brush guard so I'm guessing it will be 120 lbs or maybe a little less.

This will keep the additional weight on the front suspension down to about 80 lbs after removal of the stock bumper. Since I am going to install it without a winch, a slight adjustment to my coilover spring seats should eliminate any height loss on front end.

 

[mtaylor]

I like the bumper in this picture... who makes it or where can I purchase one like it? Thanks

That's my bumper from Insain Fab. I don't think they make bumpers anymore.

It fit worse than a Calmini when it was new. Looks cool though.

 

[R00]

@Lafleur_9

Top of short prerunner bar sits right about center of Nissan burger. This shot is angled from above slightly

 

[penski61]

most guys out here that crawl run tube bumpers because typically you get more ground clearance at more than half the weight of a plate . shrockworks weighs somewhere in the 200lb range without a winch (guessing) tube bumper usually weighs around 60-80 lbs without a winch

 

[whistler]

I don't know of any pre-runner, desert type trucks that run plate bumpers.