Lift kits, paint treatments, and auxiliary lighting have been all the rage when it comes to customizing a pickup truck. Customized aftermarket bumpers were available decades ago, to be sure. However, no one could have predicted all the possibilities that exist today. Builders can now buy a bumper for whatever their needs are, saving money on special orders or rigging pieces from scratch. But the most challenging aspect of this is sorting through all the options available. Where do you begin with style, function, features, and installation? Here are some top tips for helping you choose the right aftermarket bumper!
Look for Heavy-Duty Protection
You probably want large, heavy-duty aftermarket bumpers. These bumpers not only give a truck an intimidating appearance, but they also do an excellent job of deflecting impacts. This makes them fitting choices for trucks that are workhorses or frequently encounter off-road conditions. Grille protection is a common concern among customers contemplating aftermarket bumpers. Fortunately, bumpers with various levels of grille protection are available from most manufacturers. Full-width grille guards that protect everything from headlamp to headlight represent one option. Other types, such as bull bars, give central protection. Unlike typical grille guards, these are normally solid-welded connections that don’t bend or deflect.
Consider Accessories
Bumpers from the aftermarket provide more than protection and a rugged appearance; they provide excellent opportunities to add some essential off-road gear. For example, you can install a winch bumper because of its many benefits. Such an accessory will make attaching a winch easier and provide added protection to your vehicle. This location is perfect for the winch bumper because the winch must be in a stable location that doesn’t protrude too much from the vehicle’s profile. Additionally, both the front and back bumpers are excellent locations for supplemental lighting. Most aftermarket bumpers will have pre-installed spots for additional lighting. However, purchasers should examine what’s available to ensure it’s appropriate for their needs.
Investigate Tubular Options
Heavy-duty bumpers are extremely capable. However, they’re also bulky. So depending on the design, you may have clearance concerns arise from them. As a result, many people choose tubular bumpers. Tubular aftermarket bumpers provide more front-end protection without increasing clearance much. They are most typically on Jeeps and feature a simple design of tubes organized to create a barrier.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our top tips for helping you choose the right aftermarket bumper! While it can be hard to find the perfect bumper, we assure you that the search is very much worth it!