How Thick Should An Off-Road Bumper Be? – Bumper Superstore
How Thick Should an Off-Road Bumper Be?
*Pictured: Fab Fours Matrix Front Bumper - Dodge RAM 1500 2019-2020 - Part Number: 600-56-0394
Why would someone want to change their bumper?
This is a question a lot of novice off-roaders ask. The biggest reason to change your bumper would have to depend on how you want to use your vehicle, for off-roading purposes, the stock bumper probably isn't up to the task of handling the punishment four-wheeling is capable of dishing out. Also, you might want to improve the look of your vehicle, giving it a more rugged or aggressive look. Or of course you have been putting your vehicle through its paces and now it is time to retire the old bumper and install a new one.
Bumper Regulations
Regulations for aftermarket parts vary from state to state. Before replacing your bumper, you should consult regulatory agencies about which bumper is allowed for use on your vehicle. Installing a bumper that is too high, low, beefy, etc. might jeopardize your vehicle in remaining street legal.
Bumper Thickness
An off-road bumper should be 1/4” thick. Between the 3/16" bumper and the 1/4" bumper, the difference might not sound like much, but that extra 1/16th of an inch can mean a whole lot. For one thing the 3/16th" bumper is lighter in comparison. You can also mount lights and be protected from things like stumps, rocks, and even snowdrifts. The 3/16" weight is adequate at doing what bumpers do, which is reducing damage from collisions or impacts, but for the purposes of off-roading, you should consider the 1/4" thick bumper. In off-roading, bumpers are often used as tow points when you are stuck or pulling your buddies out of the mud. Also, the beefier bumper stock will allow you to mount a winch onto your vehicle. Winch capable bumpers have an installed winch plate, which is a section of reinforced steel that the winch bolts to. It is extremely strong and will keep the winch from being ripped right off your vehicle.
*Pictured: Scorpion Jeep Front Bumper - Jeep Wrangler JK 2007-2018 - Part Number: 6005401BK
How Thickness Affects Performance
The drawback to having a heavier bumper are evident in how a vehicle rides. The added weight may alter the handling of your vehicle, since it is now much more front-heavy. It can also influence fuel mileage and depending on the kind of off-roading you do, it could add weight to your vehicle and cause it to sink into terrain such as sand or snow easier. A heavier bumper might also make your ride on the highway or roads more erratic, which is something to consider when you aren't off-roading.
Why Choose Bumper Superstore?
As off-roading enthusiasts ourselves, the Bumper Superstore is dedicated to bringing our customers affordable, yet high-quality parts and accessories for their vehicles. Browse our selection of aftermarket bumpers before your next trip and see the difference choosing a quality bumper from Daystar and the Bumper Superstore make for your vehicle.
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