Aluminess vs Reunel Bumpers

LoneStarJR · 09-29-2007, 09:09 PM

I have a 4X4 SMB on order and I need to decide on the bumpers. I prefer the look of the Reunel bumpers and I prefer the idea of steel over aluminum for when I get hit in the parking lot. (It just seems like it'd be easier to repair a steel bumper than an aluminum bumper.)

However, my van will have a diesel and a front winch. The good folks at Sportsmobile (Texas) say I will have too much weight on the front axle if I have the steel bumpers.

Does anyone know how much more the Reunel bumpers weigh over the Aluminess?

thanks in advance.

**BroncoHauler** · 09-29-2007, 09:12 PM

Aluminess claims a 1/3 weight reduction, which to me, is more or less inconsequential to the front end of an E350, especially a diesel. Don't have the actual weights to compare, so take this as pure opinion.

And yeah, fixing steel is a whole lot easier than aluminum, not to mention more resistant to scrapes if you'll be going hard core.

Herb

alta825 · 09-30-2007, 07:39 AM

My van has the Reunel bumpers front and rear. The one thing I do like over the Aluminess or Road Armor bumpers is that they utilize the 'diamond plate' inserts on the them. I like the look and they give a bit of a non-slip surface to stand on etc...

D

Jeffrey · 09-30-2007, 10:45 AM

I strongly considered the Reunel front bumper, but it was just too massive and heavy. I am not attracted to diamond plate where it is not needed (front). I never liked the Aluminess front. I chose the Road Armour for a few reasons. It was not so heavy, although a bit heavier than the aluminess, and way lighter than the Reunel. I really liked the looks and the design. I had a good choice of brush/light bars and have one they call pre-runner, whatever that means. The winch mounts nicely, and it has holes for the 4" PIAA lights. See my posts for more pics.

LoneStarJR · 09-30-2007, 01:16 PM

I like the look of the Road Armor bumpers. Did you put a Road Armor bumper on the rear as well?

Jeffrey · 09-30-2007, 01:42 PM

I should have mentioned that I have the Aluminess rear bumper with swingouts, boxes and expedition kit. I like their rear bumper design.

LoneStarJR · 09-30-2007, 03:26 PM

Thanks. My van is currently in production at the factory, then off to Quigley for 6 weeks, then the SMB conversion here in Austin for another 6 weeks. It's a good thing I'm not into immediate gratification.

Buji · 10-02-2007, 11:48 AM

one thing to consider with the aluminess bumpers is the way the powdercoat really bonds smoothly with the aluminum. make for a very easy to clean bug catcher, almost teflon like. this was something I hadn't even considered until the first time I cleaned up the van.

Jeff, when I saw your bumper in person I didn't know about this 'almost feature' of the aluminess and I didn't compare finishes. Have you noticed similar properties of the road armor?

Ed in Montana · 10-02-2007, 02:19 PM

Buji, Jeffrey doesn't have to worry about that with his road armor bumpers, since we have yet to see a picture of his van with any dirt on it whatsoever!

Jeffrey · 10-02-2007, 03:07 PM

Buji, there are different textures that can be had on a powdercoated finish. The Aluminess is indeed very smooth and easy to clean. The Road Armour has a slight texture to it that I also find attractive. It may, hovever, cling to bugs and dirt a little longer. That all washes off pretty handily from either surface.

Yes, Ed, my rig has not gotten muddy or very dirty yet. My last trip covered many dirt roads of varying conditions, including a few hours in lowrange 4x4. But there had been rain throughout and it really kept the dust down. In addition, the top layer of the earth in eastern California is mostly a tallus and scree type of gravel, with excellent drainage, and very little 'soil' that creates mud when wet. It really makes for a more pleasant drive and kept the interior and ourselves, too, a lot cleaner.