steel vs. aluminum bumpers - Page 2

carringb · 12-17-2013, 05:15 PM

PS - I have the steel version. If I had a diesel van or a motorhome, I would definitely go for aluminum.

FWIW I have a Reunel rear bumper, and the build quality of the Buckstop is far superior.

calebmogul · 12-18-2013, 05:57 PM

Thanks for the input. It figures that the most expensive option sounds most appealing. (classic aluminum buckstop, $2700 shipped) The Ujoint bumper is appealing as well, $1399 + $159 for hitch + 200ish shipping, but it doesn't look to have as much protection when Bambi decides to cross the road. The Aluminess seems most popular and middle of the price ranges I've looked at. Any more suggestions out there?

WhitH · 12-18-2013, 09:15 PM

Trail Ready and Proline are both manufacturers in Oregon that make bumpers for vans. I don't have either so I can't really recommend one but they are at least ones to consider if you are looking for more options. Both are steel, Trail Ready claims theirs are closer to 140 lbs on their website I believe.

calebmogul · 12-18-2013, 09:56 PM

Cool, thanks Whit. I like the trailready bumper a lot. There is a dealer near me as well...

WhitH · 12-18-2013, 10:43 PM

I agree, I think theirs looks really good. Love to hear some feedback if you pull the trigger on one.

Spoolin · 12-18-2013, 11:39 PM

I went with a steel one because 100 extra pounds will not effect much in terms of suspension, fuel economy or price savings but will gain a lot in terms of strength and peace of mind. If I had an Aluminum bumper I would always be thinking to myself what would happen if I hit something and it gets damaged, would I buy another one?

Mine was made by Throttle Down Kustoms in Montana.

4MacFam · 12-19-2013, 06:02 AM

Went with the Aluminum Buckstop outback. Can't recall for sure, but I think they said it was 80 lbs lighter. I tested it with a magnet and if I remember correctly the tubing is still steel. Haven't crash tested it yet though, would love to find an abandoned Prius in a parking lot and test it out.

Edit: Forgot to mention that the tubing in front of the head lights look like they'll protect the lights from quite a bit, but they also inhibit the head light beam a bit.

NRL · 12-19-2013, 10:46 AM

We made our own bumper out of steel - forgot how thick the steel was but it's thick and it's heavy.

carringb · 12-19-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhitH

Trail Ready and Proline are both manufacturers in Oregon that make bumpers for vans.

Those both look great too!

It's amazing how many local companies support the van market around here.

WhitH · 12-19-2013, 10:54 AM

I hear you Carringb, we are pretty fortunate! There is a company up in Vancouver, Wa called Engo that does them too from what I understand. If you haven't noticed I've been on a bit of a bumper search myself, the first part of the search is finding some money that my wife doesn't know about....