A Jeep is among the toughest and most versatile off-road vehicles that you’ll find these days. A bumper makes the perfect accessory to add to your Jeep. But did you know that the type of bumper that you purchase will have a massive impact on your overall outdoor driving experience? In this article, we take a look at the best jeep bumpers that will protect and enhance your vehicle.
Bumpers look great on your road cruiser. They also protect your vehicle from damage in case you hit rocks, tree stumps, walls, or even other vehicles during your on and off-road adventures. So in addition to making your rock crawler look fierce, your Jeep bumper will also help to prevent you from having to pay large amounts of money to fix up your car if you have an accident.
So read on to find out more about how to choose the right front bumper for your Jeep. But first, here’s a list of the 10 most popular options available to you right now.
Contents
Best Jeep Bumpers: Editor’s Top Picks
Things to Consider When Buying Jeep Bumpers
When choosing the best Jeep bumpers, there are quite a few things you need to consider before pulling out your wallet. We’ve listed some of the most important factors below. Take a look at each of them and decide on what’s important to you before deciding on the best bumper for your vehicle.
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Weight
The bumper’s weight is something that’s very important for you to consider. Obviously, the heavier your Jeep bumper, the sturdier it will be. This means that if you want maximum protection for your vehicle, then you may want to consider the heavier options.
However, keep note that this adds additional weight to your Jeep, thereby increasing its fuel consumption. On the flip side, a lighter bumper will save you on fuel costs, but it may not offer adequate protection in case you hit something.
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Approach Angle
The approach angle of your Jeep bumper is the angle between it and a point in your vehicle’s front wheels. If your Jeep bumper’s approach angle is wide, it gives your vehicle much better ground clearance.
This means that you’ll be able to easily climb up steep hills, crawl over rocks and large protrusions without’s your bumper making contact with the obstacles. This is a particularly important factor to consider if you love off-roading in your Jeep.
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Bumper Width
Your Jeep bumper width is its length across the front of your vehicle. There are three main types of bumpers that you’ll find on the market: full-width bumpers, mid-width bumpers, and stubby bumpers. A full-width bumper runs across the entire front of your four-wheel-drive. It can even cover part of your tires.
An advantage of having a full-width bumper is that it protects your vehicle’s tires and the edges of your car from certain things that can puncture your tires or damage your vehicle, such as low hanging branches and so on.
Full-width bumpers are the heaviest of the three. Mid-width bumpers will only cover your Jeep’s front section. These are lighter in weight but they do leave some parts of your vehicle open to damage during off-roading.
The stubby bumpers are the shortest and lightest of all. They only cover the section between the headlights of your Jeep. They increase your vehicle’s approach angle and also leave your tires vulnerable to punctures as well as other kinds of damage.
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Extra Features
Any additional features that you seek out ultimately come down to when and how you normally use your Jeep. For instance, some Jeep bumpers come with fog lamps. This type of bumper is perfect for anyone who lives and drives in forested areas, or those who mostly drive at night.
Other bumpers come with Skid Plate Mounts, that let you add skid plates for additional protection of your Jeep’s vital engine parts. Yet other Jeep bumpers come with bull bar additions that allow you to include bull bars to add a level of toughness to your vehicle.
You can also find Jeep bumpers with D-ring mounts or shackles. These are attachments that allow your vehicle to be easily pulled out in case it gets stuck in the mud somewhere. If you opt for this type of bumper, make sure that it is strong enough to maintain its integrity and remain sturdy as your vehicle is being dragged from the mud.
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Design and Finish
While not technically related to its functionality, the design and finish of your Jeep bumper have a great effect on how your vehicle is going to look once the bumper is installed. This factor depends on individual preferences and tastes. The majority of Jeep owners tend to gravitate towards the stinger bumper which has a protruding design that protrudes and offers more protection.
However, you could still opt for a plain, tubular design for your Jeep if you’re not worried about aesthetics. As for the bumper finish, it can either be textured, glossy, or diamond plate coated. The different finishes come at varying prices, but no matter which one you choose, always make sure that your bumper is protected against corrosion and rust.
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Price
All these factors will obviously affect the price of your Jeep bumper.
This means that your budget will have a lot to do with how strong, durable, or good-looking you want your Jeep bumper to be. Just remember that with this type of product, you are making an investment that needs to last at least as long as the life of your vehicle. So while it’s important to consider price, make sure you also consider quality, craftsmanship, and durability.
How to Install a Jeep Bumper
Now that you’ve decided on the perfect bumper for your Jeep, it’s time to think about how you’re going to go about installing it. The manufacturer always provides a user manual that will help you with the process of installation.
However, for most first-timers, it’s always a good idea to have a little extra help with that. Listed below are the steps that you need to take to install your Jeep bumper as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment
There are certain tools that you will need to complete the installation of your Jeep bumper. Although instructions from different manufacturers may vary, in general, you’re going to need the following tools:
● Flathead Phillips-head screwdriver
● Flex-head ratcheting wrench
● Socket extension bar
● A Socket wrench
● A pair of needle-nose pliers
● An 11/16-inch and a 5/8 socket
● 2 jack stands
● A socket swivel attachment
● And a small pry bar
Step 2: Remove the Old Jeep Bumper
Now that you have your tool set up, it’s time to take off the old bumper before you can install the new one. If the bumper came preinstalled by the Jeep manufacturer, it may be a little challenging to remove it, but it’s still possible to do so as long as you have the know-how.
Simply remove the six pins securing the splash guard on to the bumper. Unplug the fog lights, disconnect them from the vehicle’s wiring, and remove them from the bumper.
Step 3: Mount Your Fog Lights to the New Bumper
Your next step is to mount the old fog lights to the new bumper housing and then secure them as tightly as possible. The new bumper comes with bolts and screws to help you properly secure the lights in the housing.
Step 4: Secure the New Bumper to Your Jeep
After you have fitted the fog lights securely, you can now attach the bumper to your Jeep. Make sure that you align it properly before securing it using the nuts and washers that are included with it.
Step 5: Reconnect the Fog Lights
Once your bumper is installed securely, and after you’ve placed your fog lights in place as well, it’s time to plug in the wiring of the lights. Route all wires over the frame rail and don’t leave stray wires hanging below or in front of the bumper.
How to Take Care of Your Jeep Bumper
If you want to ensure the longevity of your Jeep bumper, they are certain things that you need to do regularly to care for it and keep it looking and performing its best. Here are some of the most effective care tips and techniques to help you maintain your Jeep bumper in the best state possible.
- Keep Your Jeep Bumper Clean
Anyone will tell you that dirt doesn’t just look horrible on your bumper, but it helps to weaken the material and lessen its lifespan. So whenever you clean your car, pay special attention to your bumper to ensure that it’s kept clean all the time. All you need is a sponge and water. You can also use a mild soap if there’s stubborn and dirt on the bumper.
Just make sure that you don’t use any abrasives which may damage the finish. Don’t leave your bumper dirty for too long after your off-roading adventures. Once the dirt sticks to your bumper and gets baked on by the harsh sun, you’ll have to work extra hard to scrub it off. This may cause damage to the coating of your bumper.
- Repair Your Bumper Immediately
If you hit a tree stump, rock, or if you involved in any kind of minor accident where your bumper gets dented, you need to get it repaired as soon as you can. Some bumpers have removable parts that may be loose in an accident.
If that is the case, get it fixed or welded back onto the bumper right away. Leaving repairs for longer than necessary often leads to the damage getting worse than when you immediately take care of it as soon as you notice the scratches, dents, and bumps.
- Add an Extra Coat of Paint
Although this is often unnecessary since most bumpers come with high grade powdered coating, in some situations, it may be necessary to add that extra coat for additional protection. For example, say you hit a tree stump or rock and your Jeep bumper is scratched. It’s a good idea to paint the scratched parts to prevent the damage from spreading.
- Respect the Pull Weight Limit
As previously explained, some Jeep bumpers come with steering and winch plates that have a specified pull weight limit. For example, the majority of D-rings are able to handle maximum pull weights of up to 9,500lb. This means that if you try pulling heavier weights, you may end up damaging your Jeep bumper or, the D-rings may get pulled out.
That’s why it’s always recommended that you maintain the pull weight specified by the manufacturer for your D-rings. The same applies to the winch plate. Never attach a winch that’s heavier than the weight recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use the Proper Bumper
As you’ve seen in this article, there are tons of different options available to you when it comes to Jeep bumpers. However, this doesn’t mean that you can use just any bumper on your vehicle. You need to choose one that is designed for your specific Jeep brand.
When you use a bumper that’s meant for another vehicle model, it not only makes it difficult for the bumper to fit your Jeep but it also often leads to scenarios where the bumper falls off while you’re driving.
If you have to force the bumper onto your vehicle during the installation, then you’re not using the right bumper for your particular type of Jeep. So, instead of forcing it, replace it with one that fits perfectly to ensure adequate protection for your vehicle.
Top 10 Best Jeep Bumpers Review:
1. E-Autogrills Jeep Wrangler JK Bumper
Embrace your Jeep’s free spirit with this front bumper from the EAG brand. Designed to fit 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, with the exception of the 2017 JK Rubicon Recon, this bumper features high-quality construction from high-grade steel tubing.
It comes with 2 D-rings and mounting hardware. It has a textured black finish that was designed with the daring off-road adventure in mind. You can be sure that your front Jeep bumper won’t be getting scratched up easily no matter what you put it through.
The bumper also has a grille guard hoop integrated into it and you will be able to enjoy quick and easy recovery operations thanks to the 9,500lb-rated D-rings and the built-in winch plates capable of supporting a winch up to 12,000lb.
This is an all-in-one bumper which is ideal for Jeep owners who want high-quality Jeep bumpers that provide great value for money. If you’re ready to transform your road crawler, then this high-quality, durable, and affordable front bumper is a perfect choice for you.
Highlighted Features:
● Fits 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
● Heavy-duty construction using superior steel tubing
● High-quality textured powder coating to prevent corrosion
● 9,500lb-rated D-rings ideal for off-road use
● Easy installation with direct bolt-on feature
2. Smittybilt Gen-1 Front Bumper
This front bumper from the Smittybilt brand is made from high-quality steel tubing for long-lasting durability. It’s robotically welded to give you the ultimate precision. Every tubular bumper is treated with zinc undercoating which is followed by a powder-coat painted finish.
This helps to not only ensure heavy-duty performance from your front bumper, but also outstanding style. If you are looking for the perfect Jeep bumper for your vehicle, this is definitely one to consider.
This unit underwent a variety of rigorous tests and it was put through extreme conditions in order to make sure that its quality is high and dependable.
For those who love to push their rock crawlers to the limit, this is the perfect Jeep bumper to match your adventurous spirit. According to a lot of online reviews from happy Jeep owners, this bumper is good-looking, steady, affordable, and reliable. It is undoubtedly one of the best Jeep Wrangler bumpers that you’ll find it at that price.
Highlighted Features:
● Heavy-duty bumper designed to take maximum off-road abuse
● Sloping ends offer greater tire travel plus enhanced entry/exit points
● Secure mount D-rings that are welded both inside and out
● One-piece welded design made from thick-walled tubular steel
● Wide front opening to allow for winch installation
3. Restyling Factory Front Bumper
This off-road bumper is designed to withstand the harshest environments that off-road enthusiasts can throw at it. It has been tested for quality and durability. The JK front bumper comes with OE fog light compatibility. It’s the ideal upgrade for anyone who wants to increase their protection while keeping their Jeep factory fog lights’ style and function.
If that sounds like you, then this is the ideal front bumper for your vehicle. It’s extremely easy to install. You don’t even need any complicated tools. All you require is a small wench and a screwdriver. Everything else that you need comes included with the bumper.
This product is not only easy to install, but it also looks great and will enhance the value and aesthetic appeal of your Jeep. It is well built from high-quality steel, offers heavy-duty performance, and fits perfectly on your Jeep. If you’re searching for the best Jeep JK bumpers, then this is undoubtedly one that you will absolutely love.
Highlighted Features:
● Designed to fit all 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models
● Made from heavy-duty tubular steel for long-lasting durability
● Textured black powder coating to prevent corrosion and rust
● Inbuilt winch plate mounts rated for 12,000lb
● High-strength D-ring mounts that are welded inside and out
4. LEDKINGDOMUS Front Bumper
If you own a Jeep and you love off-roading, then you obviously know the importance of having a powerful front bumper to prevent damage occurring to your vehicle. This high-quality, durable front bumper from LEDKINGDOMUS is the ideal option for you if you intend to push your Jeep to the limits.
With heavy-duty construction and a corrosion-resistant finish, you can be sure that this bumper will last just as long, if not longer, than the rest of your vehicle. Manufactured using 5/32-inch thick mild steel plating, this front bumper has superior strength. It’ll take a lot to put a dent in it.
It also comes with a simple bolt-on installation for trail-headed cars. It uses all the factory mounting points, making it ideal for your Jeep’s direct fit replacement.
It requires no additional welding, cutting, fabrication, etc. to install. Made to fit 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models and JK Unlimited models, this is definitely one of the best Jeep Wrangler bumpers you can get on the market today.
Highlighted Features:
● Heavy-duty steel sheet and tubing construction
● Powder-coated to prevent corrosion and rust
● Built-in stylish LED accent lighting for wider vision field
● D-rings and shackle mount rated for 9,000lb
● Accessories included for extremely simple installation
5. Razer Auto Textured Front Bumper
The Razer Auto rock crawler front bumper has a black textured finish and fog light holes. It also has two D-rings and a winch plate. Designed for Jeep Wrangler JK 2007 to 2018 models, you can be sure that when you purchase this front bumper you’re getting the highest quality and superior performance.
This bumper is extremely easy to install and will look amazing on your Jeep. It’s well-built, well-packaged, and it’s offered at an extremely affordable price. In addition to all these incredible features, this front bumper comes from a reliable brand that stands behind their product with an impressive two-year warranty.
According to the vast majority of online reviews, this is a great bumper offered at an incredible price. For any Jeep owner searching for the best looking Jeep bumpers, this is certainly one that you need to check out.
Highlighted Features:
● Fits all models of 2007 to 2018 Jeep JK Wrangler
● This front bumper gives your car a rugged appearance
● High-quality, durable construction from heavy-duty steel
● Comes with 2 D-rings and winch plates up to 12,000lb
● Simple installation doesn’t require cutting or drilling
6. Hooke Road Front Bumper
This front bumper from Hooke Road will give your rock crawler a unique appearance. Built using high-grade steel tubing and steel plates, this product has LED lights that provide impressive styling. The built-in winch plate is rated for up to 12,000lb and you can be sure that you get superior durability and strength if you need to haul your Jeep part of the mud.
This bumper has a two-stage black, textured, powder-coated finish that is resistant to rust, corrosion, scratches, and dents. It features has LED accent lighting between the 2 D-ring mounts. If you’re someone who values looks, then this is a sophisticated addition to your Jeep that will totally transform the way your car looks.
It has a sharp look as well as slick, stylish approach angles that are built in to ensure that this front bumper is an excellent complement to your Jeep. The mid-width front bumper has easy bolt-on installation and you won’t need to drill or cut to get the bumper onto your car.
Highlighted Features:
● Perfect fit for 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and JK
● High-quality, strong, durable D-ring mounts
● Built-in 12,000lb-rated winch plate
● Two-stage textured black powder-coat finish
● Comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
7. OEDRO Front Jeep Bumper
This classic bumper is perfect for your Wrangler if you are set on choosing one of the best Jeep front bumpers on the market right now. It’s not only strong and durable, but it’s also great looking, too.
This brand certainly knows how to please Jeep owners because they packed a lot of vital features into one solid product and are offering it at a very competitive price.
Ideal for 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models and Unlimited models, this black textured finish helps to keep the rust off. It’s also scratch-resistant, which means that your front bumper will be looking good for years to come.
Made from high-quality steel sheet and wall steel tubing, this heavy-duty bumper comes with easy bolt-on installation so you can have it on your vehicle in no time at all. It has built-in winch plates and high-strength D-ring mounts welded both on the inside and out.
It comes with two D-ring shackles included. For any Jeep owners who are searching for a high-performing, durable, and good-looking front bumper for their Jeep, you definitely need to take a look at this one.
Highlighted Features:
● Ideal for 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
● Constructed from durable steel sheet and tubing
● Comes with mounting hardware and DIY installation manual
● High-quality textured black powder coating for rust resistance
● Comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
8. EAG Stubby Front Bumper
EAG is a well-known brand when it comes to Jeep bumpers. This product certainly does not disappoint. Perfect for two and four-door models, with the exception of the 2017 JK Rubicon Recon, this front bumper comes with two D-rings and all the necessary mounting hardware.
Manufactured using heavy-duty steel sheet and tubing, this bumper has a high-quality black textured finish that is resistant to both rust and scratches. For avid off-roaders, this is a great stubby front bumper to upgrade your Jeep.
It comes with two high-strength D-ring mounts as well as a built-in winch plate capable of supporting 12,000 pounds of weight. It has 2 OE size housings for fog lights, making this the ideal front bumper for all sorts of rock crawling adventures.
There’s also a convenient provision that allows you to easily mount your LED light bar. As you can see, this is an amazing front bumper that will make a great addition to any Jeep Wrangler JK or JK Unlimited two and four-door model.
Highlighted Features:
● Stubby front bumper offers great approach angle
● Manufactured from heavy-duty steel for long-lasting durability
● Inbuilt winch location for support of up to 12,000 pounds
● OE size for light housing and accommodation for additional lights
● Extra strength D-ring mounts welded inside and out
9. U-Drive Auto Front Bumper
Although U-Drive Auto is an American company with products designed in the US, manufacturing takes place in China and U-Drive Auto owns its very own production chain. This bumper is one of their latest releases for Jeep 4 x 4’s. The care and attention that went into the design and manufacturing of this product is evident at first glance.
The engineers and welders in this company are always trying to find new innovative ways to make a heavy-duty bracket that is light and convenient for customers while still offering high levels of protection. With this front bumper, you don’t need any drilling or cutting.
Installation is extremely easy, all you need to do is bolt it onto your car. This product is certainly built to last. It’s made from the highest grade of steel and constructed by some of the leading engineers in the industry.
If you are looking to customize your Jeep, then this Jeep JK front bumper is the perfect way to do it. It will definitely change the look and performance of your truck the minute you install the bumper on the front of your vehicle.
Highlighted Features:
● Compatible for 1987 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler YJ/TJ
● It has a stylish, textured, black surface finish that is rust-resistant
● Direct bolt-on installation with no drilling or cutting required
● Includes all necessary accessories to complete mounting
● Made from heavy-duty cold-rolled steel for maximum durability
10. Fragmentation Jeep Wrangler Bumper
This Jeep bumper may be the last one on our list, but that’s not to say that it is of any less quality than all the others listed here. In fact, there’s a good reason why it made it to our list of the best Jeep bumpers on the market today.
It not only performs great with amazing heavy-duty features, but it also looks stunning and will totally transform your Jeep the instant it’s installed. It has a lamp with the manufacturer’s logo on it. This will make your Jeep look considerably distinct from all others.
In addition to this piece of historical charm, it has fog light holes and a winch plate that is equipped to handle up to 12,000lb of weight. The installation of this front bumper is a breeze. It has been engineered to be directly bolted on as an upgrade using just your basic hand tools.
You don’t require any drilling or cutting and the installation instructions are very clear and easy to follow. If you are looking for a Jeep bumper with heavy-duty construction, great performance, good-looking features, and an affordable price – you’ve certainly found it!
Highlighted Features:
● Designed to fit 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models
● The mid-width front bumper is ideal for off-road in protection
● Made using heavy-duty, durable, high-strength steel
● Two-stage textured black, rust-resistant powder coating
● Comes with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a Bumper Break in an Accident?
Honestly, even if you choose a Jeep bumper with the least quality make and construction, it’s not likely that it will break in case of an accident. Bumpers are made to be strong and durable and for the most part, they will outlast your vehicle’s life.
The majority of Jeep bumpers are made from high-grade steel which is coated with powder paint to prevent corrosion and rust. Whether you choose the best steel bumpers or the best aluminum bumpers for Jeep JK, you can be sure that the force required to break them is immense.
This is something that you don’t have to worry about. It’s unlikely that you will be able to break your bumper even if you’re actively trying to do so.
Q2: Do I Need Both the Front and Rear Bumper?
The important thing to note here is that your Jeep bumper will only protect your vehicle where it’s been installed. So, for instance, if you install a bumper in the front of your vehicle, only the front side is protected.
This means that if you intend to protect your rear end from dents and damages, then you need to install the rear bumper as well. It’s always a good idea to get the best Jeep bumpers (both front and rear) at the same time. By doing so, you’ll be offering your vehicle maximum protection, while enhancing its value and aesthetic appeal.
Q3: Can Jeep Bumpers Be Used on Both Two and Four-Door Models?
Absolutely! Jeep bumpers come in two versions. One is for two doors, and the other is for four-door Jeep models. Make sure that you check if you have the right version before buying your bumper. If you’re not totally sure, then enlist the help of a professional before buying your bumper to ensure that you get the right one for your Jeep models.
Q4: Does the Bumper Come with the Tools for Installation?
Most bumper manufacturers include some tools, but it’s usually not all the tools that you need for installing your new bumper. For instance, they will provide the nuts, bolts, and the screws to fasten the bumper to your car, or other parts to the bumper, such as the lights.
However, to unscrew and tighten the bumper to your Jeep, you are going to need proper tools that don’t come included in the package. There is a list of all the tools you need in the section above on how to install your new Jeep bumper.
Q5: Do Wrangler JK and TJ Use the Same Bumper?
Yes, both these models share a bumper. The Jeep Wrangler JK and TJ have similar dimensions at the front of the vehicle and this makes them compatible with regards to Jeep bumpers. However, to be on the safe side, always use a bumper that is suggested for your specific Jeep model. This will help prevent you from experiencing the inconvenience of having to return the bumper in case it doesn’t fit.
Final Verdict
Well, there you have it. We’ve given you all the information you need to help you choose from among the best Jeep bumpers on the market today. We’ve even made things a lot easier for you by providing you with a handy list of the 10 most popular options among Jeep owners right now.
All you have to do is go through our buying guide to determine all the factors that are important to you before heading over to our review list to make your choice from the options that we’ve researched, rated, and reviewed for you!