Winch bumpers..?

[mikeau]

Well, Im confused...

I need a new front bumper anyway, so may as well buy a winch bumper and fit a winch when I can afford it...

There seems to be different types etc available at different prices, but I dont really know enough about it to know which one I want (or need) other than picking the best looking one( ).

Does anyone have any ideas of what to look for in a winch bumper? (other than the fact you can mount a winch on one!).

I want one;
Mostly for self-recovery (and perhaps hauling the occasional tree trunk out of a ditch or similar), not for competitions or "serious" offroading.
Sturdy enough for general use and which will take the occasional 'tap' without bending.
I would like to have spotlight mountings (either integral or will accept an "a" frame).
Steering guard (or at least compatibility) would be a bonus.
Jacking points and lifting eyes would also be V useful...
Ideally, it should not be about the same height as a 'standard' bumper (so if I have a bump with another car, the bumpers will take the crunch).
Im not sure which winch I will get yet, but arent most of the bumpers compatible with most winches (or do I have to worry about types of fitting etc?)

I like the look of this one;
http://tinyurl.com/39qr34
it looks nice and sturdy, but it doesnt have lighting brackets...

and this is quite nice;
http://tinyurl.com/3cxp9n
but its pricey...

Ive also seen a guy selling something similar on ebay;
http://tinyurl.com/2kg2ck
but Im not sure if its exactly what I want, and I a bit cautious about buying something which sounds a bit home-grown..

Also, the tube ones look quite nice, but are they as tough as the 'square' ones?

Anyone have any advice or experiences they would like to share?

Thanks

 

[Porny]

I've been looking for a winch bumper too...

Personally I don't like the tubular ones, and they would look out of place on my 90.

The ones from www.paidia4x4.com are good, and are very well made. Chris and Paul who run Paidia are good people to deal with too. However, their bumper does stick out a bit too much for my liking...

My main requirements were to have one that sits back as far as possible (best approach angle), have tapered ends (personal choice)... and was well made!! - with a proven history.
Most of the ones on EBay are made by welders (well by people who 'think' they can weld!!), not engineers - and have never used there bumpers in anger - well that's my opinion.

I really like the competition ones from Devon 4x4 (www.devon4x4.com) - which again are very, very well made and Devon have a good reputation - and actually use their products. But works out more than I wanted to spend!!


In the end, I have ordered one from www.Southdown4x4.com...

Again, very well made products, good reputation, good price, and could actually make exactly what I wanted.

I have ordered one of these - http://www.southdown4x4.com/grafix/90FRNTRfeather.jpg but mine is without the A-Bar.


Ian

 

[adafish]

same here....like the look of the tubular ones, looking at either www.firstfouroffroad.co.uk or the ones on www.paddockspares.com will have a look and see whats at the INDOOR 4X4 SHOW this weekend...ADA

 

[lozzd]

Where's that ada?

 

[Lodelaner]

I'm with ada on this one. First four make a superb bit of kit. I'm also with Porny on the tubular bumper - I prefer the looks of the square one, it's close to original and makes a better step for perching on when peering into the engine bay or stepping up to the wing.

First Four Square Bumpers

Winches vary with their mounting holes - but drilling is easy enough.

Be very careful who you buy from- - I've seen a Scorpion racing 'Extreme' one which not only didn't line up with the chassis holes, but was 5 mm too narrow between the chassis legs and needed redrilling.

 

[JimGNR]

I have a First Four one on my Disco, very well made and easy to fit, everything lined up. My only concern is when you use the jacking points, the ends flex a little which was quite surprising, it's like it needs a bit more support.

 

[Lodelaner]

British Indoor 4x4 show next Sunday at Donington

 

[toppa]

Ada, you shouldnt need a winch "Your a trained instructor, you should read the land like an old American Indian on the hunt" you should never get stuck

How many times i need to tell ya???


Cheers

 

[mikeau]

Thanks for all the info.
I like the look of the firstfour bumper.. and they make an A frame as well...

I'm emailing them for a quote including shipping etc...

Just as a matter of interest, whats the difference with the aircon ones? more space between bumper and rad grill?

Mike

 

[lozzd]

On the aircon models to make room for the air con gubbins the frame which has the grille bit in it is an inch or so protruded from the bonnet, not flush like it normally is.

 

[adafish]

Ada, you shouldnt need a winch "Your a trained instructor, you should read the land like an old American Indian on the hunt" you should never get stuck

How many times i need to tell ya???


Cheers

.......its so i can pull muppets like you out.... , who don't listen to "chief sitting bull"...

 

[toppa]

.......its so i can pull muppets like you out.... , who don't listen to "chief sitting bull"...

STUCK ME??? you avin a larf


Cheers "Little knee deep in mud"

 

[Hassal]

Ive got the ebay one without the powder coating and I couldnt be more pleased with it. I use the eyes to pull and the bars to push/nudge stuff in the tree sense, and no bends or even dents. I love the way this one sits so high, it noticabley improves your angle of approach, as well as looking great cos it shows off the tread of your tyres. Although not in this pic ive now got spots on the abar. With the spots on I couldnt have my numberplate on the grill, so its in my window untill I get around to welding a plate holder onto the bumper somewhere. Guess that is a complaint Sorry I cant help regarding winch fitting.

 

[pak967]

This is my first four tubular bumper fitted (close fit type so you have to cut the grill to get the winch in ) for better approach angle. paid extra for the swivel recovery eyes...very well made bit of kit and fitted on a dream ....nice chap to deal with too at first four.

 

[adafish]

yep, think that's one i'll go for......the winch can wait till later( toppa ), does look nice the way the steering guard blends in with the one on the bottom of tube..

 

[Lodelaner]

First Four square job pictured. It also has an aluminium steering guard fitted - which is colour anodised blue.

 

[mikeau]

Looks good. Is that one of their A bars as well?
I didnt see any chrome ones...

Do those big lamps affect your cooling at all?

 

[Lodelaner]

Looks good. Is that one of their A bars as well?
I didnt see any chrome ones...

Do those big lamps affect your cooling at all?

The A bar is a Land Rover one - there are plenty similar around and it just bolts onto the bumper/chassis bolts. You might have throught that the Safari 5000 lights would make a difference, but not so. Even with the V8 making plenty of heat sat idling on the hottest day last year, with the air con blasting. They are an approved accessory after all - so will have been tested for such effects I guess...

 

[kdc_94]

This is my first four tubular bumper fitted (close fit type so you have to cut the grill to get the winch in ) for better approach angle. paid extra for the swivel recovery eyes...very well made bit of kit and fitted on a dream ....nice chap to deal with too at first four.

Pak, how long do you expect the spots mounted underneath your tubular bumber to last ?

 

[hinsonberger]

First Four square job pictured. It also has an aluminium steering guard fitted - which is colour anodised blue.

Thats a nice looking bumper. Have they changed all their designs now to have the taped ends? I know they give slightly more clearance, but I'm not liking them...I prefer the squared ends like in your picture. Fits the Defender look much better I think! As for tubular bumpers.....:nonono: