Tube Bumper Questions, ...please help

I am getting some tube bumpers built at and am wondering a few things.

1. What type of steel is best and why. (e.g. is it worth it to use chrome moly tubing if it is not much more $$$? ...DOM, ...cold versus heart treated?

...Does this person know what they are talking about? see link ---> http://www.xxxoffroad.com/index.php...-name-dom-erw-hrew&catid=31:general&Itemid=46

2. Pros and cons of bolt on versus weld on, versus bolt on with spot welds to prevent stealing and enhance strregth

3. Pros and cons of plate versus tube bumpers


Any other advice regarding things that are important to consider in the bumper building process would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks







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1) "Best" depends on the properties you want from the steel. Most 1020 DOM is the best balance of price and strength for most people. The link you referenced is accurate, yes.

2) Either works. Bolt on is more easily removable and I have no reason to believe it's any less strong if done correctly.

3) Plates are heavier and generally provide more coverage. Tube is typically lighter and often offers the best approach angles. Usually less expensive as well.

 

Thanks for the reply,

I am prob going with tube, ...and really like the look and price of the All Pro front and back bumpers (with headlight hoops and fill plates), and a long skid plate.

From my BMX days i remember chrome moly being far superior in strength and weight to "regular steel", ...how much more $$ as a percentage would it be worth to pay for chrome moly?

Essentially I am having a local shop build me some custom bumpers that look like the All Pro ones, and a skid plate out of aluminum instead of steel.

...any thoughts on the functionality and configuration of the All Pro style of bumper or skid plates??

...any other styles/brands worth considering? ...as a final consideration, ...what are the effects if any, on gas mileage with tube bumpers

Thanks










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I wouldn't touch any of All-Pro's armor. Just about anyone around here can tell you why. If you're having it replicated by another fabricator that's a different story, although how legal it is I'm not sure.

Any steel bumper, tube or not, is going to lower mileage some. Extra weight is extra weight.

 

...I just saw your link re: the bullet proof bumpers,

pretty damn cool stuff,

...anything for 1st gens?

IIRC the guy at All Pro said they use heat rolled, ...according to the article linked in the OP that is the worst


...any thoughts?



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Legal??? ..please explain


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Unfortunately no, and no plans in that arena.

Tiger is spot on - I'd look at CBI or 4xInnovations for 1st gen products.

Doesn't surprise me.

If All-Pro has patented the design, it may not be legal for another fabricator to duplicate it and sell it to you. Whether or not that's the case, I don't know. Regardless, it's between you three - I just post here.

 

Check the vendors area. Lots a tube bumpers and they will make it for you.

I like plates better tho..IMPO

 

I am a firm believer in overbuilding as well, ...however,

My rig is definitely not a rock crawling rig, nor do I plan on hitting rocks on a regular basis.

I use it mostly for hunting trips into the deep backcountry of Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.

I just need some damn solid bumpers.

...the reason for the bumper upgrade is that the stock bumpers are flimsy and driving the point home, I recently dented my truck when my stock bumper actually slid up into my rear quarter panel on impact with a steep drop in,

...I think the stock bumper strategically slid out of the way to protect itself,




...shipping costs for two bumpers and a skid plate, and the trustworthyness of the local builder are the reason for going local




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When it comes time, I am going with a Trail-gear low-profile bumper.

They have a good reputation and are much cheaper than AP...And they use DOM tubing.

 

I have had several people recommend them on TW, especially compared to AP.

And most of the tube bumpers out there are pretty fugly IMO. Excluding Allpro and TG..

 

I never said looks are everything...I just dont want to put a bumper that looks like ass on my truck..

And why never TG?

 

hmm, thanks for the info. Any other recommendations for a tube bumper?

and sorry for the threadjack