Do I really need a steel bumper???

I have my doubts on steel bumpers but I need more opinions, please help.

I would extremely love to get one, but can it bring me more good than harm?
For starters, I don't have a lift.I have yet to hit any trails and not sure if I ever will. I heard the air bags don't deploy if truck gets into an accident. Is it possible to get sued for having an off-road bumper while street driving if I ever get into a fender bender? Does it make sense to have a steel bumper with winch on a DD knowing I might use it once a year? Just trying to be realistic with myself?

 

Get an aluminum one

 

You can always get an aluminum bumper. They weigh a lot less than a steel bumper and you can still have a winch on without too much of a fuel economy penalty.

 

Do you like the look of a steel bumper? If so, find out if your favorite bumper has an aluminum option. Otherwise, no, you don't need ANY bumper.

 

I've been in accidents where the bags didn't deploy with a stock bumper. I wouldn't worry much about it. If you like how it looks, buy it. If you're worried about weight, do what others suggested and buy it in aluminum.

 

As for the airbags, the sensors are located on the frame rails and are inertia driven so it has no bearing on what bumper you have up front. So don't let the ARB 'air bag compliant' advertisement for their bumpers fool you.(although I do like their bumpers). Be prepared for some 'it will cause more frame damage' arguments.

 

Its all in what you need and want. Id say if you have that many concerns about a bumper than its probably not what you need.

 

No lift and you doubt you'll ever hit the trails. Don't get one. Save your money or least get a mild lift first. You'll need to upgrade your suspension with the extra weight upfront anyway.

 

Get one! They look cool! (see what I did there)

 

Appreciate the help guys. I might just go with an aluminum bumper. If anyone would like to share their discomfort after having a steel bumper, by all means please do so.

 

No discomfort here. Mine is BADASS! Sorry dont mean to brag i just really like it.

 

That bumper does look wicked nice, but I'm sure ur vehicle has seen more dirt than mine will see in many years. I noticed, u don't have a winch. Any reason why?

 

^THIS.

Also would recommend hitting some trails before you go to see if it's something you like and would want to get more into.

I don't have exact numbers one weight difference but maybe someone could chime in or contact a seller for hard numbers, you could always go with a hybrid bumper if you are concerned about weight but still want a steel bumper.

 

Funding Lol, its coming up though!

 

^ that looks familiar...Nice bumper!

 

HELL!!!

 

Some days wish I had added the light hoops though...

 

Another option would be going to a hybrid bumper if you like that look

 

If I was gonna do a bumper I know where my inspiration is coming from...lol.

 

DAAAMN!! Riot control bumper! Gonna need 886's for that one!