Full Off-Road Front Bumper vs LowPro Winch style - what are MPGs anyway?

Hey guys, having an internal struggle here and wanted to open up a discussion. I'm looking to add a winch to my 13' Taco while not totally murdering my MPGs. Currently, my options would be the C4 LowPro Bumper (type style) or a full off-road bumper. I know most of you will start to debate how I will use my truck - so let get that out of the way. Being in Utah, I am constantly in Moab, Colorado 14ers, Arizona, and Montana for outdoor activities. Lots of rocks, forests, 4x4 trails, and off-road adventures. While "wheeling" is never my first priority; I do require the truck to be capable enough to get me to the trailhead. Which is why I am still considering the full off-road bumper (better safe than sorry?)

The Lowpro bumper will allow me to retain more tire coverage and hopefully keep more MPGs?but I was curious if anyone has one and noticed a difference in mileage? Does anyone hate their LowPro front bumper?

 

I have the US Offroad version of that product, and sounds like we are relatively in the same boat. I didn't notice any difference in MPGs after the install, since the footprint didn't change. If any difference was made, it was from the weight added. I would say the downside of the low profile designs is that your factory plastic bumper wings are still at risk of scraping / being damaged. Handled Rattlesnake at 5 mile just fine this weekend though.

I'd suppose the downside of the full bumper option is that the wheels and things get exposed which will certainly add more drag to the front end, and lower MPGs.

Welcome to come look at mine in Sandy/Midvale any time if you want.

 

Never notice a MPG difference with my Relentless full bumper. Maybe a .5 mpg if that

 

I have an SOS full replacement with a camper shell and get 18+ consistently

 

With plate bumpers, don't worry about MPG as it's not majorly affected. You'll notice a feel in suspension though.

Basically, a 200 pound bumper is like having an extra passenger on mileage. Not bad.

But imagine that person is sitting on your front bumper instead of in the cab, makes a difference on suspension.

That said, relentless is running a group buy on their lo pro right now and there are 2 spots left last I looked. Should get in on it if you decide to go that way.

 

I'm happy with my Relentless stingray...just a few spots left on the group buy.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-gen-stingray-bumper-group-buy-thread.576476/

I didn't need the protection of a full bumper so I was stoked when Eric decided to design a lighter option that allows for a winch. My truck was the first to run this bumper and it has served me well.

 

I find myself thinking about this often. I love the low profile, nearly factory look of the more hidden style winch bumpers. However, the reality for me is that here in the Northeast, hitting a deer at 60mph is a real possibility. (Haven’t yet, but I’ve been lucky!)

For me, more protection is worth a slight decrease in mileage. I’d rather scatter deer particles all over the place than pieces of my truck.

 

I have a front hitch and only have my winch up there when I need it. It's in the bed or the garage when I don't anticipate needing the winch.

 

Thanks for all of the information and help on this guys. I am glad I'm not alone with my concerns! That Relentless stingray is beautiful! Here I thought I was limited to C4. I might have to get on that next group buy though. My wallet is still sad about the Black Friday goodies I got. (Rockers, Skid Plates and ditch lights)

I would definitely like to check one out in person! I live in up in Layton but work down in SLC. I will shoot you a DM for details

I know exactly what you mean! I grew up in NEO Ohio and the deer are like rats. I had full off-road bumpers on an OBS Ford so I had little fear but I would see cars get blasted all the time.

 

Going with a full bumper and winch will require the proper suspension for the added weight but having the added full front end protection on and off road negates any minor loss in fuel economy. IMO,if you plan on spending some time offroad in your listed activites, a full offroad bumper would be a necessity. It just takes just a minor mishap that a full bumper will protect against vs damage to half of your front end with a bumper such as a Low pro. As for fuel ecomomy, MPG is the last thing most of us here think about when we buy lifts, tires, steel bumpers, etc...I deal with MPG issues by having a beater Camry.

 

A full bumper is hardly a necessity for off-roading.

 

Agree but for not that much more for a full bumper that offers total front protection, why not? Especially in the OP's situation in the type of trails he"s plan on playing in.

 

Have you considered a hybrid tube bumper. Little less on the weight department yet still provides a protection factor. Like others have said all the steel I've added to my truck hasn't really done much for mpgs, been hitting 20 consistently for years(I have gears shh)

The winch was another thing my icon front suspension couldn't handle it even after I upped the spring rate and spring height, after the 3rd rebuild in two years I went to another brand again with the 14" 700lb springs and it's been great. So keep in mind the amount of weight that hangs over the front like others have said. Especially if you run steel cable vs synthetic. Even synthetic is heavy

 

I have yet to find a sexy tube bumper but that would be ideal. On another note, I understand you can lift your rig as high as you want but lift does ultimately affect MPGs. I also find it hard to believe most people don't care about that - whether you daily your taco or its a weekend rig... fuel adds up. 12 MPGs is not cool its annoying

Thanks for the additional information. I understand this slightly but will need to do more research. I currently have a 2-inch level kit on the front and hate it. Just another thing waiting to be upgraded