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Old 03-25-2019, 11:22 AM   #15
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Cannot get through to anyone st Smitty built, I am waiting for a call back from LOD.
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Old 03-25-2019, 05:04 PM   #16
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I spoke to Smitty Built, they recommended a Generation 2 XCR, its steel and weighs 132lbs.

Sounds like the LOD/Rockhard will be lighter.

So these bumpers are about 800-900$, that's double what a baseplate is.

Could I sell my stock bumper to fund some of a new one?
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Old 03-25-2019, 05:48 PM   #17
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Cheapest Rockhard is 879$. That's a bit out of my budget.
Yes but the baseplate still needs to be installed. You are still coming out $150 cheaper and your Jeep will look great and will be more functional.
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Old 03-25-2019, 05:49 PM   #18
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I spoke to Smitty Built, they recommended a Generation 2 XCR, its steel and weighs 132lbs.

Sounds like the LOD/Rockhard will be lighter.

So these bumpers are about 800-900$, that's double what a baseplate is.

Could I sell my stock bumper to fund some of a new one?
Put it on Craigslist
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Old 03-25-2019, 05:55 PM   #19
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Put it on Craigslist
also would look on craigslist for a used bumper since jeeps are plentiful may have to paint it but no big deal.
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Old 03-25-2019, 05:59 PM   #20
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Thanks Rvethereyet,

I was just thinking of that while ago.
I could see if it sells on Craigslist.

Thanks Skiffy, will check on Craigslist.
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Old 03-25-2019, 06:06 PM   #21
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Checked on Craigslist and stock bumpers selling for 80-100$. I would just hold on to the old one and put it back on the Jeep when time for sale.

I will just get a new one, so its down to Rockhard vs LOD.
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Old 03-25-2019, 06:27 PM   #22
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I definitely will need to go with an Aluminium bumper to save weight.
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Old 03-25-2019, 07:41 PM   #23
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I definitely will need to go with an Aluminium bumper to save weight.
If you're not putting a winch on it the weight isn't going to be enough to worry about. IMO
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Old 03-26-2019, 04:24 AM   #24
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Thanks Craig,

The weight difference is 100lbs between steel and Alu. The Wrangler is 4400lbs with a 1/3 tank of gas. Still got to add roof racks, kayaks carriers and kayaks. Hitch limit is 5000lbs.
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Old 03-26-2019, 06:55 AM   #25
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Don’t take this the wrong way - You seem to be a bit like me where you experience analysis by paralysis. It comes down to cost vs weight. I couldn’t justify as much as the aluminum bumpers cost and I need to save weight for other things, like you.

I did not consider any manufacturer that didn’t list the bumper as towable, whether the shackles are welded front only, front and back, or bolted. If they don’t say it, I didn’t consider it.

Smittybilt makes a lightweight bumper line, the XRC M.O.D. I don’t like the styling of the plates that cover the accessory spots. But, the weight is good and the cost is right. The other SB towable offerings are over 100 lbs. Rockhard makes a nice aluminum bumper but it is $$$$$. Their others are steel, are over 100lbs and still cost $$$.

The LOD Armor Lite is $544 and is ready to tow at about 40 lbs. You can add the matching skid plate for $126. (I did since I will be off-roading). NSA will custom make the clevis for $150 if you buy the tow assembly from them. I bought mine through Rockridge 4x4. They don’t offer discounts but they did give me $75 in store credit, plus another $5 for signing up for their email.

I wouldn’t plan on getting much for the stock bumper. You may find someone that has been in an accident that wants it, but most are taking them off. I gave mine away to get it out of the garage.

Good luck deciding!
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Old 03-26-2019, 08:05 AM   #26
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Thanks Birchy Boy,

I did suffer from analysis paralysis.
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Old 03-26-2019, 10:29 AM   #27
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The LOD Armor Lite does look like a good bumper for this application. I like how it still looks good without a winch. Many bumpers look like they are missing something if you dont bolt a winch to them.

I would look at where these recovery tabs would be if this bumper were bolted on you JK. I would measure to the ground and see how close to 19” it is. I believe you said you moho hitch was 19” to the ground? This will give you a good idea if you will need a drop or riser on your hitch.

LOD Armor Lite bumper pic from google

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Old 03-26-2019, 08:14 PM   #28
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Well,
I didn't even consider any weight when I was looking for a bumper for our '15 JKUR. I just went through a few of the aftermarket vendors catalogs and picked the Smittybilt XRC MOD and, so far, about 6-8K miles, that bumper's doing just fine. We use the recovery tabs that are on the front and I do a closeup inspection of them on a semi-frequent basis and well, no cracks no issues what so ever. I also use the D-handle pins from Tractor supply. Waaaaaaaaay easier to disconnect using those than the stubby ones that came with the Blue Ox adapters.

If I recall, that Smittybilt XRC MOD was about 50 lbs or so. That isn't all that much more than the junk stock bumpers that come on the Jeep. Even if we weren't gonna tow our Jeep, I wouldn't leave a stock bumper on there. They look so hideous. But, as stated, we've towed the JK now for 2 years and all over a bunch of states and not one single issue. I guess if one is worried about weight 'cause they're near the limit in the hitch on the coach, well, you gotta do what ya gotta do.

I wasn't and am not, planning on using this Jeep as a SWAT raming vehicle so, this medium quality XRC MOD is gonna do just fine. The wife and I liked the XRC MOD 'cause we could choose the style of ends that were available.
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