RoadRageJKU
New member
has anyone used the crawler concepts skinny series bumpers? i have a kc hilites bumper now and finding i dont care for the approach angle
Haven't run it but, looking at how there's nothing in front of the tires, looks like it would have about as good of an approach angle as you can get.
Not to sure about this bumper but the poison spyder bfh bumpers have a very good approach angle. Only thing is you have to cut the frame rails.
that pic isnt the best representation of what i mean lol.. but if you look you can see the white marks on the d-ring lugs.. when i pull up to a semi steep rock it hangs up pretty bad on the front..
that being said, i am still learning and maybe its MY approach that is the problem ?
Honestly, I could never understand the whole BFH bumper thing. I mean, so long as you can get your TIRES on the obstacle like you should, that's all the approach angle you need. But then, I'm just a mall crawler and really, what would I know.
that pic isnt the best representation of what i mean lol.. but if you look you can see the white marks on the d-ring lugs.. when i pull up to a semi steep rock it hangs up pretty bad on the front..
that being said, i am still learning and maybe its MY approach that is the problem ?
I'm with you I'm not all for cutting frame which is why I don't have that bumper and have never felt I needed a better angle
Honestly, I could never understand the whole BFH bumper thing. I mean, so long as you can get your TIRES on the obstacle like you should, that's all the approach angle you need. But then, I'm just a mall crawler and really, what would I know.
Honestly, I could never understand the whole BFH bumper thing. I mean, so long as you can get your TIRES on the obstacle like you should, that's all the approach angle you need. But then, I'm just a mall crawler and really, what would I know.
Don't me wrong but, maybe you should try angling into the rocks you're wanting to climb and putting your tires on them instead of ramming them head on with your bumper. You're tires might do a better job of climbing them. If the obstacle is tough enough that you're still scratching your d-rings, well, it must be a pretty tough obstacle and thank goodness that you have a bumper that can take the hit. Of course, that's just me.
Scraping your front bump isn't necessarily an indication that you need to get a new bumper. After all, its doing its job by protecting your front end. I'd keep it, unless its preventing you from climbing over obstacles you are comfortable climbing.
As for the Skinny series, please know that you have to cut off some of the crumple zones up front in order to install it.
There are some obstacles you have to put your bumper on to get over. Rock Garden at Disney comes to mind. Wheeling is a full contact sport sometimes.
But then, I'm just a mall crawler and really, what would I know.
If you want the absolute best approach angle check out the tnt guardian
View attachment 161503
I have a question as I a totally agree that driver ability, skill and wisdom come into play. However, aren't there some steps that might not allow for an "angle" approach? What other situations would a driver really benefit from a BFH type bumper? Besides the EVO 1/4 pounder, which other bumper do you like?
And why do you always sign off with "what would I know"? I get confused since you have a TON of knowledge. People would not be on here if you did not.
I see that you do have to remove some "crumple" zones, but am curious if those are just the 5 mph zones for the bumper itself and not the crumple zones contained further back in the frame? I see the wavy nature of the frame area where the front bumper mounts, but cannot imagine that, with the metal being so thin there, are the same crumple zones that all vehicles have to have.
For me, being an insurance guy, the bumpers on Wranglers are very interesting. They behave so differently than "normal" bumpers. The normal modern bumper is made up of a plastic cover, a foam absorber and reinforcement bar. Each one has a certain speed zone that allows its compromise. 0 (Scrape) the front cover, 0-5mph, the foam absorber, 5-15, reinforcement bar, 15+ frame components (engine mounts, kick up areas, etc.).
There are some obstacles you have to put your bumper on to get over. Rock Garden at Disney comes to mind. Wheeling is a full contact sport sometimes.
Just stating a fact. I would never pretend to know anything more than the next guy - all I can do is share what I have experienced. If anything I might have to say has value to you, that would be for you to decide.