The Bumper Search Continues...

After many weeks of an exhaustive web search, I am still no closer to finding a set of bumpers for my JL. Here is the list of all the vendors I have searched through and while some have risen to the top, none have come out as a clear leader.

• ARB (delayed the Bondi bumper)
• AEV (no word on timing for their SEMA stubby)
• Artec (strong contender but would prefer a bull bar over a stinger)
• VKS (does not produce recessed & fog lights - but really great customer service)
• HiLine (did not find one I liked)
• JCR (strong contender - Great Rear bumper - square fog hole lights)
• Poison Spyder (rear bumper has it's own hitch - square lights on front bumper - really like their finish)
• Full Metal Fabworks (still working on their JL bumpers)
• CrawlTek
• LOD (many options)
• Expedition One
• Hauk Offroad (really cool but got Very expensive as I configured them)
• Hammerhead
• DV8
• Ace Engineering (really liked these but their bull bar is huge)
• Motobilt (also a very strong contender - still considering)
• Metalcloak (interesting version and very modular)
• Go Rhino
• Rugged Ridge
• Smittybilt
• etc...

Suffice it to say that there are many vendors out there producing JL bumpers. This gets even crazier if you search on eBay and Amazon and start counting all the off-brand versions out there.

Many of these bumpers are very close to what I want and frankly, the issue is more with me than any of these individually. I was hoping for a few items in the front bumper and rear bumper. Let's start with the rear:

1. Full coverage
2. Tow points
3. Ability to work with factory hitch
4. License plate mount that does not interfere with backup camera

For the front bumper, I was looking for:

1. Mid-width or stubby
2. Use of factory fog lights
3. Recessed winch mount
4. Tow points
5. License plate mount (I live in NJ so require front and back plates)

In general, I am not a huge fan of the heavily textured finishes and really like the Poison Spyder coating they use.

What I have seen is that most of the rear bumpers do not have the license plates factored in and expect it to be moved to either the tire or similar location if you don't run a spare. This might be fine for a more dedicated rock crawler but on a dual purpose, daily driver, having my spare tire with functioning backup camera and a place for the license plate is more practical. There are several bumpers that can work here so I have been holding off on pulling the trigger because I like to match my front and rear bumpers.

So for the front bumpers, the search has been harder. I understand that there are always trade-offs with form and function but I still believe that I will find one somewhere that meets all or at least most of my requirements. The fog lights and the recessed winch bumper seem to be the "sticking" point for any stubby bumper just because of the space issues with fitting everything in the same space. I might just move up to a mid-width that has both but is a bit heavier (and this might be my best option).

Anyway, I just wanted to provide an update on what's been going on. I have also been working on mounting my antennas for the CB and GMRS radios and this has also taken more effort than I expected. One big issue is that the JL is really limited on places to mount magnetic base antennas with all the aluminum in use to cut the weight. I have also picked up a 5th Cyclone rock light for the front and will be installing that once I get some decent weather.

Was hoping to be able to show you my newly mounted bumpers by now but the search is still on...

The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!