I like the AEV out of your choices.

 

My 2 cents: if keeping your fenders stock, either the olympic or aev. I really like how they resolve the fender <-> bumper

 

I just checked out the smittybuilt and it is cheaper than all the others buy quite a bit. Anyone have any experience with that one?

(SRC Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier by Smittybilt)

 

I just helped install a Smittybilt front bumper last week. It was a nice looking bumper, but I do have some quibbles. In order to get the bumper to fit, the instructions have you hog out the mounting holes for the stock bumper. Otherwise, the bolts would not line up with the stock holes in the frame. I've also installed Shrockworks and LOD bumpers, and this was not necessary with them (though the LOD rear bumper required drilling additional holes, probably because it has a hitch mounted into it). And, trying to get the winch bolts into the Smittybilt took a child with small hands to get them started--it appears that winch mounting was an afterthought. I don't bring these issues up to knock the Smittybilt--but rather to say there is a reason it's cheaper: Less effort goes into the design and construction than a high quality, U.S.-made bumper.

BTW: If you're in a hurry, definitely do not order Shrockworks, and probably not LOD either.

 

Smittybilt has terrible customer service and the price reflects the quality of their products. I have their rock rails and had to pretty much customize them to get them to fit. I emailed them and never received a response. I company like that would never get another penny of mine.

 

Just another option.....




US Made Quality

We also answer the phone and return all emails.

 

I don't have any experience with any of them, but I want the Olympic!

 

Hanson seems to have a great combination of quality, price, and options.

If you're willing to look at something a little more uncommon, the Aberle aluminum bumpers are lightweight and will never rust.

 

I like the AEV setup the best.

2nd choice is the Rockhard because i have heard many negative comments about Olympic products quality control.

 

Just curious, but why have you put such a time constraint on yourself for this purchase? Is it just a Memorial Wknd wheeling trip?

Maybe you can invest a few extra dollars in a quality rear set up that you are really stoked about and will fit your budget, future needs, and the life of your JK....and just rig something up for your weekend adventure.

Might not be an option and you probably need the rear bumper/ tire carrier ASAP, but I was just curious. Would hate to rush the purchase and sacrifice what you really want and/or quality.