ARB vs AEV bumper. Which one?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Southern Oregon
Bambi Basher
I love the ARB Delux
I think I have had this bumper for about 18 months. Good, clean mounts for the IPF lights I run, as well as the winch I added.
I picked this bumper up for $600 new from a local shop. Craigslist find.
Install wasn't a big deal, and I would definitely want this bumper if I didn't have it.
I drive a river road for a lot of miles every day to work. I call it my bambi basher, and it does a great job of protecting my jeep.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: Independence and Lexington, KY (depends on the time of year)
Originally Posted by hx15537
I was in the same spot. I couldn't decide if the AEV was worth the extra cash, but like it more than the ARB. Last week I found a guy off of Craig's List that was selling his ARB for $400, so I pulled the trigger on the ARB.
I installed it this last weekend with the help of some local guys. So far I really like it. The ARB is very solid, and still looks good with the Jeep. It has 2 light brackets on the bummer under the bullbar, and 2 on the bar itself. I'm not sure if I like the 2 on top, because I doubt I will ever use them.
I installed it this last weekend with the help of some local guys. So far I really like it. The ARB is very solid, and still looks good with the Jeep. It has 2 light brackets on the bummer under the bullbar, and 2 on the bar itself. I'm not sure if I like the 2 on top, because I doubt I will ever use them.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Im down to these two bumpers, but I was curious how they each compare with adding a winch at a later date (post bumper install). Can you drop one in from above on either? I know the last bumper I had required you install the winch at the time of bumper install, but I was hoping to wait on the winch and add some other mods first.
Also, any thoughts about how they compare in rust protection? The finish on welded steel bumpers on the salty roads of Illinois dont last long. Am i better off getting my own powder-coat job done here locally?
Also, any thoughts about how they compare in rust protection? The finish on welded steel bumpers on the salty roads of Illinois dont last long. Am i better off getting my own powder-coat job done here locally?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Originally Posted by TheHumbucker
Im down to these two bumpers, but I was curious how they each compare with adding a winch at a later date (post bumper install). Can you drop one in from above on either? I know the last bumper I had required you install the winch at the time of bumper install, but I was hoping to wait on the winch and add some other mods first.
Also, any thoughts about how they compare in rust protection? The finish on welded steel bumpers on the salty roads of Illinois dont last long. Am i better off getting my own powder-coat job done here locally?
Also, any thoughts about how they compare in rust protection? The finish on welded steel bumpers on the salty roads of Illinois dont last long. Am i better off getting my own powder-coat job done here locally?
I've tried to determine myself can just be dropped in. I think it would be tight but possible.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 989
Likes: 0
From: Franklinton, Louisiana
ARB is my favorite full width bumper! My only complaint is they look funny with a big hole in the middle when a hawse fairlead is used vs. a roller fairlead. But that would be an easy fix with a flip-up licenses plate or poly rollers.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Fresh Meadows,NY
Originally Posted by jweigel
I know you get get a cover plate for the AEV if winch is installed...but does ARB offer something to cover the winch opening?
jjw
jjw