I am slowly building my rig and it's time for bumpers...Which is the more important purchase?

1. Rugged Ridge Front Stubby Bumper w/ Hoop and Winch - Looks good and gets you unstuck

2. Or-Fab Rear Tire Carrier w/ Rotopax - Looks good and prevents the tailgate from sagging


Thanks

 

i'd have to go with the rear setup if you're planning to run bigger tires. you can chop your front bumper and make it a stubby until you can afford to upgrade it. a winch is nice to have and something i would recommend but, so long as you have tow points and make sure to wheel with a buddy, you should be fine.

 

Agreed. Rear allows for bigger tires sooner. I've had my XHD front for over a year without a winch. After my lift I can't mount a spare until I get the rear bumper carrier. Not having a spare is sketchy. Plus you shouldn't wheel alone so a winch is a luxury not a necessity. I would do the rear first.

 

I should have mentioned I am already running 35'' Cooper STT's

 

You could always get the winch and throw the spare in the back for awhile. If I was wheeling alone I would rather have the winch

 

That's what I am Running, I would agree with WOL, well not only do I agree, it is what I did, took the old sawzall(Recip saw) and chop chopped the front Bumper, and am in the process (literally) of putting on my rear bumper and tire carrier. I like my front bumper and plan on putting a winch into it.

Good Luck

Bert

 

I agree with WOL, I did it front first and carried a 37 spare in my rear cargo area for years. If I had to do it over I would buy my rear bumper first.

 

I would stub out the factory bumper and put the rear bumper on first.

 

I agree with the tire carrier responses. My stubby (haha) works fine with my winch. I don't run my spare 99.9% of the time and keep it in the jeep while wheelin because I don't want to mess up the hinges. I will get a rear carrier when my wallet can afford to do so....

 

Agreed I go for the Rear first to save tour tailgate. That is my next purchase for sure