Im stuck between two different rear bumpers.

The benchmark designs:



and River Raiders bumper and tire cage



I know the tire cage would be a PITA to get into the back with but it looks badical and will slide off ledges good. There is almost a 1000$ difference in prices because i need to buy crusher corners for the River Raider setup, but I'll be buying those in the future regardless.

Both are winch ready, which i require in a rear bumper. Both can also handle my future 40" tires. The benchmark says warn 8k or smittybilt 8k. I wont put less then a 10k winch on there, is this a limitation of the plate? Is anyone running these bumpers and can give me some first hand reviews?

 

No reviews but IMHO...I like the Benchmark...

 

^^ x 2. No research but I like the look of the Benchmark.

 

vote for benchmark

i think you answered your own question here. for the price and difficulty of use, i just don't see how much of a benefit the cage would be. i run 40's on an lod bumper and, while the spare does catch on ledges from time to time, it's never been a problem for me. if the bumper tire carrier is made well, you should be fine. also, i know a guy who had the crusher corners and it got caught on a tree and thanks to the weak well nuts that it uses to secure it to the body, it tore off and ended up doing more damage to the body than protecting it. he now runs evo body armor.

is there a reason why you need 10k in the rear?

 

x3, tough choice either way,
add a poll..

 

I wheel alone alot heading in to duck blinds ect and it's all deep sucking clay. Sometimes I don't have an option but to winch creatively now that I've got a front only and it would be so easy to get out with a rear. I run a 10.5 front now and it has been so taxed pulling forward it was moving me at an absolute crawl. I think an 8k would have cooked.

 

Couple things to consider....


1. We list the Warn M8000 and Smitty XRC8 because those are the ones that I know for sure fit and have installed here myself. There are lots of other that would probably fit fine including the XRC10.

2. You can always get a winch snatch block and double the pulling capacity of your 8K winch. Snatch blocks are cheap (under $50).

3. The Benchmark comes with integrated mounts for Rotopax and Hi-Lift Jack. No extra charge.

4. The price of the Benchmark includes shipping. (A little extra to go to Canada, but not much.)

5. The Benchmark doesn't require exhaust modifications.

6. On the Benchmark, the winch is accessible making it easier to keep clean, respool the rope, and get access to should you need to.

7. On the Benchmark, the winch is mounted higher out of the muck.

8. The Benchmark looks more badass.

Okay, I know that was more than a few things to consider.

I just started shipping these guys out to some of the forum guys here so in the next couple weeks maybe we can get them to post some more pictures and feedback.

 

X2

Corner armor is sorta cool, but I would never use it to hold a spare tire in place. I've seen it get ripped off too and it SHREDS the sheetmetal underneath.

Besides, do you really want to lift that spare tire up and down everytime you need to get in the rear door. Total weight is probably around 200 lbs. That would get old fast IMO. Also, forget your wife/GF/SO being able to access the back.

 

I like the river rader because it helps you with your spare tire.

 

You just sold me John. I've been waiting for that open top winch picture for months. I'll get some $$ together and talk to the missus. Is your price of 1200 and change shipped anywhere in the us? I've got a warehouse in Maine.

How hard is the install? Could I do it in a parking lot with hand tools? Damn border fees....