Rear bumper debate...
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, WA
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....
How hard is the install? Could I do it in a parking lot with hand tools? Damn border fees....
You could do the main bumper piece in a parking lot with hand tools. The tire carrier and winch cradle along with winch install are more involved.
You could certainly drive down, drop the OEM plastic, install the bumper and throw the rest of the parts in the back of the Jeep and drive back North.
JK Freak
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
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.
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.
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
From: Mobile, AL
I like the way the River Raider looks the best. I'm kinda partial to RR because I got my fender flares from them and they're tough as hell. I don't know how much comparison there is between the fender flares and bumper but if they're made the same way, with the same stuff, I can't see much else being any tougher (I also have never had a benchmark bumper so I have no comparison to that either lol). They also had really good customer service IMO. 
The only difference is that Benchmark has a place for the hilift and gerry can. If you plan on running these things, go with Benchmark.
Either way I don't think you can go wrong because they both look awesome. Good luck in choosing!
The only difference is that Benchmark has a place for the hilift and gerry can. If you plan on running these things, go with Benchmark.
Either way I don't think you can go wrong because they both look awesome. Good luck in choosing!
Last edited by centerfieldr162; Dec 16, 2010 at 06:22 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, WA
Haha, can't help you there!Yeah, that license plate mounting ended up changing obviously. The oem plate holder works great with this bumper, or there are a number of aftermarket plate holders that work too.
I like the way the River Raider looks the best. I'm kinda partial to RR because I got my fender flares from them and they're tough as hell. I don't know how much comparison there is between the fender flares and bumper but if they're made the same way, with the same stuff, I can't see much else being any tought. They also had really good customer service IMO.
The only difference is that Benchmark has a place for the hilift and gerry can. If you plan on running these things, go with Benchmark.
Either way I don't think you can go wrong because they both look awesome. Good luck in choosing!
The only difference is that Benchmark has a place for the hilift and gerry can. If you plan on running these things, go with Benchmark.
Either way I don't think you can go wrong because they both look awesome. Good luck in choosing!
