Tube vs Plate Bumpers

[d0nkeyxpunch]

I would like to know the benefits of having a tube bumper (BIOR, TG) as opposed to a plate bumper (ARB, AOE, and etc). This would be for any given type of activities like overlanding, rock crawling, wheeling, and etc.

Is it just approach angle and weight? It seems like tube bumpers are much cheaper too.

 

[surfpig]

It's just a matter of taste as far as I'm concerned. There may be reasons for one over another, but I don't know.

 

[LINUS]

Really depends on your personal use.

My 'big black' has a ARB since it fits a M12K unlike most - so I have a 'plate' bumper by your defintion there I guess.

Really, it's about both how you personally plan to use it, and what winches fit (assuming this is part of your plan) - really beyond that it's just asthetic & design that fits best your use & budget.

 

[slow95z]

tube is stronger but only protects the area from a large hit. plate is weaker but covers a larger area for something such as an animal strike.

 

[Tapage]

IMHO it all depends on the used materials and design ( welds ) a tube can be stronger or weaker ..

 

[bugsnbikes]

If you like damage and added weight to your rig......stick with plate or anything arb.

technically speaking- Seamless DOM tubings main advantage is that its soft/pliable as in absorbing energy vs transferring it to frame like plate is somewhat more likely to do.

I personally have two crashes into my seamless dom tubed bumpers:

1 cop ran into me at a light
1 honda accord full 0-15pmph

Honda totalled : passengers head spidered windshield
Cop- turned out to be cheif of police : gave me get out of jail free card.

Offroad : bumpin into trees or scraping rocks- either would work well imho.
Onroad: advantage slightly to DOM but this is a very tiny range of use ( fenderbenders really)... if a dodge ram hits u doing 35mph or more.......u got bigger problems. (like removing plate or tube bumpers from your abdomen)

 

[Dissent]

I like the cost and weight of tubes with skin panels that fill it in the holes a bit. Panels are replaceable or could be removed to mod.

 

[Heckraiser]

As far as I can tell, it's a preference thing. I have seen folks get very specific damage from obstacles like a large stick poking into the trail hitting the radiator. A plate bumper might defend better against something like this. Plate would also be better for animal impact if that is a concern where you live. I have also seen some pictures of some pretty bent up and smashed plate bumpers, so tube might have the edge in a large impact. Just my theories.