Off-Road 101: Why You Need an Aftermarket Bumper on Your Off-Road Vehicle

Here at DV8 we live and breathe off-road. To us, there is nothing more exhilarating than crawling over rocks, splashing through the mud, and adventuring to places very few have ever gone before. Over the last few years, the off-road community has grown exponentially, allowing more people to experience the thrills and joy that this sport has to offer. However, getting started as an off-road adventurer can seem daunting, and it is easy to skip over the fundamentals, so you can hit the trail as soon as possible. While we understand the desire to rush to the start line, it is vital that you and your rig are prepared for the off-road environment as it is notoriously unforgiving and dangerous. However, we don’t want these barriers and precautions to deter you from the wonderful world of off-road excursions, which is why we are creating our Off-Road 101 series. Whether you’re a beginner looking to ease your entry into the off-road community or an avid trail blazer wanting to refresh your fundamentals, we are here to get you out on the trail more prepared and with an added layer of confidence.

Before you even set your tires in the dirt, it is important that your vehicle is prepared for where you’re about to lead it to. A common occurrence that we see from new members of the off-road community is not replacing the stock bumper, and let me tell you, this normally doesn’t end well. Sometimes, all it takes to ruin your day is a small hit from a rock that leads to the cracking or complete detachment of your plastic front bumper. If you lose your bumper, your rig’s radiator and cooling system will be exposed to debris, and any future impacts can result in costly damage to your engine’s components. Stock bumpers are not built to withstand the abuses from the off-road environment. However, off-road bumpers are designed and crafted to provide you with the utmost protection from obstacles while offering the capabilities to navigate dark or sticky situations.

The Benefits & Utility of an Off-Road Bumper

Enhanced Durability

Off-road bumpers are made from heavy-duty materials that are more resistant to wear and tear from trail conditions compared to a stock bumper. Their steel construction can withstand impacts from rocks, tree trunks, and other hard obstacles that will tear through plastic. When navigating difficult terrain, it is inevitable that your bumper will make contact with hazards, so you want to ensure that your vital components such as the radiator, lights, and grille are protected, along with the overall front end of your vehicle.

Towing Capabilities

While off-road bumpers are designed to prevent damage to your rig, a wide range of other accidents can take place when on the trail. This is why most aftermarket bumpers are equipped with D-ring mounts and/or a winch mount, so that you can be towed when your vehicle is rendered undrivable or you can tow others in need of assistance. When off-road, there are many situations that can arise where you will need to use your bumper’s recovery capabilities. Here are some examples when you or others may need towing assistance: getting stuck in mud, sand, snow, deep water, or a ditch; mechanical failures such as a broken axle, engine trouble, or a failed/slipping transmission; flat tire(s); or empty fuel tank. DV8’s front bumpers offer different vehicle recovery options, so you can choose the bumper that matches your off-road style. Our Spec Series features a winch mount and two D-ring mounts for full recovery capabilities when rock-crawling or venturing on other technical trails. On the other hand, our Made To Overland (MTO) Series offers bumpers without a winch mount for those who prefer overlanding or exploring less aggressive trails. We also provide Elite Series 3/4” D-Rings for your aftermarket bumper’s recovery mounts, so you are always prepared when on the trail.

Lighting Options

Many off-road bumpers offer lighting options, so you can enhance your visibility when venturing on dim or dark trails. More often than not, your vehicle’s OEM lights are not powerful enough or designed to safely illuminate obstacles on the trail, so by supplementing your lighting, you can ensure that you will be able to identify rocks, potholes, animals, branches, and other hazards. DV8’s Elite & Halo Elite Lights are designed to provide you with the perfect lighting for your specific off-road needs with their combinations of light types, patterns, and colors.

Improved Approach Angle

The majority of off-road bumpers are designed to improve your vehicle’s approach angle, so you don’t bottom-out when navigating over rocks, steep grades, logs/tree roots, or other uneven terrain. Their low-profile fitment sits higher above the ground, and the wings normally tapper out on the ends, so the sides of your bumper don’t catch when approaching an obstacle.

Customizable Options for Added Protection

While aftermarket bumpers are necessary for venturing off-road, there are other upgrades that you can make to your rig to further protect it from damage. Most off-road bumpers offer add-ons that enhance your vehicle’s front end durability. The most common upgrade that people opt for is an off-road skid plate that is compatible with their new bumper. With an aluminum or steel skid plate, you can protect your rig’s vital undercarriage components from rocks, shrubs, debris, and other damaging hazards. Another upgrade is a bull bar or brush guard. These come in many different variations depending on your needs: more lighting options, headlight protection, hood protection, etc. Overall, depending on the aftermarket bumper you invest in, you can upgrade it to match your specific off-road needs.

Personal Safety

Lastly, but most importantly, an off-road bumper protects you and your passengers when on the trail. Aftermarket bumpers are designed to absorb impacts from obstacles like rocks, trees, and even animals. By preventing damage to the front of your vehicle, it also simultaneously protects you and others inside when involved in an off-road accident. When venturing off the beaten path, you and your passengers' safety should always be the number one priority.

These are the main reasons why you need to mount an off-road bumper to your vehicle before hitting the trail. However, we also recognize the reasons why you may be hesitant to purchase one: cost, installation complexity, alteration of aesthetics, vehicle compatibility, etc. While these seem like valid reasons on the surface, let’s dive into why you shouldn’t let them deter you from purchasing an aftermarket bumper if you are serious about taking your vehicle off-road.

Barriers to Purchase

Pricing

First off, quality bumpers can come with a hefty price tag, so it may seem cheaper to keep your stock bumper instead of upgrading it to a more durable option. While the cost upfront can be large, it is important to consider all of the future expenses that you can incur by taking your rig into an off-road environment unprepared. As mentioned above, off-road bumpers are designed to protect your vehicle’s radiator, grille, hood, and engine components while stock bumpers will fail even during small impacts. If your stock bumper clips a rock on the trail, you risk not only losing your bumper, but also causing costly damage to the front of your vehicle. In the end, an off-road bumper is an investment that will save you money and headaches in the long run.

Installation

Secondly, removing your stock bumper and then installing an aftermarket bumper can seem daunting at first if you’ve never done it before. This is why the majority of DV8’s bumpers are fully bolt-on, so you don’t have to worry about drilling or visible cut lines on the exterior of your vehicle. All of our bumpers also come with detailed step-by-step install guides, and if you need extra clarification on a certain step, our customer service team is just a phone call away to help answer any questions you may have. However, if you would rather have a professional install it for you, you can always take it to a qualified body shop. We strongly recommend doing your research before buying an aftermarket bumper to confirm that it comes with quality instructions and resources, or work out specifics with a mechanic in your area to ensure a smooth install process.

Aesthetic

Next, some people in the market for an off-road bumper can become concerned that a new bumper will ruin the look and aesthetic of their rig. However, DV8 designs their bumpers to follow the factory lines of your vehicle and provide a sleek & rugged styling, so you actually upgrade your rig’s look, instead of damaging it. We also offer different product lines, so you can choose the bumper that aligns with your vision. Gone are the days of bulky off-road bumpers.

Compatibility

Lastly, compatibility with your vehicle’s OEM features are a big priority for most off-road bumper buyers. Luckily, most of DV8’s bumpers are designed to retain your vehicle’s adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, fog lights, parking sensors, etc. We even offer relocation brackets for your acc and front camera for aftermarket bumper’s that block your rig’s sensors. It’s always important to research the bumper before you buy it to make sure it doesn’t hinder any of your vehicle’s factory capabilities.

At the end of the day, you want to ensure that you, your passengers, and your vehicle make it back home safely. Whether you own a Bronco Raptor, Jeep JL, Chevy Colorado, or any other type of truck/SUV, the first big step in preparing for an off-road adventure is to invest in an off-road bumper. By improving your vehicle’s durability, utility, and clearance, you can turn up dirt, splash through water, and crawl over rocks with confidence. While installation, styling, and compatibility with your rig’s features can be a concern, there are many aftermarket bumpers that are designed with a smooth install, sleek look, and compatibility in mind. Even the initial cost is worth the investment, because it will save you exponentially more money in the long run. While venturing off the beaten path feels like a dream, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not prepared. Substantially enhance your rig’s off-road durability by mounting an off-road bumper, so you can experience the thrills of the trail safely and responsibly.