Hey guys,

My wife hit a deer last week. Luckily no damage to the grill or headlights. However it did bust the bumper and damage the fog light. Insurance is giving me $750, So I'm thinking time to upgrade the bumper. The two options I've come up with is Aluminess and Demello. I've searched the forum and google, but haven't found much info. My requirements are:

1. Light weight. I don't want to immediately upgrade the suspension. I'm also not convinced that the super strong steel bumpers are the best option for a collision. Modern bumpers are designed to absorb the impact rather than transfer the energy to the occupants. This is my daily driver and I don't want to compromise the safety of my family. Which brings me to my second point:

2. Air bag sensors. Do the still work with aftermarket bumpers? If so, do they work properly? I have no idea...

3. While approach angles and room for oversized tires are important. I don't want to have to relocate washer fluid reservoir or any other components. And I don't want them exposed to the elements. Again, this is my daily driver and I'm not doing heavy off roading.

My goals are to get a bumper that will take mild abuse (ie: snow banks, brush, parking lot bumps, deer accidents...etc.) I would also like to have some decent recovery points. The only stock option is the tie down loop, and that's mediocre at best! Any first hand knowledge on these bumpers would be greatly appreciated. I'm also open to other suggestions.

Thanks!

By what I see your requirements you are trying to achieve, sounds like aluminum is your best option. Due to not changing suspension, not serious off roading, recovery points, ect.

As far as air bag sensors, I think you are taking a chance on this one. Not sure if it will work like factory was designed. By what I understand, it picks up speed change and that dictates deployment.

When I was searching for one, ARB states theres is compliant in there ad, I went with SW and they said ( on the phone ) it does, but, not on there ad.

Do some searches and make your decision on that, I would say.

Even the heavy metal ones will do a slight bend inward from a front/side hit also, tree and boulders asistances of course.

I've read the same thing about the bumper not affecting the airbag sensitivity. It's detected by speed/sudden stops.

As far as I know those are the only aluminum bumpers. Demello also has the lightest weight plate steel bumper but I think it's still pretty heavy.

FYI there are some updated pictures of the aluminess bumper somewhere around here. The pictures on their website show the old style I believe.

Interesting about the speed sensor. I'll have to do some research on that. Thanks for the info!

The demello is 80 pounds , its strong and ive hit trees and rocks with it going slow and it didn't budge. I don't think the airbags will be sffected since they use an accelerometer not a crush sensor. Here are some pics as requested.

Relentless also offers an aluminum option.

Do alum bumpers have recovery points? Or still allow use of factory point on frame?

That's a good looking runner! Any problems with the demello? Did you have to relocate the washer fluid tank or anything else?

Do you have any experience with Relentless? I checked out their website. Good looking bumpers.

nope, check over on TW, more popular there