Winch Bumper Recommendations?
I've had a few close calls recently with deer, elk, and a Bigfoot (JK) and I figure it's only a matter of time until I hit one. I also need a winch so I'm now in the market for a winch bumper or as El...
Forum Discussion
Mello Mike wrote:wintersun wrote:
Be careful as these replacement bumpers can result in the air bags not activating in an accident. The airbags are usually activated by sensors behind the bumpers and designed to work in tandem with an impact. The people selling these bumpers are either not aware or not about to hurt their business by mentioning this aspect of the "upgrade".
That's a great point, Bruce. Thanks for bringing that up.
Mike
Actually the more likely issue is setting the airbags off too easily as the stout bumpers tend to transmit any collision energy more effectively to the frame of the vehicle and thus tripping the airbag sensors.
Stock bumpers are actually fairly flimsy on purpose....allows them to absorb energy by deforming rather than transmitting it all directly to the frame.
Search for airbag complaint bumpers and it will usually involve some sort of energy absorption at the frame rails such as crush cans to avoid direct transmission of impacts to the frame.
