Your Dream Front Bumper

[Matt]

I do not see a way to use the space for storage as it would not be easy to access your tools once the bumper is installed.

We're not saying to copy the maniac bumper exactly.... you can, IMO, easily improve upon the design to make the winch compartment accessible. A stainless steel hinge, a plate, a weather seal and a latch.... on top would probably be best.

Due to winch size you may still need to install it before installing the bumper. But the hatch will still allow access to the winch for service, or even for use if it doesn't have a remote wire.

[Sal-XK]

That's what i was thinking an access door on top would be cool.

[Matt]

I was also thinking that you could make different access doors to aid in winch clearance. So the standard could be a flat door... nice and low profile. But if someone want to run a larger winch than the compartment is designed for (height wise), they could buy a "high clearance door"... kind of like how a differential cover works.

[Holaday07 4.7]

I like that bumper, everything designed so far seems really bulky. Most important thing for myself is clearance, tow points, and looks. Cant wait to see the finished product.

[LWM]

We're not saying to copy the maniac bumper exactly.... you can, IMO, easily improve upon the design to make the winch compartment accessible. A stainless steel hinge, a plate, a weather seal and a latch.... on top would probably be best.

Due to winch size you may still need to install it before installing the bumper. But the hatch will still allow access to the winch for service, or even for use if it doesn't have a remote wire.

That's what i was thinking an access door on top would be cool.

I follow you, great idea!

I was also thinking that you could make different access doors to aid in winch clearance. So the standard could be a flat door... nice and low profile. But if someone want to run a larger winch than the compartment is designed for (height wise), they could buy a "high clearance door"... kind of like how a differential cover works.

So you are suggesting the bumper would come stock with the "low profile" cover, and an optional "high profile" cover would be available to purchase later if needed?

[Matt]

exactly. I'm not sure how the dimensions will work out.... but the winch compartment (storage compartment) could be designed to fit most standard winch sizes to keep the bumper as small and low profile as possible. in the standard configuration it would come with the low profile door and possibly a template for cutting the winch fairlead hole (for those installing a winch).

Then, for guys who want the biggest winch on the market or something like the powerplant, they can order an optional "high clearance" hatch.

This way the bumper is as versatile as possible... its not overly bulky for guys who don't want a winch, it offers something other bumpers don't (storage compartment and/or covered winch), and as a manufacturer you wont have to make 3 different bumper configurations to please everyone.

ill work up my consulting fee estimate And send you the bill. lol.

[CmmdrDan]

I may get shunned for this..But no winch..I like the one matt posted but I would never truly need the winch..Just have to make sure I know someone who does..

[AJeepZJ]

I may get shunned for this..But no winch..I like the one matt posted but I would never truly need the winch..Just have to make sure I know someone who does..

Shunned? no. Chastized? Yes! Once upon a time, there was a 2" bb lifted XK, with 27" stock tires that needed to be winched, not once... but twice.. Everyone needs a winch.

[LWM]

I may get shunned for this..But no winch..I like the one matt posted but I would never truly need the winch..Just have to make sure I know someone who does..

So here is the question for you... And this does not require a commitment to buy but, would you be interested in a metal replacement bumper with two recovery points and nothing else? Or are you thinking something else? I just want some clarification because options like no winch are do-able without much redesign (more design means more expense).

I can build a simple bumper and it would like like the winch bumper but I am wondering if anyone would buy one if I built it.