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Steel vs Alum.

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Aerocover.....

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I just had my truck wrecked and it had a TJM Bumper/brushguard on it. TJM does not ship to America anymore, which is ashamed because I really like it. So now I am looking for another kind. I am looking at Ranch hand, DOR, and Ute. The TJM was built extremly tough. It was alum. and had two C-channel that bolt together one on top of the other. This made it very strong. DOR is one large C-channel that does not seem as stout as the TJM's. I am not too sure about the Ute. The Ranch Hand is even stronger, but is it better. First is the weight. An alum. is very light compared to stell. Second and most important is the strenth.



I would think that the weak link should be the bumper, to a point. First lets look at stock; not much protection for the frame.

Next is Alum; gives good protection and will give some which equals less stress one the frame. Now steel; very strong and possible stronger than the frame. So now the frame will give first as it is the weak link.



Am I correct in this theory? Would putting a very strong front bumper on my truck cause more serious problems in the case of a front end impact. Or will the mounting hardware give enough to save the frame?



Just something to think about.
 
The DOR bumber it supposed to be stronger than a steel one 'cause it's real thick alum, and it only weighs 133#'s I'm told. The "Earth Roamer" has one and loves it. I'll get one myself, but $$ is kinda tight right now. :(



Later, Rob
 
I had an '84 Dodge with a pretty strong brush guard on it and got hit at an angle to the front bumper.

The bumper survivied pretty much intact... . however the FRAME was tweaked about 2" to the right side.

Bigger ain't always better.
 
I have an AliArc aluminum deer strainer. Weighs about 50lbs and is stout. They are made in Manitoba and cost around $1400 Cdn (+/- $900 US). They fit all makes and models including logging and other big rigs. Highly recommend their bumper.
 
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