Well, ****. Just assumed it was sturdy AF, ha.
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How do people feel about the new AEV bumpers?
- Thread starter UglyViking
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Rockcrawlindude
a rock crawlin’ dude
It could be. But I would be surprised
Wrayzor
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They aren't allen head bolts on the center low bar, they are M6X20 hex head bolds but still only 9ftlbs to secure. It's strong enough for a 200+lb technician to use it as step as the asshat from the dealer did when accessing my CP4 pump.
Rockcrawlindude
a rock crawlin’ dude
Mine are button head Allen M6x20 but yes 9lb/ft. They may have changed hardware. Mine Shipped 11/2020
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Rockcrawlindude
a rock crawlin’ dude
They ARE advertising it as protection from an animal strike.
Maybe it is made with thicker wall tubing than the low tube and maybe they reinforced the mounting inside of the tube. My low tube has basically a threaded nut welded inside it as the attachment point.
Damn it sure does look good. I wonder how it looks with smaller/stock flares.
Here is further proof the standard low tube is flimsy. You need a reinforcement bracket to mount two lights to it.
“A Low Tube Stabilizer Kit is also included to provide extra support and to eliminate any unwanted vibration from the extra weight of the lights. “
www.aev-conversions.com
Maybe it is made with thicker wall tubing than the low tube and maybe they reinforced the mounting inside of the tube. My low tube has basically a threaded nut welded inside it as the attachment point.
Damn it sure does look good. I wonder how it looks with smaller/stock flares.
Here is further proof the standard low tube is flimsy. You need a reinforcement bracket to mount two lights to it.
“A Low Tube Stabilizer Kit is also included to provide extra support and to eliminate any unwanted vibration from the extra weight of the lights. “
Low Tube
www.aev-conversions.com
UglyViking
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According to their literature, the key difference seems to be drilled holes at the exterior sides. Perhaps you're right that they reinforced the center mount with the version that is pre-dilled?
I feel like it won't look quite as good without the flares, but perhaps that's because I've only seen it with the flares.
I feel like it won't look quite as good without the flares, but perhaps that's because I've only seen it with the flares.
About to find out how it looks with smaller tires. Got a call that it’s getting delivered tomorrow. Literature says 6-8 hrs install? What was your experience? Did it really take that long?They ARE advertising it as protection from an animal strike.
Maybe it is made with thicker wall tubing than the low tube and maybe they reinforced the mounting inside of the tube. My low tube has basically a threaded nut welded inside it as the attachment point.
Damn it sure does look good. I wonder how it looks with smaller/stock flares.
View attachment 43287
Here is further proof the standard low tube is flimsy. You need a reinforcement bracket to mount two lights to it.
“A Low Tube Stabilizer Kit is also included to provide extra support and to eliminate any unwanted vibration from the extra weight of the lights. “
Low Tube
Rockcrawlindude
a rock crawlin’ dude
For the whole bumper? I installed it myself only recruiting help to lift the center section with the winch mounted into place. I would say 6-8 hours is pretty accurate. It could be done quicker. I took most of a weekend to do it. I’m never in a rush to get things done and I also added fog lights to my truck and painted my chrome etc while I had it apart.
UglyViking
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Interested to see how it will look. I just saw 2 posts today on instagram where the owner has the grille guard with ~37s. (https://www.instagram.com/p/CiK5IkKvLtp/ and https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch_HnsfrDL0/). I honestly don't hate it. I am interested to see what it looks like from the side profile, but so far it looks better than expected.
I’m hoping it doesn’t look too front heavy. I’ve only got 34’s. Hoping my wide ass end balances everything out.
Does anyone have any experience with how the AEV bumpers hold up to winter conditions? I love the look of these products and with my lift and tires, the front bumper would really round out the package. I just don't like how many aftermarket bumpers show rust and flaking powder coat after one winter here in New England.
UglyViking
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Hello fellow new englander! (Granite state here)
I don't have direct feedback myself but I'd be surprised if AEV had any issues with their bumpers rusting. For any of the negatives you may be able to say, coatings would seem a pretty unlikely thing. @Lumpskie lived up here for a bit and had a Prospector so he may have some feedback, but I haven't heard anything from him about rust issues.
Thanks for the reply, Vermont winters are tough on vehicles and equipment in general. I feel that the AEV front bumper is in my future. When I pull the trigger and go to install it, much care will be taken to guard against corrosion.
flan
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Sorry, mine gets parked when the snow starts to fly in the northeast
I’ll be camping in NH the 22nd-29th, wave if I pass ya!I don't blame you for not driving the truck on salted roads. Mine will see some of that, but I won't plow with it, I'm getting ready to build up an old v10 1ton ford for that. I really want to keep my ram nice, but I do enjoy 4 wheeling and the AEV bumper and winch setup is just a great blend of form and function.
Rockcrawlindude
a rock crawlin’ dude
Aev is located in Michigan, I believe. I think they know winter pretty well.
I hear ya. I was just asking if anyone had experience with long term exposure to winter conditions with the bumpers because they aren't exactly inexpensive. Many aftermarket products look great when new but don't hold up as well to salt brine road treatment as oem bumpers. No matter where a company is based, it's a valid concern at this price point. I always protect everything on a vehicle the best I can, spray the inside of the front and rear bumper with woolwax. Part of convincing my wife that I should by some like a 3000 dollar bumper is also convincing her it will last a good long time!
Lumpskie
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Yes sir, I drove mine year round in NH and don't have any rust on my rig. I did do the NH oil coat the first year though.
That's the feedback I'm looking for. This is the first daily driver I have had in a long time that won't be getting a plow mount, so a winch bumper is a possibility. Plus that way when I bury the plow truck in a snow bank I can have my wife rescue me with the ram.
Lumpskie
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I'm not sure exactly what this means but AEV says they use a multi-stage e-coat and powdercoat process that is supposed to be very rust resistant. I just oil coat all my rigs and keep them washed in winter... seems to have worked so far.