How much weight is TOO much weight?

[HRPINDC]

The transmission also has a lot to do with the limited cargo and towing capacity. I am almost hyper aware of adding weight to the Jeep for these very reasons. I want to get a new front bumper, but can't seem to find one which is full width, will work with the airbags, is not too heavy and doesn't look like it belongs on the Stealth Bomber. I'll likely go with AEV, but even that's heavy.

When I camp, I go light though. I subscribe to Omar's school of thought. The best mods I've made so far, are those to lighten up my camping equipment. My Jeep is completely stock at this point and does way more than I have required. Mods will come as necessary, but the goal is to stay as close to stock as possible.

 

[kojackJKU]

what are your reasons for a bumper besides looks? I have been back and forth on a bunch of front and rear bumpers but keep going back to modified stocks for weight. And I have quelled any desire for aftermarkets now and going with a modded stock setup.

 

[HRPINDC]

what are your reasons for a bumper besides looks? I have been back and forth on a bunch of front and rear bumpers but keep going back to modified stocks for weight. And I have quelled any desire for aftermarkets now and going with a modded stock setup.

Mostly because I rearended a taxi cab a few months back...doh! Would also like jacking points for a Hi-Lift, but that's not so important. I was thinking about the LOD Armor Lite Mid Width, but the lines don't flow with the Jeep the way I would like. I know, I'm pretty picky but it's one of those things that would bother me later. May just get another stock bumper cheap on Craig's List.

 

[stioc]

Funny, this topic came up here. I recently looked into the GVWR for my truck and posted it in my build thread. Here's a copy-paste:

GVWR on the door jamb says 5300lbs. The Curbweight of the truck is approx 4300lbs for a total payload of 1000lbs. Some might be surprised to hear that's not a lot for a family truckster. Let's see how my truck is doing with the 1000lbs payload:

Weight increase (in lbs) from fixed items (items that are always on the truck)
-Sliders 80
-Roof rack 80
-Skid plates 30
-Hi-lift 35
-Battery: 53 (vs. 35 stock)
-Compressor: 5
-Cargo barrier: 20
-Storage platform: 30
-Tools: 27
.toolbox
.fire ext
.flat repair kit
.air hose
.stakes
-2x Plastic bins with misc camping stuff: 30
-Wheels and tires: 100lbs heavier than stock
.Wheels: 24 x 4 = 96 (vs. 84lbs stock wheels)
.KM2: 53 x 4 = 212 (vs. 128 stock tires)

Total increase: 550lbs

Camping mode add-ons:
-Fridge empty: 40
-Smitty ramps: 18
-2x Rotopax: 10
-Scepter water tank: 5
-tent: 20
-pads: 5
-bags: 10
-crate: 8
-table: 15
-chairs: 10
-clothing: 40
5gal water: 40
kitchen box (food, supplies etc): 40
5gal gas: 40

Total: 300

Grand Total: 850lbs before passengers, that'another 400lbs for a family of three and a dog so we're now at 1250lbs or so- approx 250-300lbs exceeding GVWR. Now the suspension and tires are plenty capable of handling this load just fine and highway driving doesn't even tax the components much but thrashing around offroad is quite another story and definitely tough on equipment (structure/frame, joints, brakes, hubs etc). While not the end of the world but lately I've started to give some thought to reducing weight. Now before anyone suggests, going on a diet for myself is out of the question, ditching the dog I'm told is not an option either nor is adding more crap like winches etc

 

[HRPINDC]

Also, the GVWR on Jeep's website differs from what's printed on my door jamb. According to the label on my JKUR the GVWR is 5700 lbs. Less the curb weight of the vehicle which is 4340, gives us a load capacity of 1360 lbs. I think the curb weight includes a 165 lb driver, but I could be mistaken on that point.

 

[HRPINDC]

Stioc, I don't think your wheels and tires count against GVWR since the vehicle is not technically carrying this weight. Glad to hear drivers of other vehicles have these concerns too.

 

[kojackJKU]

Mostly because I rearended a taxi cab a few months back...doh! Would also like jacking points for a Hi-Lift, but that's not so important. I was thinking about the LOD Armor Lite Mid Width, but the lines don't flow with the Jeep the way I would like. I know, I'm pretty picky but it's one of those things that would bother me later. May just get another stock bumper cheap on Craig's List.

Weight and rust are two main reasons im sticking with stock. I am going to add the high clearance VDP corners, not the stubbys but the new full width versions, I get to keep my lighting setup as its as good as it gets for my neck of the woods, and I am going to get a Skid Row Off Road skid place to replace that chinsy plastic one. On the rear, I am mounting my 7 way plug and a set of flush mount LED lights for reverse, adding the teraflex hinge and vector off road rack to my rear end. That keeps weight to a minimum and adds functionality. Keeps my MPG up with less weight as well.

 

[stioc]

Stioc, I don't think your wheels and tires count against GVWR since the vehicle is not technically carrying this weight. Glad to hear drivers of other vehicles have these concerns too.

Even though technically wheels and tires are un-sprung mass but when on a weighing scale they count just like anything else- which is also how GVWR is calculated by the highway patrol.

 

[JIMBO]

Stock bumpers have two jacking points-

Each side where the bumper meets the bottom of the forward frame ends-

JIMBO

 

[DallasJKU]

Mostly because I rearended a taxi cab a few months back...doh! Would also like jacking points for a Hi-Lift, but that's not so important. I was thinking about the LOD Armor Lite Mid Width, but the lines don't flow with the Jeep the way I would like. I know, I'm pretty picky but it's one of those things that would bother me later. May just get another stock bumper cheap on Craig's List.

I felt the same way, but once I got the LoD on I'm very happy with its looks and it might actually provide a little extra protection for the grill because of its lines.

 

[Comanche Scott]

Hi-Lift jacking points on the bumper, are a good thing

Mostly because I rearended a taxi cab a few months back...doh! Would also like jacking points for a Hi-Lift, but that's not so important. I was thinking about the LOD Armor Lite Mid Width, but the lines don't flow with the Jeep the way I would like. I know, I'm pretty picky but it's one of those things that would bother me later. May just get another stock bumper cheap on Craig's List.

.
I really like jacking points on the front and rear bumper.
Yesterday I was admiring the front bumper on my JKUR-X. Thinking how awesome it is, with the detachable wings. How the winch sits down nice and low so it doesn't block air flow to the radiators. How cool the fog lights integrate into the "stubby" section.
I was really smiling to myself.
Then I noticed... no jacking points! :Wow1: What were they thinking?! Now I have to go cut some in, and touch up the paint so it doesn't rust.

 

[mikeJKUR]

.
I really like jacking points on the front and rear bumper.
Yesterday I was admiring the front bumper on my JKUR-X. Thinking how awesome it is, with the detachable wings. How the winch sits down nice and low so it doesn't block air flow to the radiators. How cool the fog lights integrate into the "stubby" section.
I was really smiling to myself.
Then I noticed... no jacking points! :Wow1: What were they thinking?! Now I have to go cut some in, and touch up the paint so it doesn't rust.

I feel the same way.



I was surprised on how much the Robicon X bumper weighed considering a winch mounting plate would have to be added.

 

[HRPINDC]

Stock axles have two jacking points-

Each side where the bumper meets the bottom of the forward frame ends-

JIMBO

Hey Jimbo, it looks to me like the crush cans would be in the way.

DallasJKU, I'm really liking your new Jeep, although admittedly I drooled over your white one. I go back and forth on the LOD, but right now I'm leaning AEV even though it's heavier. I want to make sure that the bumper doesn't interfere with the airbags, and I know AEV does the testing to ensure this.

Comanche Scott, I am also surprised the 10a/HR bumpers don't have jacking points. But then again I was surprised that all Wranglers don't have jacking points for the Hi-Lift. I like your idea of creating points and will look forward to seeing the write up.

 

[DallasJKU]

Hey Jimbo, it looks to me like the crush cans would be in the way.

DallasJKU, I'm really liking your new Jeep, although admittedly I drooled over your white one. I go back and forth on the LOD, but right now I'm leaning AEV even though it's heavier. I want to make sure that the bumper doesn't interfere with the airbags, and I know AEV does the testing to ensure this.

Comanche Scott, I am also surprised the 10a/HR bumpers don't have jacking points. But then again I was surprised that all Wranglers don't have jacking points for the Hi-Lift. I like your idea of creating points and will look forward to seeing the write up.

Thank you!! The great thing is I can make this Rubicon look identical to my white one with a lift. I actually like the ease of getting in and out. Easier for my dog. Rides great so far. A leveling kit might be in the future, but I would like to keep the stock suspension as long as possible. Plus, my Rubicon is better than my Sport in every way. So happy with the swap at this point.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Sorry HRPINDC, I didn't even think about the newer JK/JKU front bumpers-

Even though my JKUR has OLYMPIC "Rock Crusher" bumpers with the frame ends RIGHT THERE, I never use the bumpers for a HiLift--

I always use an "AirJack" under the axle and the sliders for a HiLift !

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO