Are ARB the only player left for simple large frame winch bumpers for 4th gen Ram 2500?

U

urbex

Observer
Picked up a '17 CCLB Cummins Ram 2500 a year ago, and finally get around to setting the thing up to be more than just a daily commuter. Went hunting for a winch bumper to hang my existing Warn M12 on, and was rather shocked to find to there's a whole lot nothing for large frame winch bumpers for these trucks. Plenty for the mid frame winches, but virtually nothing for large frame.

I found the ARB, then the Warn and TJM that have discontinued theirs....and a couple others that look like they came off the set of a Transformers movie.
I prefer the simple, rectangular-ish bumper that sticks out a bit, because then it also makes a handy step for underhood work. I actually really liked the TJM for this reason -
tjm_ram_bumper.jpg


I'm not wild about the modular look of the ARB, but then function always wins over form in my book, and I don't want to go to a smaller winch if I can avoid it...and if the ARB ends up being the only option here, I'd rather have a look I don't like than a function I don't like.
 
TommyG

TommyG

Adventurer
Chassis Unlimited has a couple of designs.


chassisunlimited.com

Product Result

Shop premium Full Size Truck Bumpers at Chassis Unlimited. Enhance your truck's durability and style. Visit the website today for top-quality options!
chassisunlimited.com chassisunlimited.com
 
C

csj

New member
I've got a m12 in my Mercenary bumper going on 10 years now.
Check CJC off road they sell them and quite a few others, they should be able to tell you what fits what.
 

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Peter_n_Margaret

Peter_n_Margaret

Adventurer
Not remotely like your vehicle, but my winch is mounted directly to the chassis which is where all the loads go. The original bumper has a small mod to accommodate the cable and fairlead.
The winch mount is not visible.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
 
Z

Zuber

Active member
+2 on Buckstop. In aluminum it just about saves the weight of the winch (with synth).

I had an M16000 in one. But, all I use now is the Horror Fright 12k for about 1/6 the cost and maybe better reliability.
 
U

UglyViking

Well-known member
Lots of options depending on budget and price, a lot of great ones shared here, although I'm not sure that all of them will fit your full frame winch. That said, considering the more limited option for full frame winch bumpers, it may be best to look at reselling your current winch and replacing it with a mid frame design, especially if you're gonna stick in the 12k range. Whatever little you lose in capability there you can likely easily make up for with an additional pulley point.
 
U

urbex

Observer
UglyViking said:
Lots of options depending on budget and price, a lot of great ones shared here, although I'm not sure that all of them will fit your full frame winch. That said, considering the more limited option for full frame winch bumpers, it may be best to look at reselling your current winch and replacing it with a mid frame design, especially if you're gonna stick in the 12k range. Whatever little you lose in capability there you can likely easily make up for with an additional pulley point.
Click to expand...

Compare the gear train in a Zeon 12 to a M12, and tell me that it's a only a little loss in capability.

warn_industries_gears.jpg
Sometimes I just want to get the job done, and not spend the time to rerig multiple times with pulleys and extensions.

Seems few people understand that not all winches mount the same, and when I say I need something specifically for a "large frame" winch, there's a reason for it, and most gloss right over that point. Including bumper dealers... "but it supports up to a 12K winch, so it'll be fine!"

Ordered a Steelcraft HD bumper this morning.
 
U

UglyViking

Well-known member
urbex said:
Compare the gear train in a Zeon 12 to a M12, and tell me that it's a only a little loss in capability.

View attachment 891226
Sometimes I just want to get the job done, and not spend the time to rerig multiple times with pulleys and extensions.

Seems few people understand that not all winches mount the same, and when I say I need something specifically for a "large frame" winch, there's a reason for it, and most gloss right over that point. Including bumper dealers... "but it supports up to a 12K winch, so it'll be fine!"

Ordered a Steelcraft HD bumper this morning.
Click to expand...
I didn't say that the full frame winches weren't overbuilt, but I get your point. For what it's worth, the comparison image you're sharing here is from 2015, almost 10 years ago. A lot of change has happened in manufacturing capabilities in the past decade, and while I have no doubt that a full frame winch is a more durable winch, I think that the 12k number has a ton of overlap. If you we going for a 16K+ winch then obviously you're in the full frame side, but with a 12k I think you can easily get away with a mid frame.

Again, that's not to say that it's built as large as a full frame, it's clearly, obviously, physically smaller, and thus the gears will be a bit smaller. That said, a ton of guys run mid frame 12k winches with success, hence my recommendation.

Glad you found a bumper to work for your needs.
 
mog

mog

Kodiak Buckaroo
I know you are asking about front, but I'll toss in my experience with rear winch bumpers, if case that will be helpful to someone searching.

I use the stock front winch set-up (Warn 12.5) on my 2016 Ram Power Wagon. I bought a Road Armor rear winch bumper (pn#41200B), hoping to use an 'extra' Warn 12.5 winch I had (so matching front and rear). No way would that fit. Not only not enough room in the bumper, but it also would interfere with the stock trailer hitch. Carefully reading the description on-line (after purchase) it notes M8000lb max.

Lucky I had an Amazon/Chinese 13,000lb winch sitting in my garage and with some slight grinding on the case I was able to get that mounted with 1/4" to spare from the trailer hitch.
I am extremely happy with the Road Armor bumper. Very well made, and it was packed and completely protected so even thought the outer shipping box was damaged (220 lb bumper), the bumper was perfect and scratch free inside.

BTW- Road Armor lists a lot of front winch bumpers HERE (with better prices on Amazon and other websites)

One man install if you get creative

rbu1.jpg

rbu2.jpg

rbu3.jpg
rbu4.jpg

Factory Power Wagon front winch

fbu1.jpg
 
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