A 4x4 is already a much tougher and more capable vehicle to drive, but if you want to add extra muscle and practical capability to yours, then a winch bumper is the ideal customisation.
There are a whole range of upgrades and additions you can make for your 4x4 - including snorkels, which you can read about here - but this month at Milner Off Road, we’re going to take a look at winch bumpers in more detail. So whether you’re working on a farm or simply love off-roading, read on to find out more.
What is a winch bumper?
A winch bumper is a specially designed bumper to replace your existing one, adding a heavy-duty winch in either a covered compartment or open to the elements. This is not your standard bumper because, as you can imagine, it needs to be far more robust and secure if it’s going to be put to use.
The mounting of a winch requires more equipment to secure it, and you can choose between a front or rear bumper depending on the make and model of 4x4 you own and the type of winch work you’re looking to do.
How do winch bumpers work?
A winch bumper works by not only offering low-speed collision impact protection, but it also houses a heavy-duty winch system that can be used to pull other vehicles and objects. It features a spool of cable around a drum to be extended and retracted.
Different winches will have different weight limits, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with this and exercise caution. But essentially, a winch bumper is a great, versatile tool for helping you recover other vehicles or shift large obstacles such as tree stumps.
The advantages of winch bumpers
Winch bumpers come with some fairly obvious benefits, but to help you decide whether it would be the right addition for your 4x4, here are some of the common advantages people get from this upgrade:
- Improved protection - Front-end winch bumpers are often more robust than standard ones due to the sturdy materials needed in their construction.
- Greater functionality - With a winch bumper added to your 4x4, you can carry out many more tasks. This device can help you when off-roading on tricky terrain or can be put to use on farmland and woodland work.
- Enhanced look - For some people, just the look of a winch bumper can be enough of a reason to upgrade. With a tough and rugged appearance, it can be both a style statement as well as a functional feature.
What are the laws surrounding winch bumpers?
Winch bumpers are a legal addition you can make to your 4x4 here in the UK, but it has to be done safely. You should not put yourself or your passengers at risk when making any modifications, so it pays to do your homework on what the best type of winch is for your vehicle and to ensure it is properly fitted.
In addition to this, you should always inform your insurance company of any modifications to your vehicle. This is because you could invalidate your policy if it is not included in your coverage. You may or may not be required to pay an additional fee — this varies between providers so be sure to check your documents and contact your provider specifically before making any changes.
Things to consider when buying a winch bumper
Aside from remembering to contact your insurer before adding a winch bumper, you should also think about the following:
- Is a winch compatible with your vehicle?
- What type of material/finish do you want for your bumper?
- Can your suspension handle the additional weight of a winch?
- Will you be able to keep up with maintenance for a winch?
- Does the winch bumper have enough mounting points?
- Do you want a hidden or open winch bumper?
At Milner Off Road, we’ve been keeping 4x4 owners equipped with everything they need to meet any challenge since 1981. You can find a variety of winch bumper and mount kit accessories in our dedicated category, so why not browse and place your order today for swift despatch to wherever you are in the world?
Do you have more questions about winch bumpers or our range of products? Contact our specialist team for more advice and insight.