A winch bumper does so much more than enhance your 4×4’s vehicle protection. There are many benefits that go hand-in-hand with the addition of a winch bumper. Here we share the advantages of upgrading your bumper setup and explore whether opting for a hidden or full winch bumper is right for you.
What exactly is a winch bumper?
A winch is a recovery essential no 4×4 should be without. Winches can be used to get you out of some very sticky situations, with the cables and hardware they incorporate aiding self-recovery across a wide range of scenarios.
Choosing a winch is therefore an integral part of 4×4 ownership, and it’s a decision that should be based on reliability and performance. Selecting the right winch for your vehicle is however just the beginning.
A winch bumper is ‘winch ready’ – i.e. suitable or compatible with the mounting of a winch – a design that sits on the front of the vehicle and is a vital part of your recovery setup.
How does a winch bumper differ from a hidden mount?
Winch bumpers and hidden winch mounts are often mentioned in the same breath, and for good reason!
A hidden winch mount sits inside the original factory bumper and is a cradle rather than being a bumper in its own right. Both designs are used to incorporate a winch, yet a full winch bumper puts the winch on display. In comparison, a hidden mount conceals your chosen winch, making your 4×4 ideal for use both on and off the road.
Settling the debate between whether a full winch bumper upgrade or the use of a hidden mount is right for you purely comes down to your preference. Some 4×4 drivers like the look of full winch bumpers – this upgrade offers a great opportunity for improving the aesthetics of your 4×4 as well as putting those carefully selected upgrades on display – whilst others prefer to keep recovery hardware hidden from view.
What benefits can I unlock with a winch bumper?
Whether opting for a hidden mount or full winch bumper, the benefits this particular upgrade unlocks are many. Along with enhancing the look of your vehicle, the addition of a winch bumper and winch gives you all you need to pull yourself out of almost any situation or help a fellow 4×4 driver in need.
These robust, steel, powder coat finished constructions are also built to last, providing long-term access to essential recovery gear as well as additional vehicle protection as OffRoadNeeds explains:
“…a bumper can offer protection to your winch and your vehicle. If you are mounting your winch on the front of your vehicle, a bumper can protect your winch from debris. A bumper can also provide a place to attach your winch’s fairlead. If you are mounting your winch on the back of your vehicle, a bumper can protect your vehicle from the winch’s cable.”
Housing your winch in a full bumper or using a hidden mount can help preserve the quality and condition of your winch and, more specifically, its cable too. Selected winch cables can become damaged over time with exposure to UV rays, dirt and debris all having an impact.
Ready to discover the benefits of a winch bumper for yourself? Shop our winch bumpers and hidden winch mounts today!
