Upgraded Bumper/Winch Set Ups

[BMFS33]

For those of you that have installed full front armor/bumper/winch set ups, do you have any regrets adding the weight to the vehicle? I am upgrading the suspension to OME BP 51's so I'm not concerned about the handling due to the extra weight because the adjustability of the shocks will smooth that out. I'm just wondering how much it's affected the overall vehicle. I wheel this thing, and I could benefit from the better approach angle and the lights, especially as the days get shorter. The winch, I've never used one but if I'm putting a bumper on I may as well install the winch and have it if I (or someone else on the trail) needs it. Attached is a rendering of what my front end would look like if I install this bumper, which I'm so very on the fence about doing. It's not cheap.

 

[Blue Sky]

I really, really like that SLEE bumper! I appreciate how toned-down it is and more in line of a factory look.

Just my 2 cents but,
I would suggest following up with your insurance provider about a Custom Parts and Equipment Endorsement (CPE) before you make any serious purchases. I mentioned a bumper modification to my State Farm agent a few months ago and he said that any claim or coverage could be denied due to Material Misrepresentation in the policy. This would be something an appraiser would note if they were doing an inspection after an incident. I tried to hunt down the exact clause in my policy but they make pretty challenging to get the specifics.

Don't want to freak you out, but I decided to take a step back for a bit. But damn if that SLEE wouldn't be the one if I did decide to go for it!

 

[Bad1975]

No regrets here, upgraded the suspension to include higher rated springs (3" Front/2".2 rear) to handle the additional weight (was +98lbs. IIRC after accounting for the items that get removed). No effect to have the vehicle handles or MPG still averaging 22MPG. After suspension has settled, I'm at 2-3/4" F & just under 2" rear with about a 1/4" of rake which is what I was after.