Stock Front Bumperette Removal

DreamWeaver

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Jan 6, 2021
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7
Location
South Carolina, USA
I needed to remove the stock rubber bumperettes to install a tow flat tow brackets on the stock front bumper. Decided to make a quick video to confirm how and that it is necessary to access the fasteners on the bumperette. Hope this helps someone.

 
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Good vid, is it strong enough with bolts going through bumper horizontal?
Could it set of airbags with a heavy bump?
I am just asking because I dont know. :)
 
It makes me wonder what the purpose of then bumperettes is? Are they purely decorative or do the play a part in the performance of the bumper in a front on impact?
If the bumperettes are purely decorative and the answer to the question re strength is that it is a strong enough mounting point is this a good option for recovery points on the stock bumper?
I ask out of ignorance, not because I am trying to make a point.
 
It makes me wonder what the purpose of then bumperettes is? Are they purely decorative or do the play a part in the performance of the bumper in a front on impact?
If the bumperettes are purely decorative and the answer to the question re strength is that it is a strong enough mounting point is this a good option for recovery points on the stock bumper?
I ask out of ignorance, not because I am trying to make a point.
This is a guess, but I thought they were there for added protection. The few inches they stick out could aid in small/low speed contact. I also kind of like the way they look on there with the milk jugs removed. They add a little depth to the plain front factory bumper.
 
The bumperettes are at the end of each frame rail per side. They are there for low impact, however add some compression absorption. The tow bar has re-enforcement plates on the backside of the bracket on the inner side of the bumper. I towed it today testing it for about 40 miles at 70+ mph and it handles exceptionally well. As for the airbag, not finding any details that this could cause deployment, remember many folks pull Jeeps flat behind RV’s with great results. This was a great addition to not have to drive 600 miles in the Jeep. I am old and the truck is way more comfortable then the 17 year old LJ 😂
 
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This is a guess, but I thought they were there for added protection. The few inches they stick out could aid in small/low speed contact. I also kind of like the way they look on there with the milk jugs removed. They add a little depth to the plain front factory bumper.
Sorry, dumb question, what do you mean by "milk jugs"?
 
The bumperettes are at the end of each frame rail per side. They are there for low impact, however add some compression absorption. The tow bar has re-enforcement plates on the backside of the bracket on the inner side of the bumper. I towed it today testing it for about 40 miles at 70+ mph and it handles exceptionally well. As for the airbag, not finding any details that this could cause deployment, remember many folks pull Jeeps flat behind RV’s with great results. This was a great addition to not have to drive 600 miles in the Jeep. I am old and the truck is way more comfortable then the 17 year old LJ 😂
I only asked given the thread a few days ago on rear bumpers and tow ratings, do you not have to have tow rated equipment standards in US for on road use or are they State by State standards? if it is strong enough to tow direct from the front bumper then is it the same for the rear bumper? Can you bolt a 2" receiver to the rear bumper and legally tow?
 
I only asked given the thread a few days ago on rear bumpers and tow ratings, do you not have to have tow rated equipment standards in US for on road use or are they State by State standards? if it is strong enough to tow direct from the front bumper then is it the same for the rear bumper? Can you bolt a 2" receiver to the rear bumper and legally tow?
The tow bar is designed to pivot and does not apply tongue weight. By design it does not apply shear to the bumper like a traditional trailer. The additional plates and the fasteners are rated to tow 5,000 pounds and reinforce the bumper given more tensile strength.
Adding a hitch to the bumper on the rear would allow tongue weight in shear and pull force in tensile that the bumper is not designed to handle. The bumper is there for impact to lessen the load on the frame. Installing a hitch receiver directly to the frame under the bumper applies the shear and tensile forces to the frame that is designed to handle the load.