Crash bar removal for Winch & Aftermarket Bumper - does this affect crash protection?

I am looking at several different aftermarket bumpers / winches for my 2021 OR and have seen in the installation videos that the factory crash bar is removed and replaced with the aftermarket bumper. It looks like the aftermarket bumpers (like the Victory 4x4 Blitz and others) are not as wide as the factory crash bar.

I am a bit concerned that I would lessen the crash protection by removing the factory crash bar and replacing with the aftermarket bumper / winch combo. I’ve not seen any info on the bumper websites that address this issue. So, would really like some feedback and guidance from those of you who have installed aftermarket bumpers and winches as I want to feel comfortable moving forward with this upgrade.
Anyone have any insight??

thanks....

 

I removed my crash bar and replaced it with C4 fabrication low pro bumper. It’s about the same size but made of steal. I believe it’s just as strong if not stronger then the crash bar. It bolts onto the frame just like the crash bar. It’s heavier too.

 

Yep
Doing this mod does have its cons
Got to ask yourself 'do I really need this'
Short answer is a resounding 'NO'
Going for looks is one thing getting something you know you'll use is another
I have to ask tho how many head-on's do you plan on gettin into
(There're no fun)
This thing doesn't have a great front end rating anyhoo

 

^ steel is stronger yes
Crash bar is made of aluminum to absorb kinetic energy (think bumper cars)
Crashing with steel bumber is a harder impact (crushed soda can)
Airbags help so not a big deal if you bump pretty much any car out taday if the hit is directly on the nose you'll be just fine however hitting another vehicle/barrie hard enough that's another story

 

What light bar you got on the bumper?

 

you are right about the front end protection...

My next door neighbor has a 2019 TRD Pro and he recently had a slow speed crash into a pine tree when he was running a trail in North Georgia. He managed to slide into a ditch and about 1 foot of the drivers side caught the tree crushing the headlight, fog light and pushed the fender back about 4 inches blocking opening of the drivers door. He came to a rest at about a 15-20 degree angle with the tree against the side of the roof between the doors flattening part of the panel. After recovering it, he was able to drive it home. He told me a couple of days ago that the body shop is planning to replace the roof panel in order to get it right.

Sorry about the long story but the point was that the hit to the outside of the front end did quite a bit of damage and as I consider putting a new bumper and winch on my rig, minimizing damage if I get a minor hit was on my mind. Maybe I need to consider a full expedition bumper.... or, just drive it and not worry about it..
Thanks for the comments...

 

I was about to start a similar topic. Do your airbags still deploy in a front end collision? Wasn't sure if the sensors were part of the crash bar or not.

 

I don't recall disconnecting any sensors, and I don't think I would have. I can't imagine any of these companies selling a product that would require removing them. It seems like it would be a major liability.

 

Bags still work

 

I assume I should be ok. Air bags work and my bumper is an aluminum one with steel mounts.

 

No sensors in the crash bar. I have mine still sitting in my garage.

 

Any bumper you install, even the hidden winch style, is going to be more beefy than the stock crash bar you remove.

Airbags still work.

The only concern I have is that even a low speed hit right on the winch is going to cause damage to at the very least the winch, if not also the radiator when the winch gets shoved into it since it sits like 1.5" from the radiator.

In other words I'm not really worried about crash injury, but crash damage is a consideration.

 

Extreme led 30” x6s while/amber

 

That is why I tell my insurance about the mods, I'll pay a bit more but damage will be covered.

 

^what insurance?
Mine won't cover me or rather...they capped me already

 

State Farm

 

I have State Farm too. They replaced my $6k aftermarket Bmw bumper when it cracked. They are expensive for an insurance company, but they do pay out when needed.

 

Same here. Good to know they cover it. I need to give them a call and let them know of the things I’ve added