Date:         Sun, 20 Mar 2016 09:41:18 -0400
Reply-To:     Nick Feickert <thesuperflydisco@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Nick Feickert <thesuperflydisco@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Aftermarket bumpers

Time to have a discussion on the available aftermarket bumpers that are
currently available for the Vanagon. Since I'm in the middle of my restoration
of my '85 Westy, I thought I'd get your input as to what you think is important
in choosing a bumper set. As of 2016, here is what is available:
 Go Westy: http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=23578
 Van-Cafe: http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_863_159/big-bumpers.html
 Rocky Mtn Westy:
http://www.rockymountainwesty.com/Vanagon_Twin_Peaks_Front_Bumper_p/rmw-tp01.htm
(link is to front bumper only)
 Aircooled.net: http://vwparts.aircooled.net/VW-Tube-Bumper-Front-1980-92-
Vanagon-p/vanagontubebumperfront.htm (link is to front bumper only)

 I'm not going to discuss the available OEM chrome or black bumpers because we
all know what they are, how they look, and capabilities of them. So lets begin!!
There are basically 4 things to consider when choosing a new aftermarket bumper
set: appearance, price, functionality, and weight.

 Go Westy Steel bumper set: Probably the most popular aftermarket set and with
lots of optional additional hardware you can add to them makes them very
desireable. The design is a clean look and wraps around the van very nicely.
Price just went up on these and now currenty at $850 per pair. Front bumper
weighs 25 lb. and rear 78 lb. Total weight 103 lb.
  Van-Cafe Tube bumper set: I have always been a fan of the look of the tube
bumper set! They give the van an agressive, tough appearance that I think is eye
catching and look great on the van. The down side, not really anything else else
you can add to these bumpers other than the standard tow hitch. NO carrier
trays, tire carriers, bike racks, etc. but there are other options for these,
you just cant attach them to these bumpers, and why would you? These bumpers are
meant to stand alone without the clutter of all those extra accessories, beside
some nice fog lights on the bull bar. Priced at $995. weight of front bumper 75
lb. Rear bumper 50 lb. Total 125 lb.
  Rocky Mtn Westy bumper set: This set is growing in popularity because of the
durability of them and options and accessories they offer. Personaly, I do like
the options with these bumper. I love the optional lock box ($199) I'm not a fan
of the look of the rear bumper. I think because of the tapered bottom of it, it
makes it look wider than other rear bumpers, even though it's not. With that
being said, these are tough bumpers and will protect the van from minor mishaps.
At $1049 for the set, these are the highest priced bumpers on the list with
front weight of 47 lb. and rear at 90 lb., total weight of 137 lb. which I find
acceptable.
  Aircooled.net bumper set: Once again we have a tube bumper design on steriods!
These are probably the toughest bumpers on the block. What I like about these is
the fact that they filled in the gaps between the tubes to hide the unpleasant
looking parts of the van that weren't meant to be seen. If you add the diamond
plating, it makes them look even tougher. At base price of $780, this set seems
to be a good deal, but the weight is an issue for me with front 175 lb. and rear
100 lb. for a total of 275 lb.  Whoa!!! Those are some heavy bumpers!!

  You also have to consider shipping charges that will anywhere from $150 to
$250 depending on where you live. Of course, you can pick them up if that's an
option and avoid the shipping charges. So lets hear from you. Those of you who
have installed one of these sets and also those of you who are considering
installing a set and what you think is important when choosing a bumper set. And
maybe someone is working on a new design, I know you're out there!!  Too look
dashing or to survive crashing....that is the question!