19+ AEV Bumpers Are Out

[Overlander]

Though it says there is no kit yet to re-use the OE PW Warn winch. I wonder if this is due to the OE electrical wire lengths or some other factor.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/aev-front-bumper/

 

[LeesEvoX]

It does also say on the website

Coming soon - Optional power wagon winch retrofit kit, brush guard and intercooler skid plate!

Honestly. im not that impressed with it. Just like the 18 models. sure its a big chunk of metal. But it doesnt look like it increases approach angle, and since the picture above shows their high marker fender flares. im guessing the picture is with the "Short" corners for more clearance....

mehhhh

 

[donivan]

Looks good and beefier than stock. If I had a non PW I would consider this to add a winch but since I have a PW I'm staying with the cleaner factory look.

 

[Adventurebound]

When they get the Power Wagon piece all figured out, and the brush guard, I'm in for one. Couldn't help but notice the install time, 8 hours! Dang I think my ARB bumper on my last truck was like tops 3?

 

[Scotts26]

Honestly. im not that impressed with it. Just like the 18 models. sure its a big chunk of metal. But it doesnt look like it increases approach angle, and since the picture above shows their high marker fender flares. im guessing the picture is with the "Short" corners for more clearance....

mehhhh

My thoughts exactly. The Chassis Unlimited front bumper looks better,is more than 700 bucks cheaper,and will accept the PW winch out of the box. But that’s just my opinion.

 

[Overlander]

Don't discount the value of the engineering that AEV has put into the bumper. You can be certain it's been heavily scrutinized by competent engineers, is air-bag compatible, and thoroughly field tested. Not saying Chassis Unlimited is a bad product by any means. But there is a difference between someone who can fabricate something that fits and looks nice and someone who can properly engineer a product to meet all OEM/DOT/Safety requirements.

 

[retired]

nice for sure but more than I can afford. I was in the R&D shop when they were installing a rear one and they offered to sell me one. Very nice but a bit too rich for me at this point. I installed a front AEV bumper on my rubicon and have installed several rear AEV bumpers on other jeep rubicons. They are well thought out and I like they are stamped so they look good. I know tastes are personal but I do not think there is any comparison between Chassis unlimited and AEV.

 

[Adventurebound]

Don't discount the value of the engineering that AEV has put into the bumper. You can be certain it's been heavily scrutinized by competent engineers, is air-bag compatible, and thoroughly field tested. Not saying Chassis Unlimited is a bad product by any means. But there is a difference between someone who can fabricate something that fits and looks nice and someone who can properly engineer a product to meet all OEM/DOT/Safety requirements.

My exact thoughts...

 

[SeppW]

They are nice looking, but expensive and not-so-stellar reviews. Chief complaint was it's stamped steel of thin gauge. Can't confirm that since AEV bumpers I've seen are in pictures.

 

[Overlander]

This doesn't related to this specific bumper, but this interview is a great example of how much effort goes into the AEV product. There's definitely a 'why' behind every part of its design.

You can definitely make a big bumper out of 3/16" plate. But that it's a heavy bumper and a well thought out (and tested) solution are two different things.

 

[Scotts26]

Yeah I guess I just don’t get all the AEV hype. Is it quality stuff? Sure. All the parts I’ve seen in person are nice. Is all this extra “engineering” and “design” worth the premium and long leads times? Not to me. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Overlander]

Not arguing with you either way, value is definitely in the perception of the buyer/user. Out of curiosity, did you watch the vid in the link above?

 

[Scotts26]

Not arguing with you either way, value is definitely in the perception of the buyer/user. Out of curiosity, did you watch the vid in the link above?

I watched some of it. It’s a nice marketing video for sure.
Everything those X Overland guys do is geared toward the super high end type of overlanding so it’s not surprising they are partnering with a Gucci style company like AEV.
Again,I’m not denying they have some quality stuff. In fact I would buy a Snap right now but alas they have been out of stock for months.

 

[Adventurebound]

Looks like they also posted the new Prospectors and are showing off this bumper with the brush guard.

 

[PWonly]

Not being able to use the OE Warn winch at the onset stinks. Hoping the optional retrofit kit comes quickly.

 

[olyelr]

.... But it doesnt look like it increases approach angle, and ...

It doesnt. That has been well known for a while now, proven time and time again in moab. Especially compared to the low profile/high approach angle aftermarket bumpers that are available.

 

[IRSmart]

View attachment 227922

Though it says there is no kit yet to re-use the OE PW Warn winch. I wonder if this is due to the OE electrical wire lengths or some other factor.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/aev-front-bumper/

It’s because the 2019+ uses the Xeon winch instead of the M15000 like the old Power Wagons do. The winch needs to be rotated and modified from its OEM orientation to fit in any winch cradle other than the OEM one, and the parts to modify it may not exist yet (new release lever, new gaskets, etc).

When they get the Power Wagon piece all figured out, and the brush guard, I'm in for one. Couldn't help but notice the install time, 8 hours! Dang I think my ARB bumper on my last truck was like tops 3?

And it’s every bit of that too. Mine took me two days. There are a ton of steps to install it. I don’t ever plan on removing mine due to how involved it is.

It doesnt. That has been well known for a while now, proven time and time again in moab. Especially compared to the low profile/high approach angle aftermarket bumpers that are available.

Correct, it actually has LESS clearance than stock because of how far out it sticks. It hindered some at PWIM this year, especially a guy on stock tires and suspension with an AEV front. I plowed a few rocks with mine, but I made up for it with my lift and 37’s.

 

[IRSmart]

And let’s not forget the REAL win here: the rear bumper, teased for YEARS, is FINALLY available! Mine is on order and should ship this week. Sure, there are other options out there, but with everything else on my truck AEV (except their lift, blegh!), I felt it best to get their matching rear bumper. I can’t wait for it to finally arrive, I’ve been waiting two years for it!