OEM Bumper vs After Market Bumper

[rambuck]

So had a run in with a tractor trailer in a construction zone and need a new rear bumper on my less than one year old Ram 1500 Limited. Total repair bill is ~$3,500 with an OEM bumper and about $600 less for aftermarket bumper. (having some other body work done on the rear panel as part of that $3,500). I don't plan to run this through insurance so will be out of pocket. Anyone have experience with an after market bumper and provide their experience? Thanks!!

 

[tron67j]

Yes, get OEM. Worth the extra just from the rust perspective, I had to put aftermarket on last truck and it looked like crud after a year and never drove in salt. It was the inside, but it shows. Your repair company can generally get it cheaper than you, but hit Benny up in vendor section at All Mopar Parts, he might have a discount. Good luck.

 

[GTyankee]

In Florida i see,

RAM 1500 Rear Bumper Complete 2019-2024 Chrome OEM
$1450 plus $250 shipping

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no high priced dealership needed

 

[kirk35]

I happen to have a chrome OEM rear bumper shell that I pulled off my wife’s 1500 @ about 3000 miles. She wanted the painted bumpers. If you’re interested I can let it go for a reasonable price.

 

[Dean2]

If you are replacing the bumper anyhow you can get an excellent welded steel bumper for less than the OEM stuff made out of left over beer cans. At least you can use a Jackall on the steel ones, and it won't fold when you hit an empty cardboard box. Same applies to the front.

 

[JJEH]

There's like a gazillion aftermarket bumpers out there, but I don't think you can be wrong with a steel welded one, if that's what you want.

I'm looking at https://www.vicedesign.ca because they offer OEM look (your bumper) with an added winch tray. Pretty cool idea.
But they have steel bumpers too.

But again, it really depends on what you are looking for.

 

[Simonyet]

I replaced the rear on my Ram 3500 with a Hooke Ram 3500 bumper after backing into a rock. I know yours is a 1500, but Hooke makes bumpers for all trims, and the fitment was surprisingly solid. It's a bit more aggressive-looking than stock, but for the $600 or so savings, plus better protection, I’d do it again. No rust issues after a year either.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Personally, I'd go after market. Reason why, doubtful you might not have another incident, vehicles get traded out about 3 to 5 years. Your $$ ahead.

Treat it with fluid film on install. Usually combats potential rust.

I had aftermarket on my recently sold 16. Couldn't tell and it was 8 years old.

 

[diymirage]

I replaced the rear on my Ram 3500 with a Hooke Ram 3500 bumper after backing into a rock. I know yours is a 1500, but Hooke makes bumpers for all trims, and the fitment was surprisingly solid. It's a bit more aggressive-looking than stock, but for the $600 or so savings, plus better protection, I’d do it again. No rust issues after a year either.

Hed have to take that $600 and spend it on a front bumper, so as not to look half way done

 

[Tyler_h]

When I replaced my factory bumper with a cheap one - I couldn't tell the difference in weight or build quality when moving them around the shop.

 

[Rado]

From the aftermarkets rear bumpers I have seen they sit lower then OEM!
The space between the bumper and tailgate is noticeable !
You can see it a mile away :O

 

[StateOfMind]

So just had to replace my rear bumper after a kid rear ended me while staring at his phone. I started shopping OEM vs aftermarket, then started checking offerup and Facebook. You wouldn't believe how many OEM takeoffs are for sale, because people swap them out for welded. I found a used bumper, painted in my trucks PXR color. Got it cheap, polished it, and it looks great.

 

[RamRigger]

I chose a local steel fabrication shop which also welds up custom bumpers, $2600 later I like it and don't prefer the OEM, as they're too thin for their purpose.

I may have uploaded a too small pic so just increase on your keyboard if you like

 

[Rado]

I chose a local steel fabrication shop which also welds up custom bumpers, $2600 later I like it and don't prefer the OEM, as they're too thin for their purpose.

I may have uploaded a too small pic so just increase on your keyboard if you like

Now that is a sweet aftermarket bumper !

 

[Grams]

The factory AND the aftermarket chrome bumpers are built so lightweight chasing those CAFE numbers…they can’t take a hit from a rose-petal.

Model A Fords had bumpers …that ORGINATED the WORD “BUMPER”.

When my ‘12 Ram 1500 needed a rear bumper I went aftermarket WELDED PIPE ….. (their model HD22270 ) free shipping, and it’s Very Sturdy….but it’d probably wreck an Abrams Tank if it rear-ended me……. and that exact same model bumper fits every 1500 and 2500 from 2012 thru 2025…. AND it includes provisions for sensors….which is something you’ll need to consider …. Does your truck have sensors or cameras kin the bumpers?

My ‘12 did not ….so I stuck L.E.D. running-lights in the holders. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hopkins-2-...ide-Marker-with-Rubber-Grommet-Red/1002647826 I guess I could have also wired them to the turn signals…..or the backup lights…. but I chose the running lights.

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