Can't go wrong with either. I had an ARB on my last Rubicon (Beautiful Bumper) I was all set to get bumper(s) for my Sahara and was going with the AEV this time.
They are pricier but I ended up trading my Sahara....
Don't let anybody sway you by saying they are both made in the same place or the one has recovery points and the other doesn't blah blah.
They are both literally Great Bumpers. I can't even remember what tipped me (this time) to the AEV, maybe because I already had an ARB.
Good luck. I know that was zero help.
Maybe this will help with the decision, are you getting Front and rear? The AEV has two(2) water containers built in (which is cool) I knew I wanted both front and rear and the AEV rear tipped me in that direction.
AEV also has Hi-Lift points on both front and rear bumpers. I have had my AEV Premium front for going on 4 years now.. I will be putting one on my next Jeep as well.
As a side note, the AEV fits a 12K Smittybilt X2O winch beautifully without trimming.
I picked up a gently used AEV premium JK front tubed bumper for $1200 less then new, Canadian prices mind you. Other then missing the vacuum pump relocation bracket and light brackets I feel I got a great deal. I was torn between these 2 same front bumpers. I'm not sure about the arb fitment to other skid plates, but I'm already planning on adding the aev front bumper skid plate to keep some of the mud out of the engine compartment. As weak as the factory plastic one was, it did remarkably well in that aspect. Rear bumpers I'm still leaning more towards the arb, the aev looks unfinished in my mind. I can throw up some pictures if you'd like. The biggest plus to AEV is the fact I can find and order all the parts and add ons that are built and shipped from this continent, and not arriving on the slow boat from down under.
Nite, thanks for posting that picture! I'm planning on getting the Superwinch Tiger Shark 9.5 SR and remote mounting the solenoid up by the battery. Did you rotate the clutch to the rear to engage/disengage the winch? The more I look at that picture the more I like it. For an additional $37 in my order from aev even if it's too tight I'm not out much.
You can't go wrong with either. I had to see one of each in person before I took the plunge, but I ended up picking AEV because it was slightly lighter, and I thought it accommodated the lines of the Jeep better than the ARB. You could tell however, that both companies cared about the build quality of their product, and that they were built to last.
I am looking to purchase the ARB Combination Bull Bar Bumper and I was wondering if anyone knows whether the fog light openings fit the stock size lights. I have the JW Speaker fogs and I'd hate to lose them. Thanks.
I am looking to purchase the ARB Combination Bull Bar Bumper and I was wondering if anyone knows whether the fog light openings fit the stock size lights. I have the JW Speaker fogs and I'd hate to lose them. Thanks.
I'm pretty happy with my arb. Another nice thing about it is you do not have to buy a winch plate for an already expensive bumper. Both companies make great products. I just preferred the look of arb especially the rear bumper.
For those that have one with a winch, is there still enough clearance at the back to remove the grille? I will be getting the bumper and a Warn Zenon 10-s, but I also want to replace the headlights. Trying to make sure that I will have room to remove the grille after the bumper winch install or should I do the headlights first?
Do headlights first. Grill won't come off with AEV bumper winch combo. Also check to make sure the ZEON fits without trimming the bumper. I have a 12K X2O Smittybilt that fits good.
I have the AEV with bull bar and warn winch. I recently added a 20 inch LED bar. fit perfectly into the pre drilled holes. Also I was able to easily remove my grill and paint it black and put it back on. Very happy with my choice, lots of good stuff out there.
Only functional difference I see are ARB's Hi-Lift points
My 2013 AEV bumpers have high lift
Points
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!