Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Smittybuilt or Barricade bumpers

4K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  Dorsk 84 
#1 ·
Im researching bumpers and want to get some feedback on your experience with either Barricade or Smittybuilt, specifically the Barricade Trail Force HD or the Smittybuilt XRC. They both look pretty much the same but the Barricade is ~$120 cheaper.

How is the fit & finish?

Does one stand up better to abuse in the long run?

Ive read a little on the Barricade but I am still trying to figure out which one to go with.

Thanks for any feedback...
 
#2 ·
I have the front XRC Smittybilt, have used it for about 1 year. I am pretty happy with it.

It was a simple fit, bolt on, winch plate included. No issues there.

I am actually suprised it isn't even scratched after some forest runs (the sides of Jeep have a "forest polish" look and I have managed to scratch the windshield due to a tree branch). No issues with salt from the winter months. I haven't banged it on a tree or rock yet, so I do not know how well it holds to that.
 
#3 ·
I have the xrc bumper you are asking about. It is a very good bumper. I bought it already installed on my tj. I had to remove it for refinish. The power coat is great unless moisture gets up under it then it will fall off.

I'm sure the other is fine. As long as the guage steel and bolt up is the same.

Have you looked at various options on ebay? i have seen some very good deals up there...
 
#6 ·
It doesn't really matter, they are both likely built in the same factory in China with different names on them. If you are looking for any quality, look somewhere else. I bought a Barricade rear bumper to get me by for awhile and the workmanship was poor at best. It looked like a 2nd grader welded it up.
 
#7 ·
I have SB SRC bumpers on mine. Fit is fine, finish has held up to crashing through heavy manzanita and other crap, and they installed simply. The rear frame of my TJ was bent from the PO so I had to modify how I mounted the rear but it is plenty solid. I am not towing, FYI. The front, using the SB tow bar to flat tow, has held up fine going all the way from CA to ID and back.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the inputs - still searching for something with a reliable fit & finish that doesn't cost an arm and leg.
 
#12 ·
So the verdict is in...I talked to Robert today from Dirtworx. Clean and simple design, made in USA with lifetime warranty against defects and weld breakage, very reasonable prices and he is all caught up on his orders. Said he would get my bumpers to me sometime next week. I cant wait to get this build started.

Thanks again for all the inputs for Smittybuilt & Barricade. Although most reviews are somewhat favorable, I figure if I do the final finishes myself, there is nobody else to blame.
 
#13 ·
I have the XRC on the front and rear. Had to refinish the the whole rear last spring. The coating was just coming off in sheets. (I live in New England, salt and water year round) Scraper blade on a saws all, angle grinder with a course twisted wire wheel and cone, and a thin chisel to scrape the deep corners. The front one is showing signs, so I'm going to redo that on this coming spring. The coating is thick and a bit rubbery. I used a self etching primer to keep the rust from coming back. Then I sprayed it with Rustolum bedliner. No complaints so far.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top