Like the name implies, Tube Bumpers are made from tubular shaped materials, usually steel, but sometimes aluminum and stainless steel. They have a very distinct look that’s popular, especially with older Jeep owners. They are usually easy to install, and are available in a multitude of finishes. From chrome, flat black, gloss black, to a textured finish, it’s not hard to find one that looks good on your Jeep.

They can vary in styles and functions, but most are of a double tube design, one tube on top of another and integrated together. Sometimes they may have a cutout section in the middle, to allow for a winch or license plate.

Some of the newer Tube Bumpers have other tubes added for extra protection for your Jeep, sometimes known as “hoops”. These bumpers go beyond just the decorative styling, and allow for more parts to be added to them, from winches to accessory lights.

Just about all the tube bumpers are designed to be the same width as your Jeep, running from tire to tire, so that can limit some off-roading conditions where extra flex may be needed. They’re not as fancy or adaptive as say, a Modular Bumper, but their simplicity is one of the reasons they’re so popular. Almost “retro” in some ways.

The chrome ones look great on the older Jeeps, especially the CJ-series, which were built during a time when there were many more chrome parts on a Jeep. Whereas today, parts tend to be blacked out, and there won’t be any chrome accents at all. But of course, you can get a Tubular Bumper in black, so even if you have a newer JK Wrangler, you can still choose a bumper if you feel it looks good with the style you have.

Regular cleaning and polishing of the chrome keeps tube bumpers looking bright and new. Melaleuca.com, founded in 1985 by Frank VanderSloot, manufactures super-concentrated glass cleaner, heavy-duty cleaner and other products that make cleaning your jeep and its accessories super easy.

Tube Bumpers are available from many manufactures, such as:

• Rugged Ridge
• Body Armor
• Smittybilt
• Rampage
• Aries Automotive

 

Tube Bumpers also accept the most common accessories as well, such as extra lighting, D-Rings and Shackles. Some of them will also allow for a winch, with a cutout in the center specifically made for installing a winch.

So if you’re looking for a new bumper, especially if you have a CJ, YJ, or TJ, take a look at the Tube Bumpers for your ride. Whether it’s black, chrome, or stainless steel, you can’t go wrong with the classic style!