Clarification on custom/metal aftermarket bumpers
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So i’m considering getting myself a steel bumper with a winch made for my FJ like so many others have done, but I wanted some clarification on the legalities of doing this when insurance is concerned in either a road or off road crash.
Can someone point me to a web link or perhaps some factual information? My concern is if there is an accident I won’t be covered and worse get in trouble for having such a bumper…
Thanks!
Good equation here! Also would like to see clear answer. Cuz no one who instal still bumper couldnt answer for sure
quote DXBFJ post_id=44695 time=1498562033 user_id=25107:So i’m considering getting myself a steel bumper with a winch made for my FJ like so many others have done, but I wanted some clarification on the legalities of doing this when insurance is concerned in either a road or off road crash.Can someone point me to a web link or perhaps some factual information? My concern is if there is an accident I won’t be covered and worse get in trouble for having such a bumper…
Thanks!
Hi adrian,
1)In general Metal Bumpers are not allowed unless they come from factory PERIOD (like TJ) or were installed by the dealer ie (ARB bumper on somer pajeros)
2)Metal bumpers will not clear annual inspections
3)Insurer can possibly deny a claim because, most if not all insurance policies have a clause which reads “Vehicle Specification- Your Car is in good condition, as per GCC specifications. It has not been modified from the manufacturer’s original specification”
4)A new rule came into effect from 1 June 2017 with respect to car modifications. If the garage which is making u the bumper is listed with the authorities and if they give you a letter stating that the modification ( STEEL bumper) is road legal then u shud’nt worry. This has not yet been tested yet as its fairly new however i have seen letters from the dealers where genuine aftermarket upgrades were installed by the dealer. http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/new-regulations-for-modified-vehicles-from-june-1-1.2026433
6)Not all insurers here provide offroad cover. if im not wrong only AXA RSA and (ONE MORE-cant recall the name) provide PROPER and LEGIT offroad covers, all other insurers state that they cover offroad incidents but if u closely read the terms n conditions it wud say that offroad means 5 to 10 meters from road.
5)Lastly, steel bumper wud be toooooooo heavy 😉 😉
The other insurer is orient but I wouldnt recomend them after I had to take a day off work to dispute their rejection of my claim. Had no problems with AXA on a recent claim.
Also interested in getting after market bumper for FJ. When anyone finds a garage which can make road legal bumpers by RTA standards we should try to get bulk discount
I can add that although a steel bumper is great for frontal protection, but for what we use our cars here in the middle east…it’s overkill. You need decent underbody protection (bash plate/ transmission guard)
I have a full steel bumper and winch which adds a good 150kg (easily) to the front of the car but I do travel a fair bit with it.
quote Adam post_id=44703 time=1498639341 user_id=25140:I can add that although a steel bumper is great for frontal protection, but for what we use our cars here in the middle east…it’s overkill. You need decent underbody protection (bash plate/ transmission guard)I have a full steel bumper and winch which adds a good 150kg (easily) to the front of the car but I do travel a fair bit with it.
Agree with u that to be honest we don’t need such heavy steel bumpers, on my experience in mountain area massive steel bumper with protection is mast, otherwise u end up with destroyed front part of vehicle! Other side that u have nice offroad look and a bit more travel.
The only bumper I remember which is legal was on Greg’s read jeep.
ALSO ONE MORE IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!!!
Don’t forget that your plastic bumpers is basically to protect pedestrian in accident from hard injures, they work like absorbers. its technically not a bumper, its cover. Just imagine hit from steel bumper.
In my country its illegal to install any steel bumpers! That why we change it only when going to mountain
An alternative to steel bumper is to get a tubular bumper made from a lightweight alloy.
The bumper on my Fj weighs between 10 to 15kilos only.
These tubular bumpers r winch compatible and flex on hard landings if fabricated properly.
quote Asim post_id=44705 time=1498643750 user_id=24786:An alternative to steel bumper is to get a tubular bumper made from a lightweight alloy.
The bumper on my Fj weighs between 10 to 15kilos only.
These tubular bumpers r winch compatible and flex on hard landings if fabricated properly.Yes indeed, that’s my thinking. Tube like, from Bestline with a winch etc
And Im with RSA so fully covered for off road. Thanks for the answers
So anybody has any experience clearing RTA with any kind of not stock front bumper (installed or not by a SEMA authorized shop)?
Any actual experiences?
quote Asim post_id=44698 time=1498581040 user_id=24786:Hi adrian,1)In general Metal Bumpers are not allowed unless they come from factory PERIOD (like TJ) or were installed by the dealer ie (ARB bumper on somer pajeros)
2)Metal bumpers will not clear annual inspections
3)Insurer can possibly deny a claim because, most if not all insurance policies have a clause which reads “Vehicle Specification- Your Car is in good condition, as per GCC specifications. It has not been modified from the manufacturer’s original specification”
4)A new rule came into effect from 1 June 2017 with respect to car modifications. If the garage which is making u the bumper is listed with the authorities and if they give you a letter stating that the modification ( STEEL bumper) is road legal then u shud’nt worry. This has not yet been tested yet as its fairly new however i have seen letters from the dealers where genuine aftermarket upgrades were installed by the dealer. http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/new-regulations-for-modified-vehicles-from-june-1-1.2026433
6)Not all insurers here provide offroad cover. if im not wrong only AXA RSA and (ONE MORE-cant recall the name) provide PROPER and LEGIT offroad covers, all other insurers state that they cover offroad incidents but if u closely read the terms n conditions it wud say that offroad means 5 to 10 meters from road.
5)Lastly, steel bumper wud be toooooooo heavy 😉 😉Hey there
So far this is the best answer!
My experience in Tajeel, I could not pass car with metal bumper, other moods could be fine…
I had full steel Rugged Ridge bumpers on my Jeep JK and passed RTA every year at the strict Al Barsha Centre, simply by fixing 2 rubber blocks where the shackle mounts were. No problem, as long as they stick out further than lights, fairlead, whatever.
Thanks for the Important info provided above. I totally agree with what mentioned.
Steel bumpers are mostly illegal and heavy.
I believe they are not the choice for dune bashing setup vehicles.
I guess the main reasons for steel bumper is protection and winching. They are mostly used for overland setup vehicles in Australia, South Africa, and th US. They even call them “bull bar” that means the steel bar that protects the vehicle when crushes a bull. So, they are basically made to protect against animals crushing while touring.
Some alternatives are started to appear in the global market like RHINO 4X4 FRONT BUMPERSand SMART BAR
Unfortunately RHINO products are not available in UAE market. They are available in Australia, Argentina and South Africa.
SMART BAR is also not available in the UAE market but can be provided by ARB dealer by special order.
quote Asim post_id=44705 time=1498643750 user_id=24786:An alternative to steel bumper is to get a tubular bumper made from a lightweight alloy.
The bumper on my Fj weighs between 10 to 15kilos only.
These tubular bumpers r winch compatible and flex on hard landings if fabricated properly.Hi Asim,
Any luck clearing Rta with a tubular bumper eg from titan? Looking for a change as my own bumper is just about “hanging on”.
Cheers
Philip
When a pleasant individual decided to reverse into and damage my standard 2014 JK front bumper and drive off I decided to go for the aftermarket steel AEV front bumper instead of just getting a new standard front. I have just re-registered the car every year and in the last two months with absolutely no issue whatsoever from the RTA or the insurance company. The only issue I face is that I have to cover my LED light bar that I have mounted on the AEV bumper with cable ties and a bin liner until it passes the test. I do always go to the VIP lane of the test center as well, but I don’t think that makes a difference.
With regards to the weight of the bumper affecting performance I don’t feel any change, but from an off-road performance point of view I love the fact that coming off steep dunes I can rattle it off the desert floor with no concerns.
My only advice would be as someone else touched on within an earlier post go for a recommended manufacturer. There is a lot of Chinese made bumpers to purchase and in my opinion this is not the part of the car that you want to scrimp a few dirhams.
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