Product FAQs

What is Hot Stamped Boron Steel? What is so great about it and why switch from traditionally stamped steel like the previous generation JK Bumpers?

Hot Stamped Boron Steel is an ultra-high strength, press hardened steel. Hot stamping is the process, Boron Steel (aka Usibor) is the material. Hot Stamped Boron Steel is most commonly used in automotive applications for passenger impact protection because it is lightweight with an extremely high yield strength. We originally chose this material for the factory-installed AEV skid plate package installed Colorado ZR2 Bison because of its high strength-to-weight ratio but also for its hardness and resistance to gouging. Hot Stamped Boron Steel also has a chemical coating that further enhances corrosion protection of the bumper stampings.

As we learned more about this material, we recognized an opportunity to utilize this material and process for the EX/RX Front Bumper. Not as an attempt to reduce weight, but rather to significantly increase the strength and durability of our bumper without adding more material and weight. All of the "A-side" stampings of the EX/RX Front Bumper are Hot Stamped Boron Steel, as well as the corner-to-corner fairlead stamping. The frame tie-in mounting brackets are traditionally manufactured with mild steel.

Which brand/model winches are compatible with the AEV EX Front Bumper?

The AEV EX/RX Front Bumper Winch Mount was designed primarily with the Warn Zeon line of winches in mind. The Warn Zeon 10-S is the same model winch offered on AEV’s current Wrangler and Gladiator conversion packages. Other brand/model winches may also fit if they have overall dimensions that are equal to the Warn Zeon winch and can be mounted in the same orientation. AEV recommends that anyone attempting to install a winch outside of this model, do some independent research prior to purchasing either the winch or this Front Bumper/Winch Mount.

Can this bumper be used without a winch mount?

Yes, the EX/RX Front Bumper can be used with or without a winch mount. We do recommend the Winch Delete Kit if you do not plan on installing a winch for aesthetic reasons.

Is there a way to attach a front license plate?

Yes! Actually, two ways: For customers not installing a winch, the bumper has provisions for a direct attachment, covering the fairlead opening in the front. For customers installing a winch, we recommend one of our Hawse or Roller Fairlead License Plate Kits. These are both good options to keep you legal, without becoming a nuisance when you need to operate your winch.

It looks like the center hoop, lights and winch block off too much airflow to the grille, is this something I should worry about?

No. We have tested this bumper in a variety of ways and conditions to make sure this bumper would perform well and without compromise before making it available to our customers. The EX/RX Front Bumper has seen everything from the daily commute to high altitude rock crawling to multi-day overland trips without any overheating concerns related to airflow or the front bumper.

How do I attach off-road lights to the EX/RX Front Bumper?

An optional AEV Light Mount Kit is available, which allows you to mount a pair of AEV 7000 series lights to the center hoop on the EX/RX Front Bumper. The center hoop has a hidden channel running along the backside, making it very easy to hide all your wiring for a super clean and professional-looking install.

Are the recovery points mounted to the bumper or the chassis?

All of recovery points on any AEV bumper are mounted to the chassis and tested to meet or exceed the load ratings of the factory recovery points we are replacing. We would NEVER recommend a bumper-mounted recovery point on any application.

The center hoop is rotomolded and is that durable enough?

Absolutely. While the outer shell is rotomolded, it is actually very thick and surrounds a steel "spine" which also serves as a channel to run your light wiring cleanly and out of sight. Going with a roto molded center hoop proved to be much more versatile and lighter than something like a cast aluminum center hoop.

Is the AEV JL Skid Plate compatible with the EX/RX Front Bumper for JK?

No, this bumper is only compatible with AEV’s JK Front Skid Plate.

What type of finish is used on the EX/RX Front Bumper?

We use a multi-stage, e-coat and powder coat process on these front bumpers which offers far  superior UV and corrosion resistance. Additionally, great attention was paid to ensuring that standing water is able to drain out properly and exposed hardware was kept to a minimum.

Additionally, keeping any exposed bare metal to a minimum is critical. We recommend picking up a can of AEV's touch-up paint if you happen to scratch the finish of your front bumper or skid plate. It's the correct color and texture to keep your bumper looking good for years to come.

What is the warranty?

The EX/RX Front Bumper carries a lifetime structural warranty and a 1-year warranty against corrosion - both applicable to the original purchaser and from the original date of purchase.

Where is the EX/RX Front Bumper manufactured?

Proudly made right here in the USA!