Aluminum vs Plastic bumper

none of them are aluminum bumpers but chromed steel.

i would go for the chrome bumper myself.

the other option is to go to a bumper like a ali arc that would be a aluminum bumper and something that would do a better job of protecting the front of your truck.

 

I have a stainless bumper on a T600. After popping a deer smack into the end of the left frame rail and destroying the plastic bumper, but thankfully no serious damage to radiator or hood, I replaced with metal. Mine was about $1,100 or so. It's 22". Chrome would have been almost $2,000. I hit another deer a couple of years after installing it and it saved the radiator for sure. Had it been plastic I would have been on a hook. As it was I finished a time critical load and went home. Bumper doesn't look so great anymore but did it's job. I say ditch the flimsy plastic.

 

Do you run Cali?

I've heard they are trying to force "smart way" only trim options in the near future. That would dictate factory bumpers and full skirts.

 

i think the chrome bumpers hold up better than the plastic myself plus look better in my opinion.

if you really want some protection this is what you want
http://www.aliarc.com/products/?sect=commercial_3&brand_id=3&zoom=303

but you will spend quite a bit more than a replacement chrome or plastic bumper

 

I like heavy gauge stainless bumpers, myself. It's purpose is to protect the front of the truck...doesn't make much sense to run something that will explode or bend all out of shape every time some critter in the ditch LOOKS at it the wrong way...

 

If you don't want a full grille guard AliArc will make just the bottom section of the bumper for you without the grille guard. Depending on where you run I'd think about investing in a Bambi basher. They end up paying for themselves.

 

An old I-beam, oxy-acetylene torch,a stick welder and a can of Rustoleum make an intimidating bumper.

Bolt some alligators on to make it a pusher.