Building my first tube bumper

[lochenjons]

I'm planing on fabbing up a bumper similar to blazenoffroads here:

I need some basic advice and answers to a few questions. First, what type of DOM tubing should be used? i've searched but still can't figure out what the strongest way to actaully mount the bumper to the frame would be. Also, I am planning on incoporating a hitch instead of a winch and later fabricating something similar to warn's multi mount. Any reason this is a bad idea?
Thanks

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I need some basic advice and answers to a few questions. First, what type of DOM tubing should be used?

HREW will work fine for a bumper, I would use 1.75" .120" wall.

i've searched but still can't figure out what the strongest way to actaully mount the bumper to the frame would be.

Use plates (~1/4" thick) on the sides of the frame (and maybe even a plate on the top or bottom) I would use 6-8 bolts per side, at least 1/2" grade 8 bolts.

Also, I am planning on incoporating a hitch instead of a winch and later fabricating something similar to warn's multi mount. Any reason this is a bad idea?

Its not necessarily a bad idea other than it will stick out a lot further. Carrying a winch from front to back is a PIA too (since they're heavy, but I guess if it gets you out of a jam )

 

[rdn2blazer]

I used 2" .120 wall for my first tube bumper project. Its cheap compared to DOM for that first time learning curve.

 

[joshthemule]

I had a similar idea and found this picture on the web. Its a good solution to the "movable wench" idea without sticking out too far.

 

[joshthemule]

Also, be careful not to over engineer your attachment points. Ideally, you want the attachment (nuts at bolts) to fail before you start rearranging your frame. Here is a good article.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/NutsandBolts/index.html