Bump stops – aka jounce bumpers – are part of the suspension system on cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. Even though they’re relatively small, they play a big role preventing metal from hitting metal when the vehicle bottoms out. They become critically important when you leave the pavement and take your 4x4 out on the trails.
What are off-road bump stops?
Ever since the 1970s, off-roading (leaving the pavement) became popular. The rise of 4wd vehicles made it possible to navigate rough, off-road terrain. As off-road clubs began to spring up all over the nation, car and truck manufacturers designed suspension systems that met the needs of the growing off-road community. One of their innovations was off-road bump stops.
As you can imagine, off-road terrain can cause the vehicle to bottom out repeatedly. Factory bump stops – designed for on-road driving – have proven to be inadequate when taken off road. Off-road bumpstops soften the blow when the vehicle bottoms out, preventing the harsh jounce experienced with factory bumpstops.
Best Off-Road Bumpstops
There are basically 4 types of off-road bump stops:
1. Hydraulic bump stops (Bilstein or King)
If price is no object, hydraulic bump stops are the way to go. They’re filled with shock oil and nitrogen and are adjustable allowing you to fine-tune them to your particular needs. You’re going to need a custom shop that specializes in made-to-measure installation because these bump stops work best in conjunction with your existing shocks. Two of the most popular brands are Bilstein and King. Average price: $700 - $1,000 US (pair).
2.TeraFlex Speedbump bump stops
TeraFlex Speedbumps use the same principle of a factory bump stop but look and act much like a hydraulic bump stop. Installation requires some customization. Average price: $300.00 - $400 (pair).
3. Wheeler Superbumps
Wheeler Superbumps resemble factory bump stops but are much taller and provide better ride quality. Average price: $150 (pair).
4. Active Off-Road Bumpstops (Timbren)
Active Off-Road Bumpstops are made by the same company that manufactures Timbren SES products. In fact, Timbren’s Aeon® hollow rubber springs can also be used as bump stops for off-road vehicles. Much like the Timbren SES helper springs, they’re installed in the same location as the factory bump stops.
But do not confuse Timbren SES with Active Off-Road Bumpstops. Timbren SES products are meant to help with additional loads. On the other hand, Active Off-Road Bumpstops are rubber bump stops you can install on your SUV to assist when the suspension bottoms out.
The rubber springs in an Active Off-Road bumpstops kit are made of soft rubber with a hollow core, able to soften the harsh ‘jolt’ when the suspension hits bottom. This increased dampening response helps the driver maintain better control of the vehicle while off-roading.
Active Off-Road Bumpstops (Timbren Industries) are made of natural rubber and come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on what you drive, there is a custom kit that will fit your off-road vehicle. If you can remove a bump stop, you can install Active Off-Road Bumpstops on your chariot. Average cost: $300 US (pair).
Comparing two of the best off-road bumpstops
The following is a quick comparison between Hydraulic bumpstops and Active Off-Road Bumpstops:
Hydraulic
- Price: $700 - $1000
- DIY installation: NO
- Durability: NO
- Lifetime Warranty: NO
- 100-Day Money Back Guarantee: NO
- Zero maintenance: NO
- Rebound: NO
- Quiet operation: NO
Active Off-Road Bumpstops
- Price: $300
- DIY installation: YES
- Durability: YES
- Lifetime Warranty: YES
- 100-Day Money Back Guarantee: YES
- Zero maintenance: YES
- Rebound: YES
- Quiet operation: YES
At the end of the day, which one of the two provides the best value for you?
What are the benefits of Active Off-Road Bumpstops?
Off-roading or overlanding with factory bumpstops can ruin your trip. Maybe you’ve experienced it before: harsh bottoming out, bone-rattling bumps, and dangerous uncontrolled handling that can hurt you and destroy your suspension and shocks. With Active Off-Road Bumpstops, you can hit the trails without taking damaging hits to your suspension.
Made from our Aeon® springs, Active Off-Road Bumpstops dampen the harsh jounce every time your vehicle bottoms out, creating a softer, safer ride over even the biggest bumps, dips, and whoops. This means reduced stress on you, your passengers, and your suspension, allowing you to stay out on the trails much longer to explore comfortably and in control.
Low-cost Active Off-Road Bumpstops retail for $300 US and are worth every penny. Each kit comes with a Lifetime Warranty and a 100-Day Money Back Guarantee.
For more information on Active Off-Road Bumpstops and how to get your hands on a set, visit Timbren.com or contact Customer Service: Sales@timbren.com
