What Are the Best Trail-Ready Features for Jeep JK Rear Bumpers?

When you’re getting ready to hit the trails, you'll need your trusty Jeep winch, spotlights, and maybe even some durability upgrades to ensure that your Jeep JK makes it out of a trail day without falling apart. But what about the Jeep JK rear bumper? If you’re arming the front of your Jeep Wrangler with the off-road-ready features it needs, you can't sleep on the rear bumper, or you're only getting half the job done. Thankfully, there are plenty of features available for your rear bumper, and no, we’re not just talking about tire covers. Read on to discover the best trail-ready features for Jeep JK bumpers.

The Best Trail-Ready Jeep Bumpers

Before we dive into trail-ready features, start with the foundation of your trail-ready machine. This begins and ends with the type of Jeep Wrangler JK bumper that you have, and you'll find that some modifications may only be possible with specific bumper configurations.

Full-Width Rear Jeep Wrangler JK Bumpers

First and foremost, you have full-width Jeep Wrangler JK rear bumpers. These are bumpers that are similar in size to the OEM bumper your vehicle comes with from the factory. If you want to load up your bumper with a wide variety of accessories, full-width bumpers tend to give you the most flexibility. In fact, you'll find that some full-width bumpers come with towing accessories and D-rings built in, and options like the Barricade Extreme HD Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier come with tire carrier integrations. The drawback of these bumpers is that they tend to weigh more, and you may not have the clearance for more advanced off-roading adventures.

Stubby Jeep Wrangler JK Bumpers

If you’re planning on equipping your Jeep Wrangler JK with some massive wheels and tires, you'll want to consider stubby bumpers. Not only will these smaller bumpers make room for bigger wheels and tires, but you'll also have more off-road clearance. Plus, these bumpers tend to be lightweight alternatives to full-width bumpers. Unfortunately, the drawback of these bumpers is that you'll have less protection from debris. You'll also have less room to install trail-ready rear bumper accessories. To combat this, some options like the LoD Offroad Destroyer offer light mounts and other mounting points for tow hitches, D-rings, and other off-road accessories.

Tubular Jeep Wrangler JK Bumpers

And, you have tubular Jeep Wrangler JK bumpers. Instead of the flat-looking full-width or stubby bumpers, tubular bumpers use tubular steel. This creates a durable and strong rear bumper that's lighter than your average full-width bumper. Plus, they come in a lot of unique style options to suit your needs, and they give you plenty of room for bigger wheels and tires like the Jeep Licensed by RedRock HD Tubular Rear Bumper.

That said, if you’re going with a tubular-style bumper, you may have to say goodbye to tow hitches and other OEM accessories. Thankfully, there are aftermarket options that are compatible with these rear bumper configurations.

The Best Trail-Ready Features for Jeep JK Bumpers

Getting your Jeep Wrangler JK trail-ready isn't just about any one mod. Instead, you may want to consider a collection of modifications to help your Jeep live up to its capabilities.

Tow Hitches

If you're planning on bringing your boat down to the water but you have a trail in your way, you'll want to have a tow hitch and bumper that can handle a little rugged terrain. This is where RedRock hitches can be a big help. These are durable and simple tow hitches that won't give out on you when the going gets tough. Plus, it's nice to have a little bit of extra space between your bumper and any obstacles you may come across. While simple tow hitches are a great addition to any rear bumper, that doesn't mean you have to stop there. If you need to equip your rear bumper with lights or other powered accessories, brands like Rugged Ridge offer tow hitches that feature wiring harnesses. At the end of the day, if you plan on towing anything on any other surface than pavement, do yourself a favor and make sure your towing equipment is up for the job.

Tire Carriers

If you plan on off-roading with your Jeep Wrangler JK, it's always a good idea to bring a spare tire with you. While that's a given, many off-roaders overlook the importance of having a strong rear tire carrier, especially if you plan on adding larger, heavier wheels and tires to your Jeep. For these reasons, it's always a good idea to keep your spare wheel and tire secure back there, and Barricade HD Tire Carrier Brackets can help you out. These brackets are made with durable 5mm carbon steel plating, and their black powered finish looks phenomenal. Other brands like RedRock are also available, along with licensed OEM-style replacement options.

Prepare Your Jeep Wrangler JK for the Trails Today!

Are you ready to gain the confidence you need to conquer all terrains? Connect with our sales techs to learn more about the best Jeep Wrangler JK rear bumper parts and accessories for your build. With hundreds of options available, sometimes it helps to have another set of eyes look things over. Order online and get your new parts fast with convenient shipping options.