After what feels like years of anticipation, AEV Conversions has finally released to the public its RX bumper for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT.
When I started building up my Jeep Gladiator Rubicon last January, I had in mind that I’d go for an AEV front bumper and snorkel. This after seeing AEV’s fully decked-out Gladiator at SEMA 2019. Popping over to their online shop, I was dismayed to find I couldn’t actually buy virtually any of the bits bolted to the brand’s show Gladiator. So, I moved on to products from our friends at ARB.
Imagine my delight when I discovered that AEV has finally gotten its ducks in a row and put into production, albeit limited, the venerable RX bumper for 2018+ JL Wrangler and 2019+ Gladiator (all trim levels).
Photo: AEV
The body of the RX is formed from Hot-Stamped Boron Steel (HSBS), which AEV began to master with its work with Chevrolet on the Colorado ZR2 Bison. The upper hoop, however, is roto-molded.
The RX is compatible with factory fog lights and a pair of seven-inch off-road lights. The RX is also designed to fit a WARN ZEON winch, but you can probably bolt in any comparably sized winch of your choice. Lastly, buyers can also add on a mounting kit to fit a 20-inch LED behind the optional skid plate. And although it’s not yet an available option, buyers will be able to specify a relocation kit for the factory forward-facing trail cam some time in the first quarter of 2021.
Photo: AEV
There is no denying that the AEV Conversions’ RX bumper is a very handsome unit. And its hardy HSBS construction will undoubtedly ensure this bumper will last the life of the rig. If you pop over to the AEV site, you’ll find that the fully loaded version comes in just shy of $2,500. That’s a lot for a front bumper, no matter how tough and good-looking it might be.
If that price weren’t shocking enough, demand is supposedly so high that AEV is fulfilling orders on a lottery basis. So, even if you do have the inclination to spend $2,500 on a bumper and the funds to back it up, who knows when you’ll get one.
To summarize, AEV is now selling its RX bumper for JL and JT Jeeps. When you’ll get one, though, is another question altogether.
Header image: AEV Conversions
