Although lighter can be better, I've never had an issue with the weight of a Hanson. Even in the rear with all the doo-dads and goo-gahs haning on there.
Although I have always wanted an aluminum one for just the weight savings reason. So I'm not completely off your page here either.
The Basic Hanson weighs in at 85 lbs. If a pre-runner style only weighs 35 lbs, that's pretty lean. But I don't think your Bronco will mind 85 lbs too much.
You sure that pre-runner is only 35 lbs? That's pretty light.
Certainly you add the weight of a winch if so equipped, so that may be what you're thinking of? That would be the difference of 115lbs vs 175lbs. No small matter. But that's still just an average guys weight on the front bumper. Not too bad...
I just like the extra protection and the more coverage (visually) of the front and rear openings afforded by the plate type vs. the pre-runner style.
But then again, I am a little biased.
Funny you mention weight though. We were literally discussing the posibility of making them in both aluminum (for the weight conscious) and 1/4" chrome-moly (for the weight conscious competitor), just for weight savings. Even talked about using 3/16 instead of 1/4 with the use of proper design parameters & procedures to keep the same strength.
Production capacity is getting better every day and though the other materials would proabably be quite a bit extra, some people would still want that stuff.
So, if you want the Hanson, but want it lighter, and if you don't have to have it right away, maybe you can request it in 3/16" steel instead? I don't want to add to an already full workload, but not too far down the road, it might not be a big issue. Might be worth the "weight" (ugh! Pun intended). Probably save 15lbs as a guess.
Paul
