Rear bumper for hitch- crash rated [Text View]

VX KAT

07/16/2010, 12:26 AM

Found this cool lookin' do-hicky when looking for a bumperette for my new "tone-style hitch" I got from T4B.
~Patented compression system:_wtf:
~Capability: Stops 1 ton @ 4.34 mph (without you feeling anything) -
~Withstands 15-20 mph impacts.....

I just want something I can scrape the p@*p out of the bottom to prevent rippin' up my lower rear cladding and gas tank plate going down some of my favorite Moab trails......don't think the compression system would help much in that scenario....any thoughts?? What does Kodiak have? Anybody recall the brand?

http://sparebumper.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=5

http://sparebumper.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=6&catId=7&mc=5

etlsport

07/16/2010, 06:49 AM

i've got a Go Rhino! step bar back there that looked and performed very well (came outside to find it busted up and cocked to one side, no damage to my VX!) IIRC it ran me about 110 bucks and imho looked a lot better than the one from the link

JAMAS

07/16/2010, 07:38 AM

VX KAT

07/16/2010, 07:55 AM

Thats hillarious Kat....I was JUST about to buy one of those.

been looking at it for about a month now.

only down side that I can read is it sounds like it needs a ratchet strap to put the superbumper into the receiver. I am assuming it would be a pain to swap that out for a clevis shackle on the side of the road.

Read the install instructions....

http://sparebumper.com/downloads/installation.doc

What! And you didn't share it with the rest of us??? http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/sad/sad0020.gif (http://www.thesmilies.com)

j/k

were you looking at the "super" or the "spare"? Super has the trailer ball so you can still tow.

I hadn't considered using it as a recovery point, I'll read up on it and the install instructions.

JAMAS

07/16/2010, 08:11 AM

What! And you didn't share it with the rest of us??? http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/sad/sad0020.gif (http://www.thesmilies.com)

j/k

were you looking at the "super" or the "spare"? Super has the trailer ball so you can still tow.

I hadn't considered using it as a recovery point, I'll read up on it and the install instructions.

Yeah, I probably should have brought it up....sorry folks...

I mentioned it to Tom when he was working to get me a hitch.

I was going to get the Superbumper but I also have a clevis shackle that goes into the hitch receiver. (for winter time recovery missions)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CF1A7O/ref=oss_product

Figured our hitch would be a stronger spot than the tiedown on the right.

VX KAT

07/18/2010, 06:02 PM

Went ahead and ordered this today -the one without the hitch ball....got Dave one too. I like the look of the Go Rhino way better, but can't deny I like the slight crash damage resistance this offers...may save the rear cladding one day. (Yeah, I know, ironic,..... from the person that intentionally drags her VX rear cladding and gas skid plate over rocks...:rollo:)

It's cheapest at the mfg website $119 (superbumper.com), despite having to pay shipping. JCWhitney, carparts.com...were like $30-$50 higher. Couldn't find ANY discount/promo codes on line either for superbumper, so I just mentioned it in the "comments" section of order. Owner emailed me within an hour and said he was including 2 free hitch locks to offset shipping costs! Wohoo!!

JAMAS

07/19/2010, 06:41 AM

please give me a full review. I havent yet purchased mine.

Jonnie

07/23/2010, 09:47 AM

Found this cool lookin' do-hicky when looking for a bumperette for my new "tone-style hitch" I got from T4B.

Who or what is T4B? Thanks!

RamAirZ

07/23/2010, 09:59 AM

tom4bren, a screenname of a member here

JAMAS

07/29/2010, 08:15 AM

Kat-

Have you received/installed the new bumper protector yet?

I am still on the fence about whether or not to get one.

VX KAT

07/29/2010, 08:45 AM

Yeah Jon, we got it, a very substantial, WELL MADE item. Good thick powder coat finish, and very grippy step area. Has 2 huge rubber donuts at the "T" and more rubber inserts you fit inside the neck, so you custom fit it to your hitch for the correct snug fit. For $120 (from the manufacturer website, best price I found), very good value. I still like the look of the "Go Rhino" one better, but I really liked the safety aspect of this one. This one is not curved like the Go Rhino, as the curved part would hit the truck in an accident. The owner (Jeff Mohr) handled all the emails and has excellent cust serv! Gave us 2 free hitch pin locks and several of the front license plate bumpers too.

I don't have my hitch installed yet so I can't put it on, but Dave's going to install his on the FJ. We just got back from camping, er, um, monsoon camping :rollo:, so he'll be installing it maybe today or tomorrow. I'll post pics.

JAMAS

07/29/2010, 08:50 AM

Thanks Kat!

tom4bren

07/30/2010, 08:04 AM

Who or what is T4B? Thanks!

That would hafta be me (nobody else wants ta be!!!).

If you're interested in the hitch, send me a PM. What's available now is the Tone Clone (copy of what Tone usta sell). Hopefully soon, we'll be prototyping the modified version that increases tongue weight capacity.

Tom

VX KAT

10/26/2010, 12:54 PM

Kat-

Have you received/installed the new bumper protector yet?

I am still on the fence about whether or not to get one.

Hey Jon, have you decided on one yet?
Here's some pics of the superbumper installed. It's less intrusive/overpowering aesthetically than I thought it would be. Course if I get it powdercoated purple as T4B suggests....it might be a bit more, um, obnoxious.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_4985.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_5289.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_4892.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_4880.JPG

JAMAS

10/26/2010, 01:20 PM

I was concerned about how it would look, until I saw it on yours.

I definitely think I will get one now.......well.....maybe around Christmas.

Thanks for testing it out for us....the look of it kinda grows on you. Plus its protection.

VX KAT

10/26/2010, 03:01 PM

Once I get her all cleaned up and purdy again, I'll take some better pics of the, um, rear end, so you can see some better pics. It does "blend" in more than I thought it would.
We have to take it off and get one more rubber donut on it, so it's really tight. It comes with those 2 big donuts you can see, as well as 3 addl skinnier donuts to use to really get it as snug as possible, (so it has max compression ability). We'll never get all 3 on, but definitely can get 1 on.

tom4bren

10/27/2010, 01:15 PM

I just ordered mine.

Of course, just to be different I'm going to weld a plate to it to mount my license plate on it. We'll see how that goes.

JAMAS

10/27/2010, 01:56 PM

Looking at their site.....I wonder how good the Bumper Shield XL is.

Sue, is the SuperBumper easy to remove if I needed to use my clevis shackle insert?

VX KAT

10/27/2010, 02:00 PM

Looking at their site.....I wonder how good the Bumper Shield XL is.

Sue, is the SuperBumper easy to remove if I needed to use my clevis shackle insert?

Takes 2 seconds..just unlock & remove the hitch pin, then pull it out. It weighs around 15 lbs.

JAMAS

10/27/2010, 02:13 PM

Takes 2 seconds..just unlock & remove the hitch pin, then pull it out. It weighs around 15 lbs.

rockin.....

I think that will be my Christmas present.

tom4bren

10/27/2010, 02:38 PM

DOOO EEEETT!!!

I'll post some pix as soon as mine comes in & gets modified.

JAMAS

10/29/2010, 09:27 AM

Kat, did you buy the Model SP318 or the Model SP424....the difference is the size of the bumper....I think you got the Model SP318.

VX KAT

10/29/2010, 11:19 AM

Kat, did you buy the Model SP318 or the Model SP424....the difference is the size of the bumper....I think you got the Model SP318.

Yes, that's correct, I got "SPAREBUMPER Model SP318 - Black".

Forgot to mention, he threw in a free chrome locking hitch pin so call or email him and ask for it. (Tom, call them and ask for the free hitch pin).
The president, Jeff Mohr, is very responsive to emails and you actually get a response from him...(I know this cuz I also spoke with him by phone).

VX KAT

10/29/2010, 12:00 PM

Looking at their site.....I wonder how good the Bumper Shield XL is.

Actually, I hadn't even seen that on the website....sounds really good for off road. I want something to take the hit and scraping instead of the rear cladding or gas skid plate. It weighs 2 lbs MORE than the bumper! It must be a good chunk of metal.
I think I'm goin' get me one of these!

RallyDude

10/30/2010, 01:25 AM

That bumper shield looks cool, would like to see an option in diamond plate.

I was looking at one on etrailers site, but I like the compression feature to save the cladding and bending the hitch. Here's some links for the go rhino and etrailer.

http://www.realtruck.com/go-rhino-hitch-step/R14130P1C1T.html

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessory-Step/Pilot-Automotive/CR-600.html

The etrailer one comes with or without lights, is available for 1-1/4" or 2", or even a model that does both, and telescopes out for stepping. I still like the protection the SuperBumper gives, but I think I'd prefer the looks of the Bumper Shield.

Maybe we can all play bumper cars then.

tom4bren

11/02/2010, 09:59 AM

Kat, did you buy the Model SP318 or the Model SP424....the difference is the size of the bumper....I think you got the Model SP318.

KAT, I ordered the 424 so as soon as it arrives, I'll get some pix loaded for comparison.

Jeff offered me a free locking pin too but since I already had one, I told him not to bother. He's supposed to throw in an extra set of those rubber thinggies to protect your license plate though.

IMHO, the bumper shield is gonna get caught on rocks-n-stuff too much for you to use it off road to protect you arse cladding.

VX KAT

11/02/2010, 10:40 AM

KAT, I ordered the 424 so as soon as it arrives, I'll get some pix loaded for comparison.

Jeff offered me a free locking pin too but since I already had one, I told him not to bother. He's supposed to throw in an extra set of those rubber thinggies to protect your license plate though.

IMHO, the bumper shield is gonna get caught on rocks-n-stuff too much for you to use it off road to protect you arse cladding.

Oh sure Tom, you had to order the bigger thicker bumper.....to go along with your OFH.....you must have hitch-envy!

j/k
I'm not wild about the thicker tube (3.25" vs. 4") in model 424 but I do like the wider size (18" v 24"), so side by side pics will be interesting to see.

The thicker tubing probably will look OK on yours with the OFH, it's kind of proportional. It continues to grow on me aesthetically...and Teddy likes it cuz he can finally get in the truck on his own....you recall Teddy, my pet badger/tazmanian devil.....but it will be nice to compare our hiney pics! I might upgrade to the bigger one.....oh wait, I've already done that.:rollo:

Funny, my quest started out to find something that WOULD take the scrapes when wheeling instead of the cladding or gas tank skid...now I don't want to mess up my hitch or my bumper...:rollo:

tom4bren

11/02/2010, 11:02 AM

Oh sure Tom, you had to order the bigger thicker bumper.....to go along with your OFH.....you must have hitch-envy!

KAT,

I know you're JK but in reality I'm actually going for a slightly more benign look. This is what I'm running now (& you can see why I need to add a license plate mount to it).

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG1014.JPG

BTW, I towed the trailer home from work last Thursday. I completely forgot that I had switched to the receiver without the safety chain hoops. I really need to rig up something on my receiver hitch for that.

tom4bren

11/03/2010, 06:14 AM

WooHoo. Superbumper arrived last night.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4942.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4943.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4944.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4945.JPG

I'll try to get her cleaned up & purdy for some daytime shots this weekend.

Yup KAT, those are gas spill stains on there. A few weeks ago the pump forgot to shut off & about a gallon of gas spilled down the side. Keeping fingers crossed that it'll clean off easy.

vt_maverick

11/03/2010, 11:14 AM

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4945.JPG[/LEFT]

...

Yup KAT, those are gas spill stains on there. A few weeks ago the pump forgot to shut off & about a gallon of gas spilled down the side. Keeping fingers crossed that it'll clean off easy.

So what is the bumper supposed to do that the massive spare tire won't? :p

Try using Back to Black on your gas stain, I had the same problem a month or two ago and B2B took it right off.

tom4bren

11/03/2010, 11:20 AM

So what is the bumper supposed to do that the massive spare tire won't? :p

Punch a hole in their radiator so they can't leave the scene of the accident.

Mebbe I'll add some Ldub spikes:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/17517/ppuser/1063/sl/l

VX KAT

11/03/2010, 11:21 AM

Yup KAT, those are gas spill stains on there. A few weeks ago the pump forgot to shut off & about a gallon of gas spilled down the side. Keeping fingers crossed that it'll clean off easy.

Kopy Kat!

Bumper looks great!

JAMAS

11/03/2010, 11:30 AM

Punch a hole in their radiator so they can't leave the scene of the accident.

Add some spikes, ala Bart.....

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/9633/ppuser/2249

tom4bren

11/04/2010, 01:39 PM

Guys, I don't want to scare anyone but I had a thought yesterday.

No, that's not the scary part.

Our receiver is fairly shallow & the SuperBumper is designed to slide further into the receiver if it takes an impact. I plan on taking some measurements this weekend to see if it will 'bottom out' in the event of an impact. The reason this concerns me is that the end of our receiver is open which would mean that the first thing that the sliding piece would impact would be our fuel tank shield.

I'm probably worried for nothing but thought I'd mention it. I talked to Jeff & he indicated that if we need to cut the end off of it, it wouldn't hurt anything as long as you leave about 1/2 inch of material before the pin slot.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Tom

tom4bren

11/06/2010, 11:28 AM

My concern was justified - sorta.

It's close ... real close.

There's 4" from the receiver pin to the fuel tank shield.

There's 4" from the back of the slot to the end of the receiver.

The bottom line is that you don't need to modify the SuperBumper for our application ... But I think I'll cut about 1/2 inch off, just for peace of mind.

tom4bren

11/08/2010, 06:58 AM

Here's some daylight pix:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4946.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4947.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4948.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4949.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4950.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4951.JPG

JAMAS

11/08/2010, 07:01 AM

Holy Giant Tires Batman!

......you want some VX with your tires?

tom4bren

11/08/2010, 07:17 AM

They're only 33x12.50R15

It's all in the presentation though. The offset makes em look bigger. (see how big I look by my shadow in the last pic)

The VX is MADE for offset!!!

JAMAS

11/08/2010, 07:24 AM

true...the spare on the back looks monstrous....even compared to the ones mounted

tom4bren

11/08/2010, 07:36 AM

Yah, you should've seen me lifting it back into place after treating the cladding & putting anti-seize on the studs.

I should've weighed it while I had it off - it's not nearly as heavy as it looks.

VX KAT

11/08/2010, 09:06 AM

Looks good Tom, with the big black donut hangin' there, it's more proportional than the smaller one I have. :thumbup:

vt_maverick

11/08/2010, 04:06 PM

Ditto, complements the rear tire mount very well. :thumbup: X 2

JAMAS

12/14/2010, 12:58 PM

Just placed my order.

VX KAT

12/14/2010, 01:09 PM

Just placed my order.
Which size did you go with JAMAS?

RamAirZ

12/14/2010, 01:19 PM

14x6 with a -25mm offset i am assuming?

JAMAS

12/14/2010, 01:34 PM

14x6 with a -25mm offset i am assuming?

I dont get it.

JAMAS

12/14/2010, 01:35 PM

Which size did you go with JAMAS?

Same as you, the SP318.

Does the "step" feature work good with our tone hitch receiver?

RamAirZ

12/14/2010, 02:03 PM

wrong thread lol, my bad

tom4bren

12/17/2010, 04:16 PM

Ok, earlier I mentioned that the dimention of the SuperBumper compressed exactly equals the distance from the pin to the fuel tank shield. I didn't want to take any chances that the tube would puncture the fuel tank in the event of an accident so I removed 1/2 inch from the end of the square tube on the SuperBumper.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4954.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4955.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4956.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4957.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4958.JPG

Can you use it as a step: ABSOLOOOOOOTLY!!!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4959.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4960.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG4961.JPG
I figure there's better than 400lbs on it in that last pic.

JAMAS

12/23/2010, 03:00 PM

I was able to add the extra spacer donut (2 big ones, 1 little one).

The "ratchet strap with a blanket" trick worked perfectly.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Jamas_SpareBumper1.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19555)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Jamas_SpareBumper2.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19556)

tom4bren

12/28/2010, 12:40 PM

Looks like that Gen-U-Whine Tone receiver could use a drop or 2 of paint.:)

The bumperette looks good though.

Mile High VX

12/28/2010, 12:55 PM

If I regularly use my VX to haul my bikes does this become a hassle to put on and take off every few weeks for a day or two? I'm using a Thule bike carrier that mounts to my Tone hitch.

tom4bren

12/28/2010, 01:00 PM

Mine's no worse than removing my hitch or my hook. It may fit just a bit tighter than the hitch.

Even with JAMAS adding the extra donut, he shouldn't have much trouble in a week or 2. The extra donut will go through some plastic deformation over time and he shouldn't have to use the strap any more.

Mine fit snug enough without the extra donut so I didn't use it. I don't think that Sue used hers either.

Tom

VX KAT

12/28/2010, 01:06 PM

Yeah, we haven't even tried to add the extra slim donut yet. It only has a tiny amount of play, maybe 1/4".
As is, it's absolutely no hassle to take on/off. Just unlock the hitch pin and it's off, that's it.

tom4bren

05/13/2011, 07:15 AM

I got an email from Jeff. JAMAS, KAT & I are famous:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.76383097960.70198.76381907960

This was an interesting pic of one that took a hit (from the same site):

JAMAS

05/13/2011, 07:28 AM

I got an email from Jeff. JAMAS, KAT & I are famous:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.76383097960.70198.76381907960

This was an interesting pic of one that took a hit (from the same site):

Yeah we are!!!!....

High fives all around!

VX KAT

05/13/2011, 10:18 AM

the longer we've had them, the more we like them. I've got 4 of these suckers now....two 18" and the new 24s....
Thinkin' of sacrificing one of the 18s as a "trail only" rear rock slider.....

Still can't decide if it'll catch on more things (because it sticks out), or protect more (because it stick out)?? What say you Mr. Engineer?...or anybody???:?:

If it does catch, think the upward pressure would damage the hitch since it's designed to have horizontal forces, not vertical forces? :?:

tom4bren

05/13/2011, 10:37 AM

VX KAT

05/13/2011, 10:42 AM

I'm thinkin it's a good idea that shouldn't be done.

Good idea = any hiney protection is a good thing.

Shouldn't be done = not sure of the vertical strength of the receiver like you said & because it may grab an obstacle rather than slide over it (sorta like my Calmini crossmember).

Thanks Tom. Here's my Plan B idea. I bought this too. What think you?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009YFNXQ
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3116VH32EiL._SS400_.jpg

tom4bren

05/13/2011, 11:18 AM

Not much better.

It would've been much better if they had added a horizontal piece across the bottom. I'm still thinking it'll grab an obstacle rather than slide over it.

Just my $.02

vt_maverick

05/13/2011, 01:19 PM

Shouldn't be done = not sure of the vertical strength of the receiver like you said & because it may grab an obstacle rather than slide over it (sorta like my Calmini crossmember).

+1 - When I caught my cargo box in the sand over the weekend I was scared to death that I had also bent the receiver up or down. Thankfully it didn't, but then again I wasn't resting the entire weight of my VX on it.

VX KAT

05/13/2011, 02:29 PM

let's face it, I just need a complete exo....:rollo:...except my new sliders will at least have that part covered :thumbup:

vt_maverick

05/13/2011, 03:04 PM

Now this is a real bumper protector:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229017_2028439436332_1404466228_32465197_7820078_n .jpg

VX KAT

05/13/2011, 03:09 PM

Now this is a real bumper protector:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229017_2028439436332_1404466228_32465197_7820078_n .jpg

True that!

RamAirZ

05/13/2011, 03:14 PM

I'm famous!!! haha ya the PO got in a rearend collision and I guess they decided they wanted to avoid any more issues lol. That thing is over 1/4" thick welded straight to the frame ;ooo;

tom4bren

05/16/2011, 04:42 AM

You should put a compressed air fitting on it & use it for an air tank.

RamAirZ

05/16/2011, 10:56 AM

I'm actually planning on doing that after I finish the hitch

VX KAT

09/12/2012, 11:43 PM

WHAT'S WITH VEGAS AND ME GETTING HIT??

When I was in Vegas last month for the photo shoot, I had my 24" SuperBumper on.
Going around the block from hotel and guy behind me tapped me when we were slowing for a light. We didn't feel anything, but I thought I heard something....that and the other driver immediately passed me and took off, blew through a very stale yellow/probably was red light!
We stopped and checked it out, sure enough he put a VERY little dimple in the SuperBumper, with a little cracked PowderCoat too.
.
.
.
at least THIS time the jerk HIT the SuperBumper....remember last year, the Las Vegas cabby swerved a little and completely MISSED the 18" SB and took off the left rear corner of my other truck. ....that's why I got the larger 24" now...

I like this thing even MORE now and am definitely keeping it on all the time! (I even gave up my purple paw hitch cover!)
Besides, it's a very handy step...and serves as a seat for me whenever I need one! :goof:

I've used the 18" for arse protection in Moab twice now, and it really earned its keep this year on Top of the World!
Some rough stuff for my non-lifted VX!
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MOAB%20%202012/DSCN1166.jpg

And this one on Hell's Revenge...you do a slide, a face plant and tail scrape on this one!
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MOAB%20%202012/DSCN0846-1.jpg

The looks have grown on me...but, yes, it's still a little goofy looking...but it definitely WORKS for smaller impacts!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/TAIL%20LIGHT%20GUARDS/DSC_5018.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/TAIL%20LIGHT%20GUARDS/DSC_5013.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/TAIL%20LIGHT%20GUARDS/DSC_5021.jpg

tom4bren

09/13/2012, 06:55 AM