M-416 Bumper Design

[socaljeeper]

I am thinking about adding a rear bumper on the M-416 that will add an additional 10 gallons of fuel and provide two extra tow points at the rear. I was thinking that each fuel can will be on its own swing-out spindle to allow the tailgate to fold down. My thought process was to have two separate bumpers that will meet at the existing hitch receiver, at the rear middle of the trailer.

There are two drawbacks of this design that I can think of. One would be the additional 8 inches of metal coming off the rear of the trailer that will reduce the departure angle. The other is adding the additional weight to the rear of the trailer. I think with the current tongue weight that I have, the additional weight to the rear will not compromise the towing aspects of the trailer.

Here is a preliminary CAD drawing that I did. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Spudy]

seems like a neat idea but why do two swing outs? A lot of extra work and money more to do it that way instead of just one swing out to one side. I don't mean to knock you idea because i do like it and it is different and if that is what you are going for great.

 

[Titanpat57]

Patrick,

Two thoughts..

I know you have the extended tongue on your very, very sharp trailer, but I would be concerned hanging an addtional 80 lbs. that far past the rear axle. Weight behind the axle can cause some strange things.

The other thought is why not have the bumper extension go straight across, I know you have madd skillz, and it's not a matter of angles for you, but it seems the extra flat surface would be welcome, God knows there's never enough flat surface while camping.

Either way I'm sure it will come out nice.

good luck, Pat

 

[socaljeeper]

I am not sure if the additional weight will have any effect on the trailer with the 20 gallon water tank, tongue box and battery, fridge and 5 gal gas can towards the front of the trailer.
I am also thinking about removing the cans and swing out all together and just making a simple bumper just like the drawing but only make it stick out about 3 or 4 inches.

 

[jamm]

just making a simple bumper just like the drawing but only make it stick out about 3 or 4 inches.

I'm curious as to why you feel the need for a bumper. What benefit do you see in having one?

 

[jeepfreak81]

I'm curious as to why you feel the need for a bumper. What benefit do you see in having one?

He said to provide some recovery points, and to put the swing outs on.

 

[jamm]

He said to provide some recovery points, and to put the swing outs on.

Duh.. read his comment in the post where the swing outs are left off:gunt:

Let me rephrase my question: What do you hope to gain by adding a bumper? If it's just to add recovery points why not strengthen the trailer frame at the recovery points you want w\o the bumper, after all the bumper will be attached to the same frame. This way you do not lose departure angle by adding length to the trailer.

To each his own, I was just curious.

 

[socaljeeper]

If I did the bumper without the additional fuel cans and swing out I guess the only benefit that would be gained would be cosmetic. If I did do it this way I would not make it stick out too far, maybe 3 inches. There are also some holes at the rear of the trailer that I can cover up and it is a good opportunity to redo the rear lights, which I have been wanting to do.

Duh.. read his comment in the post where the swing outs are left off:gunt:

Let me rephrase my question: What do you hope to gain by adding a bumper? If it's just to add recovery points why not strengthen the trailer frame at the recovery points you want w\o the bumper, after all the bumper will be attached to the same frame. This way you do not lose departure angle by adding length to the trailer.

To each his own, I was just curious.

 

[Tight_wad]

I put a rear deck and bumper on mine. I really like it. It gives me an area to set stuff on and to stand on when loading and unloading supplies.