Bumper design Input please

[Ramdough]

I am updating my bumper design and I wanted to get your inputs into the Mod1 and Mod2 options.

Mod 1, som kind of ammo can mounted for a strap... or something.

Mod 2, jerry can.

The cooking light will have to be changed to accomodate the Hi-lift jack.

The shovel is a fiberglass handled one, so the HF antenna will not be desrupted by it.

Bumper Closed

Bumper Open

Click on the pictures to see the 3d models. For instructions, go here.

Please give me as much feedback as you like... the more the better.

Thanks in advance

 

[OldSven]

Well so much for just eyeing it and calling it good

 

[BajaTaco]

I like Mod 1 unless you will not have fuel storage elsewhere. A full jerry can will just be that much heavier, and it's already going to weigh a lot. Mod 1 also has the lights, which will be very useful. I recommend adding a cover to the jack if you end up mounting it back there on the bumper.

Very nice models, as usual

 

[Ramdough]

Thanks Baja,

I will add the lights elsewhere if I put the jerry can back there.

My main concerns right now are safety, weight, and convenience.

I still have not decided based on these three items wich I want to do.

as far as the cover goes, I may keep the jack inside until I get ready for a trip, and then maybe use a cover.... I don't want it to sit wet for a long period of time in a cover.

 

[The BN Guy]

I'd say mod 1. I've been rather cautious about putting a gas can on the outside of a vehicle. Especially on the rear of one.

Nice design either way.

Curious...is there a reason you put the trailer hitch under the bumper instead of cutting a hole in the middle of it?

 

[Ramdough]

Thanks for the input.... please keep it coming!!!!!


BN Guy,

The hitch is under the bumper since the license plate is in the middle of it. Also the hitch pin would not be accessible on this bumper since it is 4" thick.



Mod 1 appears to be winning so far. Has anyone ever seen an aluminum tool box around 14x21x10 with a door on the large face?

 

[Ramdough]

Well, construction of the tire carrier will probably start in two weeks, so I am going to have to finalize the design.

I decided to build a basic steel frame to support the tire and build an aluminum subframe which will support either mod 1 or 2 ....or mod 3,4,5,6,..... That way I can interchange what I put back there.

Has anyone any ideas about the box I asked about last time?

 

[Grim Reaper]

I would split the carrier in half.

Thats a LOT of weight. Put two 5 gallon NATO cans on a 5ft stick and try to hold it. The leverage are on the pivot is tremendous.

I assume you are going to use something like a trailer spindle. Those are found to fail in similar designs as yours. Just too much weight always working on it. Eventually the spindle fractures.

Now before you go and say its rated 1250lb...think about the loading. Its 12-15inch wheel in line with the bearings. The moment arm is only the diameter to the tire not the 4.5ft of that rack. And even closed where the latch is supporting the weight you have a 70-80lb wheel assembly, 2 full cans, jack and the weight of the rack working on it. You need to shorten your moment arm and the weight working on it.

 

[Ramdough]

I have decided t go with an Ammo can (click here) on the swing out. It will house my tow strap, yank strap, and maybe a few shackles. Maybe a winch line extension. I will find out how much room I have when I get a box in house.

My only concern right now is that I do not know if I can open one with the shovel in place. I will have to do some field testing before I buy one. It must be able to open from ones side.

The way my tire swing is designed, all of the weight is supported on both ends by the vertical arms. The only time weight is cantalevered out is when the gate is open (and the truck would not be driving).

I will analyze the gate for strength before I build.

My main concern right now is weight and safety. I want to build a thin walled tube design that will not fail under fatigue or simple use.

Thanks for thr feedback.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Studied your design some more.

Not being critical just trying to help you see possible issues. I have built and helped build and dealt with a few similar set ups over the years. Just pointing out things I saw as problems with other peoples so you can fix it in design before you build it

The hinge didn't click before. Thats a better design for leverage but the vertical might get you a ticket for tail lights obscured or if you move it out past the tail lights it will snag stuff. I think you are misjudging the scale of the materials and the points where they will hit on the truck.

I am having trouble judging where this will hit in relation to the tail light. Most bumpers with the wrap around come in just below the tail light. Like this http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/armor.htm That would put your reinforcement piece over the tail light lens if I am judging the scale correctly. It will make changing tail light bulbs difficult if not impossible.

Maybe making a curved piece that is in the same arch as the bumper to reach over and around the tail light for the upper hinge like the short piece you show now. Make it come back more toward the rear tire. That would give some more 1/4 panel protection as well. Then a piece of 1/4 inch thick bar stock between the lower and upper mounts like that marlin bumper but all the way up to the top brace over the tail light and parallel to the tail gate to tie it in so that it doesn't block the lights. That will help triangulate it in a couple of directions and keep it from being a shaker.

I still think the long swing might be a issue. Think about muscling that thing on a hill. I had friends with long racks and sometimes in tight trails where you have to pull up tight to the guy in front the swing would get in the way.

 

[91xlt]

i like your ideas and decission to go with the ammo can. looking forward to seeing results. i thought about these options myself...having custom bumpers fabbed. i decided on another route...but your ideas seem to be well thought out. you will learn alot from some field testing. LOL:beer:

 

[Ramdough]

How does this look for the bumper corner supports?

Grim,

I added the angled support, I think this is what you meant.


I may have to add new tail lights if it is too terrible.

 

[Grim Reaper]

That looks sharp. Should keep "The Man" from hasseling you.

 

[Willman]

Well so much for just eyeing it and calling it good

Amen!!! Nice computer program!!!!..DROOL....Can't wait for the buildup!!!!!

 

[Grim Reaper]

I was looking for a picture on my Hard drive when this caught my eye. I have these pictures because this 4Runner has the Total Chaos long travel suspension I am considering for my truck.

Thought you would like to see it because the rack design is very similar to yours.