Rear Bumper Build -- Van

[ujoint]

I've finally started building my rear bumper, so here it is so far. Everything will be built in: the camera, power plug, trailer plug, onboard air quick connect, and a locking fuel door to access the water system. I'm also building a skidplate to take the place of the factory spare tire mount, which will be cut out. Going 2" below the frame level will give me 10.5" of height for a water tank & compressor. Here's what I've done so far, I'll post more pics as I make progress.----------Chris

Cardboard mockup

After the plasmacam

installed / more mockup & work to do!

 

[haven]

cool!

Very cool! Are you planning to add protection for the rear corners?

 

[BigAl]

I can't see where you're going yet, is that a mounting bracket or is that the bumper. Keep the pics coming.

 

[ujoint]

I do plan on adding some corner protection. I'll play with some tube work & see how it looks. I haven't had a good "vision" on that yet.

 

[Red Lodge]

What camera are you thinking about using? If it is a wireless, make sure it reliably transmits the distance to your in-van receiver. The inexpensive VR3 units have trouble with vans. At least it did with mine,

 

[Willman]

Right on!!!



Keep the pictures coming!!!

 

[ujoint]

Thanks !! I'm using a SAVV camera, not wireless. I'll have more pics up 2maro, I'll be hard at work getting everything finshed up..

 

[ujoint]

I scrapped that first bumper and made a few changes, including moving the power plug to the drivers side. After that, I added the mounts for the d-rings, and started adding all of the mounts for the goodies.

Next step was to cut out the spare tire x-member. I used an air hammer to get all of the rivets out since I don't really trust myself with the torch. We then had to torch off the corners to get it out. Now I have plenty of room for goodies. I also decided to make the skidplate/x-member out of 3 pieces, the side mounts will be steel while the plate will be aluminum. working on that this week.......

 

[Clark]

I'm glad to see this progressing! I'm especially interested in the next steps (I'm happy with my bumper). I have that place reserved for wetsuit storage and.... (we'll see when the time comes).

 

[ujoint]

I've got the side mounts for the skidplate almost done, and I hope to pick up the aluminum this week. I did get my air compresor today, it's the new Warn VTC compressor, the big one!! Can't wait to get it mounted & start plumbing!!

 

[spencyg]

That VTC is a monster!! I suppose its rather appropriate to have one mounted in your van How many amps does that thing draw???

Spence

 

[ujoint]

Not sure, no specs on the website. It will fit perfectly under the van.

 

[ujoint]

These pieces are the last thing to be finished before the holiday break, I'm sad that all progress on the bumper/skidpalte will stop until I'm back.

These brackets sit inside the framerail & support the aluminum skidplate that holds all of the goodies. I originally planned to make the entire skid from steel, but decided this will be easier to install & lighter.

 

[BigAl]

How do you cut the slotted holes in your brackets? I've always wondered, is there a tool?

 

[spencyg]

Manually is a pain in the ***, usually requiring drilling a hole at each end of the slot and then cutting the web in between them. I have been doing the slots with either the CNC mill or CNC plasma table....much easier:sombrero:

Spence