CAUTION: Rear Bumper Enhancement CL, QS, etc.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]THIS IS A SAFETY WARNING. If you plan to enhance the rear bumper to provide a 4x4 for mounting a back rack be aware there is a right way and a wrong way.

The RIGHT way is to weld a 2x4  forward of the existing bumper, inside the frame members. The added 2x4 should be welded to both frame members and the existing bumper.  See the following posts for examples.

[a href="http://www.livinlite-owners.com/post/29/thread"]http://www.livinlite-owners.com/post/29/thread[/a]

[a href="http://livinlite-owners.com/post/5332/thread"]http://livinlite-owners.com/post/5332/thread[/a]

[a href="http://livinlite-owners.com/post/19348/thread"]http://livinlite-owners.com/post/19348/thread[/a]

[a href="http://www.livinlite-owners.com/post/8934/thread"]http://www.livinlite-owners.com/post/8934/thread[/a]


The WRONG way is to just add a 2x4 to the rear face of the existing bumper. While achieving the 4x4 cross section, it does nothing for the underlying limit. The OEM weld to the frame at the top of the exiting bumper (red arrow above) is the weak link in the original fabrication and is subject to failure from the additional twisting load. If this occurs the bumper and anything on it will detach and land behind the trailer. Make sure anyone making this mod understands the forces involved and produces a sturdy and safe installation.[/font]