Forum Discussion

Acdii's avatar
Acdii
Explorer
Oct 12, 2016

Bumper mod

I want to be able to mount my Champion generator on the rear bumper, which means replacing it. So would 3/16" square tube with 3/16" plates, angles, etc. welded to the frame be strong enough? I am thinking that I can build the new bumper with fresh steel, cut off the old one, and slide the attachments between the I beams of the frame and bolt it on. I want to extend the bumper out about a foot too, so will need to cantilever it out, bringing the attachment forward about 2 feet in. I would use at least 5 1/2" grade 8 bolts on each side to secure it, instead of welding to the frame, but the bumper itself will be welded with angles and gussets.

I believe 3/16" for the bumper itself should be plenty strong, but the attachment part is where I wonder if I should go heavier gauge. I plan to make it so that it slides over both sides of the frame, and is boxed top and bottom with gusset plates that cover the entire top and bottom of the tube, with angles on either side.

I have a nice plasma cutter and welder that I have been wanting to put to use other than the light tacking I have done for repairs. Gives me a reason to buy a tank of gas too. :)

8 Replies

  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2016
    SoundGuy wrote:
    Acdii wrote:
    Its right around 200# minus the weight of the existing bumper, so should be OK.


    Famous last words. :W

    And what do you think adding 200 lbs more at the far rear of your trailer is going to do to it's gross tongue weight? :R


    Exactly!

    I know on my trailer if the ol lady packs 200 lbs of stuff in the rear bedroom my trailer becomes unstable. And that's not on the very tail like you're doing. If I take a hundred lbs of that stuff and move it up front it tows like a dream again.

    Good luck with your project.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer II
    Oct 13, 2016
    I don't know about your frame but mine is lucky to hold up the original bumper. Bolting things to a pathetic frame might be a problem.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2016
    Acdii wrote:
    Its right around 200# minus the weight of the existing bumper, so should be OK.


    Famous last words. :W

    And what do you think adding 200 lbs more at the far rear of your trailer is going to do to it's gross tongue weight? :R
  • Acdii's avatar
    Acdii
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2016
    Its right around 200# minus the weight of the existing bumper, so should be OK.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2016
    You better be really versed in weights and balances before you begin this venture. You're not only adding the weight of your gen-set, your also adding a lot of weight from the steel.

    Just a caution. :)
  • Acdii's avatar
    Acdii
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2016
    IAMICHABOD wrote:
    You could just get These but it seems that you have the equipment to make your own...:B


    I almost did, but thankfully looked at where they would go first. The stab jacks are in the way, so no matter what I would have had to remove them, and do some cutting to make those work.

    Also, raising the bumper would be an option. I have my spare bolted to it and I had bounced it on a gas station drive so now its bent upwards. Now that I think about ti, that would make it more secure too. I would cut the part that bolts to the frame to be like a shelf bracket, and angle weld both the face and bottom to the tube.

    Even though it is 8' wide, I have limited room in order to mount the genny, the water heater is back there, and so is the roof ladder, the black tank flush and the license plate, so I have to fit it between the flush fitting and WH panel. I may see if I can find a right angle water adapter for the flush fitting and secure a short hose to it, then I will have the room needed, since I would also like to put my hitch mounted storage box back there, or maybe bike carrier if we go the bike route at some point.
  • pira114's avatar
    pira114
    Explorer II
    Oct 12, 2016
    I would consider raising it up a few inches. When I bought my trailer, the previous owner had a very similar set up. The gen platform dragged on the ground at anything more than a standard driveway angle.

    It wasn't noticeable to the eye, but it had been bent just enough that I couldn't remove it. Eventually had to cut it off

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