better bumper

[jerdog]

For the next mod on our 2001 Kiwi 17 I'm planning to cut off the original (weak) back bumper and add a 4" square tube bumper that will double as a storage tube. This should also serve as a sturdier mount for the spare tire.
Has anyone here done the same? Thanks

[Scott91370]

Not yet but I do plan on it. It will also hold my spare tire(s).

[BigJohnD]

Here's one of our previous rigs. 2011 Mobile Scout. Cut everything stock off of the frame, new 2x4 rectangle tubing (1/8" wall thickness), new 4x4 bumper (can't remember thickness, but thicker), then of course the new hitch for double towing. I've done this on a few, and always go back with better material, and of course my own fab work. I feel better than staying with what lippert provides.

I'd say, if you wanna cut and upgrade, go for it. I'm never satisfied with the OEM bumpers or framing, at least for what I need it for. On the more recent Jayco, the hitch looked ok, and I didn't need the bumper for anything really, so I just did additional welds on the hitch brackets and changed out the bolts to grade 8.

[norty1]

I haven't but have seen rigs on the road and talked with the owners. Removing the rear square tin can bumper and replacing it with a heavier thickness with good and supported welds will give many benefits.

Make sure the inside is big enough to put what you want inside.

[bankr63]

Just keep an eye on the weights, and maybe don't go too heavy duty. Adding 20-30 lbs more steel to a small HTT with a CCC in the low hundreds can be problematic.

[penguin149]

I don't think the frame on X17C could handle a larger bumper much less any weight travelling on it. The current bumper is more like a piece of C channel as opposed to an enclosed tube.

[jerdog]

Got the "beefier" bumper installed. Should be no problem holding the spare tire bracket now!

[Scott91370]

Nice! Definitely on my list after I get the roof and floor repaired.
I hate putting the spares in the bed of the truck.

[RAurand]

Here is the link on the forum to what I did : 5th post down on link.


http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...cks-36317.html