Calling all Virginians (Tidewater area)

Picked up an angle grinder on sale today.

Going to knock out the ears on the stock tire mount in the morning and get my spare back on.

 

Don't cut them. Just get a hammer and beat them up. Way easier ajd super smooth to keep the tire from getting cut and marred. Also grab a strap so you can pull the tire towards the hitch ...lessons learned from running my 255 down there.

 

Ok cool thanks man. Just temporary until I get around my rear bumper.

 

No problem; maybe Friday or Saturday! We can discuss a bed rack and...in preps for an epic trip out west.

If you needed an angle grinder or any other sheetmetal tools shoulda asked I have my own and access to others.

 

Also those of you with HC rear bumpers, Slim, Loco, ckeene, etc. Please give me your input on what you like/dislike, considerations, pros and cons. I am moving forward with my rear design as soon as the front is complete (monday?) And will begin building. I am particularly interested in latch and hinge considerations.

Thanks

 

I have the ATO H/C bumper. I love the bumper itself, but the swing out could have a better design. Linwood has the older version of the same bumper and his swing out is a much better design. The mechanism that locks the swing out sucks on mine it rattles and does not seem to hold it in place very well. I do like the camp table though. It is hard to see in the picture but the first one is of the lock on the swing out and how high it sits from the post it locks into. I put electrical tape around it to stop the metal on metal rattle.

 

The only thing I wish mine had was the camp table, but that is very easy to add. However, I also love the design of Phil's with the short swing arm. Another thing is, think about where you park your truck and access to the bed when you decide which direction the swing out opens up on, when I open mine, it blocks my access to my garage because I park on the side.

 

If I could do it again I would have gone dual short swings. One for tire and one for a rotopax/hilify/table...may just add that one later.

 

Hmmmm where do I start.

Bumper:
-Easy access to the hitch pin for the receiver
-A place to attach your tow chains
-Trailer electrical harness relocation
-location to put a wall mount bottle opener

Tiregate:
-A fully locking latch so that there is no movement or rattles
-Auto-engaging latch/pin when it is in the open position(s)
-Grease able spindle
-If you're gonna run a topper angle the spare tire holder slightly forward for better aesthetics

 

Okay so now for the next set of questions:

1. Loco-will a short arm allow a camp table with the tailgate down? Eyeballing it I don't think so.

2. Slim-any issue with tire on the passenger side? If you had to do it again would you consider moving it to the driver's side?

3. Ckeene-any pictures of the type of latch you would want?

4. All-is your gate on a spindle or is it a hinge?

5. All-Any issue with the width i.e. 4" top to bottom? I am actually looking at the main part being made out of a 6x6 C-channel but trimmed on the top to 5-5.5. I am considering incorporating a winch into the design so need the "extra room." Although, this would require a hitch to be below the bumper (might have to think about this.)

Any other advice appreciated.

 

one xbox sold. lots more stuff to go :banghead:

 

The synergy suspension latch looks awesome or the one like Linwood has.

All of ours are spindle design.

I like the low profile design if the ATO, nothing hanging down more than it needs to be.

Also, one more thing. Integrate a backup camera into the design.

 

Ckeene9, Adam at ATO redesigned the hitch. it is easier to get to and has the loops for a trailer chain, on the back of the bumper.

rbraddock- I like the spare on the passenger side, helps with the taco lean from all the weight that is already on the driver side i.e. gas tank/driver. I'm not sure if a camp table would work with a short arm, unless you went with a smaller table. Adding a winch will take up a lot of room making the High Clearance part of the bumper not so high clearance imo.

 

Good to hear! Maybe myself and another TW member bitched enough.

 

This is a rough start of my route for the 2016 Expedition.

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210934995549973458304.0004ec28e85ebb7dbe039&msa=0&ll=51.344339,-113.334961&spn=8.471337,23.049316

 

Double check your timing as there's gonna be a lot of snow in those mountains in May.

 

These look interesting.

http://southeastoverland.com/index....t_id=343&virtuemart_category_id=114&Itemid=33

 

Seems like a fair amount of wasted light (glare). I wonder how it would work with a projector lens

 

If they could be used instead of HID's in kits like TRS sells that would be awesome. I would definitely buy some.

 

I'm going to look at those lights Friday and report back.