Exit Angle Improvement?

Looking to install the RCI rear bumper with the receiver hitch moved up and behind the flip up license plate.

With bumper installed, will relocating the spare into the bed improve my departure angle?

 

Not sure on that specific bumper, but on my HC rear the tire does stick down lower than the bumper and could contact the ground first.

 

Okay just an FYI, RCI claims a 4" gain in clearance with the receiver moved up. Just wondering if spare is the next point of impact or, if it's too far forward to matter.

 

It matters on what angle your truck hits an obstacle/comes off of said obstacle. For the most part, the tire is safe, but if there is a higher obstacle in the center of the truck in line with tire, it can absolutely hit it. most of the time, you'd probably be fine. Why not just install the bumper and see where the tire is in comparison? You'll have gobs more clearance than before, even if the tire is ever so slightly limiting it.

 

Thanks! Weighing the merits of a bed mounted spare or leaving it where it is. I'll just mount the bumper and have a look at it then.

 

Apparently I have very few photos from the rear of my truck. Here's a look from the side where you can clearly see the tire. If you draw a line from my rear tires to the bumper, the tire probably just clears, but there are multiple ways the tire could come in contact with the ground. I have rubbed mine before, as one day it had mud streaks dead center in line with the trailer hitch about 4 inches wide. No damage, was just dragging soft mud/dirt in that case.

 

My 2 cents is that, if ground clearance is important enough to you to cut your bed sides, why would you leave your spare under the bed?

 

There is such a thing as middle ground, lol. I have WAY more clearance now, which is great. and i'd gain like 3% more if I took out my tire.