Kaymar-plate and b/u light option

[DRTDuck]

I realize most have seen several pictures of a Kaymar rear bumper. However, thought I’d share my option for mounting the license plate and aux back up light.

Plate:
I removed the OEM license plate light housing, attached it to a $3 metal license plate bracket form the parts store, mounted it to the tire holder with 4 in. or so 3/8 carriage bolts.

Light:
I tapped into the OEM back up wiring to power the b/u light. This of course, after putting in a relay, as I have 50w 1156 bulbs in the OEM b/u light sockets and a put a 100w in the aux light. Again mounted with a long enough carriage bolt to the carrier mounting plate.

 

[MoJ]

How big of a PITA is it to remove if you need your spare?

 

[DRTDuck]

Not much. An adjustable wrench to get the three bolts off (2 for plate, 1 for light). The 4 wires are connected with quick disconnects, so it all pops off pretty quick.

 

[lurker]

I realize most have seen several pictures of a Kaymar rear bumper. However, thought I’d share my option for mounting the license plate and aux back up light.

Plate:
I removed the OEM license plate light housing, attached it to a $3 metal license plate bracket form the parts store, mounted it to the tire holder with 4 in. or so 3/8 carriage bolts.

Light:
I tapped into the OEM back up wiring to power the b/u light. This of course, after putting in a relay, as I have 50w 1156 bulbs in the OEM b/u light sockets and a put a 100w in the aux light. Again mounted with a long enough carriage bolt to the carrier mounting plate.

I'm thinking about the exact same rear bumper.

Can you please tell me what you think about it and was it worth the $820?

 

[Safado]

Here's mine. Adjustable telescoping light makes it very useful. Infact I used it tonight when a buddy called and needed to be pulled out of a ditch. Great bumper and functional setup. Used a 40 series license plate bracket.

 

[cruiserdan]

Slee for me, with JDM license plate mount............

 

[reffug]

TJM with swing tire carrier. I need to mount me one of those bright lights on the back though.

 

[lurker]

TJM with swing tire carrier. I need to mount me one of those bright lights on the back though.

Hey Reffug,

I noticed that your rear tire is mounted on the right-hand side. Does this interfere with your rear vision? I was thinking about the Kaymar because you can get a left-hand mounted rear tire carrier.

 

[reffug]

Hey Reffug,

I noticed that your rear tire is mounted on the right-hand side. Does this interfere with your rear vision? I was thinking about the Kaymar because you can get a left-hand mounted rear tire carrier.

Not that I have noticed. With the side mirrors and I use a wide parabolic rear view mirror it in no way impeads my vision while driving the rig, even in tight NOVA traffic. Of course with the truck armored the way it is I kinda hope they don't move when I put on my blinker.

 

[Asiarider]

Here is my setup. But I have now a roof rack so that the ladder is not useless.

Mike

 

[landtank]

I have the Kaymar with the tire on the left side and I prefer it that way. Alot easier when loading/unloading at the curb. The tire swings out away from the curb.

 

[lurker]

I have the Kaymar with the tire on the left side and I prefer it that way. Alot easier when loading/unloading at the curb. The tire swings out away from the curb.

Thanks landtank, I didn't even think about that one (curb), but what's your opinion about rear vision?

 

[landtank]

View is fine even with a 315 mounted back there. But hey what do you expect to see out of a truck on 35" tires lifted 3".

 

[CruisinGA]

What about strength of the kaymar in terms of sliding off ledges, hard bumps to hard surfaces etc?

It seems to be a little bit "prettier" and less substantial than slee's, but the price dif is something I must consider, since the 80 is the low budget truck.

 

[cruiserdan]

The Kamar is more of an expedition style bumper as opposed to the Slee which is more of a hard-core trail bumper. That being said, I have been on runs with guys that have Kamars and they smack the rocks with the best of them. I prefer the Slee tire mount. It is a lot more substantial than the Kamar.

I guess that for the extra thousand bucks it should be...

I also think that the Slee is prettier....

 

[landtank]

I don't know about sliding off of ledges but I'd assume it would be ok. I do know that it will take a hit from a Ford Escort wagon at 35 mpg without a problem.

 

[Safado]

Never had a problem dropping my tails off any Moab ledges. I have a 37 back there and no problems seeing around it. I personally prefer the Right side for the same reason prefers the left. I like it to open up the the curb. That way the weight of the tire keeps it open.

 

[reffug]

I really don't know. No matter what the situation, curb or just out and about in the woods the damn thing is never on the 'right side' of course that being said if you can't 'see' around it then leave the tire under the truck.

 

[blupaddler]

When you get down to it there isn't much of a price difference between the Kaymar and Slee bumper.

The basic Kaymar with dual pivots runs about $820
Slee's bumper is around $950

Not much difference there.


All said and done I am very happy with my Kaymar...But I would really love to get a Slee one day.

 

[landtank]

Safado you must not parallel pack in city conditions much. With that carrier on the right side you pretty much block access to the curb when someone is parked behind you.

On a side note my tire carrier is down at the shop getting sand blasted so I can refinish it and stop the rusting. Seems during manufacturing it wasn't prepped properly and after 2 years the coating was flaking off in large chucks. Not excited about that one.