rear ending resistance: Slee or Kaymar?

[Jim_Chow]

Does anyone w/ a Slee or Kaymar (or anyone w/ a rear tire carrier on a 100) have any "hands-on" experience of getting rear-ended in terms of which bumper protects the vehicle better? Would a vehicle hit the tire and press the carrier into the tailgate before making contact w/ the bumper?

 

[sleeoffroad]

How long is a piece of string? A Ferarri will make contact with the bumper before the carrier, but a Expedition not. If the tire carrier is hit really hard, you have a good chance that it will go into the rear tailgate. However which is stronger is open to debate.

 

[NorCalDoug]

No "hands-on" experiences, thankfully...

Do you think having a tire carrier (with tire) would make much of a difference?

I would think that if a vehicle is tall enough to hit the tire, they would also be tall enough hit the tailgate as well. If they hit with enough speed to drive the tire into the tailgate and hatch, wouldn't one have to assume that they would inflict damage if the tire carrier was not there?

 

[FirstToy]

I think the tire carrier would cause more damage in a minor collision but be safer for the occupants in a major one. Nothing like a big, rubber donut to absorb the blow.

I would think most cars would be too low to actually hit it tho.

 

[calamaridog]

The vast majority of cars and light trucks will impact the underside of the bumper...

 

[Greg B]

Also depends on what suspension and tires are on the vehicle, as both items add to vehicle height changing how the bumper would be impacted in a collision. Lot's of variables to consider.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Also depends on what suspension and tires are on the vehicle, as both items add to vehicle height changing how the bumper would be impacted in a collision. Lot's of variables to consider.

I was thinking stock height to 2" lift, 285's, not monster 315's w/ 6" lift.

 

[calamaridog]

A friend's Tacoma was rear ended by an 18 wheeler. The bumper was aftermarket and very sturdy. The brackets were straighted out with a BFH and the bumper is still in use.

I'm putting my money on the Slee offering as far as strength. What a bad ass looking piece of steel that thing is.

 

[NorCalDoug]

I was thinking stock height to 2" lift, 285's, not monster 315's w/ 6" lift.

Mine's right about there now. 2.5" OME with 315s (I had the 285 until about 8 months ago).
With this set up, the bumpers are still significantly higher than virtually all cars and most trucks on the road.