Oh man that sucks. I need to bookmark this for future reference.
Any signs it was failing?
My swingarms latch to each other, not to the ground. Not sure if that helps or hurts durability…
RLC rear tire carrier / swing out / jerry can / custom fab bumper
- Thread starter Willy beamin
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Any signs it was failing?
My swingarms latch to each other, not to the ground. Not sure if that helps or hurts durability…
no. thankfully we were in deep snow when it let loose.
When you open the lower tailgate does it clear the bumper, even when you sit on it? Mine made contact and there 2 fixed are either to lower the bumper slightly or trim the tailgate cable.
I had to make new tailgate cables
Clears the tailgate by maybe 1/2”, was playing with the mounting height for a bit, ultimately settled where it is sitting, to accommodate that aluminum trim piece
diy weld
FYI if you don't push the bumper all the way up when mounting, it almost certainly will reposition itself higher if you smack the bumper coming down on a shelf. So if you intend to wheel your setup, be careful as if it shifts and then you drop the tailgate you may end up denting your tailgate...
Sorry for the delayed response. Somehow this didn’t hit my radar.Dang so sweet #Jealous. I bought the struts a while back and brought down to Higgy's (while they were doing my new suspension), but they couldn't off-hand figure out a way to fit them. Now I see that makes more sense the spindles would need to be different to raise the arms up. Who did you say you had in AZ modify your original bumper? Was that with 4x4labs spindles also, or was he able to modify the original RLC spindles? If they were 4x4labs spindles which option did you order? Ouch $150/each for just a spindle, this sounds like this wouldn't be a super cheap upgrade.....but I still want it
Spindle Assembly
HEAVY DUTY SPINDLE ASSEMBLY 4X4LABS heavy duty spindle assemblies are designed to be smooth and rattle free forever. Tapered roller bearings are fully sealed but serviceable. Replacement parts are available. Heavy duty spindle with 3500 lb. rating 3/8″ wall outer shell with built in milled...4x4labs.myshopify.com
Better late than never…
Q: Who did you say you had in AZ modify your original bumper?
A: Kent’s Mobile Welding (Phoenix, AZ). Kent is a very talented and experienced welder and all around good guy.
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
Q: Was that with 4x4labs spindles also, or was he able to modify the original RLC spindles? If they were 4x4labs spindles which option did you order? Ouch $150/each for just a spindle, this sounds like this wouldn't be a super cheap upgrade.....but I still want it
A: Yes, RLC Spindles. Not cheap, but totally worth it. Especially if you are commissioning a new bumper from James, just have him include them, the struts, and the detasco vertical latch from the get-go. James says it is overkill for most users, but those who need it know and he will do it on request.
Spindle Assembly
HEAVY DUTY SPINDLE ASSEMBLY 4X4LABS heavy duty spindle assemblies are designed to be smooth and rattle free forever. Tapered roller bearings are fully sealed but serviceable. Replacement parts are available. Heavy duty spindle with 3500 lb. rating 3/8″ wall outer shell with built in milled...
4x4labs.myshopify.com
Latch for Swing Outs
LATCH Latching mechanism for Swing Out Arms. Comes with a latch plate hook. We carry two types - Horizontal for double swing arm bumpers that latch to each other and Vertical latches for single swing arms that latch to the bumper itself. Clamptek 7500 lb with forged handle (Double Swing Out)...
4x4labs.myshopify.com
Gas Springs for Swing Out Arms
GAS SPRINGS Swing Out Arm Gas Shocks hold swing arms open on hills. 150 pound force, 15 inch open length, 6 inch throw. Metal ball sockets and keeper springs help for trouble free operation in harsh conditions. SHIPPING Parts are shipped via USPS Priority Mail to residential and commercial...
4x4labs.myshopify.com
In order to fit the gas springs, Kent had to raise the swing out arm higher on the spindle to make room for clearance. Wasn’t a big deal, since we cut the arm off the old spindle and had to re-attach anyhow.
Having had both the “stock” RLC spindles, latch and t-pin, these upgrades have definitely been worth the hassle.
Yeah I’d love to retrofit gas struts if I didn’t have to do the spindles too. The pin for the T handles scratches plate is slides across, which causes it to rust. I used some UHMW tape to protect mine but that eventually tears. Maybe it would be better if my bumper was powder coated, not POR15 painted :-/
Here are some shots of the new RLC bumper installed w the 4x4labs upgrades…
Kent had to modify the 2” hitch on the driver side and bring it a few inches over in order to run the atv rack for the canyon cooler.
And then, the atv rack was able to fit with the 34” KO2…
Opens nicely for full access…
On the driver side swing out, it came with a basket for 3 Jerry cans, but w the 40 gal auxiliary tank installed I prefer to run the canyon cooler secured with some steel core straps. Easy access to cold food and drink is really convenient.
steelcore.com
Kent had to modify the 2” hitch on the driver side and bring it a few inches over in order to run the atv rack for the canyon cooler.
And then, the atv rack was able to fit with the 34” KO2…
Opens nicely for full access…
On the driver side swing out, it came with a basket for 3 Jerry cans, but w the 40 gal auxiliary tank installed I prefer to run the canyon cooler secured with some steel core straps. Easy access to cold food and drink is really convenient.
Universal Security Strap 6ft - Single and Pair - Steelcore Inc.
The Steelcore 4.5 and 6-foot-long Theft Resistant Locking Security Straps are ideal for securing your assets including bikes, motorcycles, surfboards, guns, firearms,Gun coolers, sporting goods, tools, and many more.
steelcore.com
What edge trim material did you use for the bumper cuts? Mine fell off, will no longer stay attached. Looking for suggestions.
That looks great. I’m curious, but it looks like you have a hitch attached so I’ll assume you pull some type of trailer. When a trailer is attached, are you able to open both swing arms, or is either of them too long?Here are some shots of the new RLC bumper installed w the 4x4labs upgrades…
View attachment 3592219
View attachment 3592221
Kent had to modify the 2” hitch on the driver side and bring it a few inches over in order to run the atv rack for the canyon cooler.
View attachment 3592228
And then, the atv rack was able to fit with the 34” KO2…
View attachment 3592229
Opens nicely for full access…
View attachment 3592230
On the driver side swing out, it came with a basket for 3 Jerry cans, but w the 40 gal auxiliary tank installed I prefer to run the canyon cooler secured with some steel core straps. Easy access to cold food and drink is really convenient.
Universal Security Strap 6ft - Single and Pair - Steelcore Inc.
The Steelcore 4.5 and 6-foot-long Theft Resistant Locking Security Straps are ideal for securing your assets including bikes, motorcycles, surfboards, guns, firearms,Gun coolers, sporting goods, tools, and many more.
I can't speak for @Mineral but I had James make my arms even length because I was afraid that would be a problem. In the end the spare tire actually has more impact on the ability to open when hitched up than the arm length does, because the spare is starting ~15" closer to the jack.
Ultimately mine clears just fine, and my jack was pretty close to the tongue. I did have to get a longer drop shank (not taller, just longer) to make it work.
The one place that I had an issue which surprised me was that on a very tight turn or when jackknifed backing up my spare tire would contact my propane cylinder. I think it would have been OK if the spare was perfectly vertical, but because it's tilted the bottom of the tire would make contact. I ended up moving the propane cylinders back about 3-4" and they seem to always clear now. On one hand I'd like the tire to be vertical since the lip of my wheel tends to collect and hold water, but I have made contact with the bottom of the spare on a V notch in Moab and being tilted was probably better for the departure angle.
So where is your jack on the trailer? That’s the part I’m worried about. I’m trying to picture how my propane tanks would be an issue before my jack is. Thank you for your reply, that’s insiteful.
On the front of the trailer!
Not the best photo, but I tried to boost the exposure so you can see. Without the extended shank the tire would have been really tight and made contact when turning. IIRC it's the Curt 17103, which is 14" on center from hitch hole to the stack of holes in the shank, but double check my old posts to confirm that. With my setup offset arms I think would've opened fine though in hindsight.
This is perfect. I have a Blue Ox setup as well. I’ll look at the Curt shank you are referring to. I had to get longer drop shank so curious what these dimension are vs what I have on my Blue Ox.On the front of the trailer!
Not the best photo, but I tried to boost the exposure so you can see. Without the extended shank the tire would have been really tight and made contact when turning. IIRC it's the Curt 17103, which is 14" on center from hitch hole to the stack of holes in the shank, but double check my old posts to confirm that. With my setup offset arms I think would've opened fine though in hindsight.
View attachment 3711307
I double checked my orders, it's the 17122. I think it's hard to find one that doesn't have as much drop available, so hopefully you need as much as I did...