Bumper mounting Brackets

[TwistyTony]

While relocating my hitch to the center of the bumper (yes, I saw the kits, AFTER I fabricated my own), I made a nice bolt on factory holes bumper bracket, which REALLY cleaned up my rear bumper, reduced the butt dragging. I’m super pleased with how they turned out. I’ve got these for front and rear (the fronts are a tad longer), in CAD, and all tooled up to fabricate them. I can make them to order if you’re interested.

I’ll get a nice fresh picture when I’m camping this weekend, to show how nice the back end looks now. I’ll install front one’s a little later.

 

[tmsnyder]

While relocating my hitch to the center of the bumper (yes, I saw the kits, AFTER I fabricated my own), I made a nice bolt on factory holes bumper bracket, which REALLY cleaned up my rear bumper, reduced the butt dragging. I’m super pleased with how they turned out. I’ve got these for front and rear (the fronts are a tad longer), in CAD, and all tooled up to fabricate them. I can make them to order if you’re interested.

I’ll get a nice fresh picture when I’m camping this weekend, to show how nice the back end looks now. I’ll install front one’s a little later.

Hi Tony,

Does this move the bumper rearward away from the coach?

Todd

 

[TwistyTony]

Hi Tony,

Does this move the bumper rearward away from the coach?

Todd

No, I wanted to tuck it in—but the same tooling could be used to move it rearward i suppose. I have steep driveways and wanted less overhang overall, and so I relocated the hitch to the center bumper, and move the bumper in tight. It’s about 1” off the spare tire holder. Looks proper.

I’ll get some better pictures this weekend camping.

 

[Loin Lounge]

I have always thought visually our bumpers sick out too far and your “fix” has solved that in a simple and elegant way.My only thought was the square tubing will transfer the energy of a bump directly to to frame.Could the tubing be modified or replaced with something that will deform or absorb some of the shock.My 1978 has something like that but sticks out too far?

 

[TwistyTony]

I have always thought visually our bumpers sick out too far and your “fix” has solved that in a simple and elegant way.My only thought was the square tubing will transfer the energy of a bump directly to to frame.Could the tubing be modified or replaced with something that will deform or absorb some of the shock.My 1978 has something like that but sticks out too far?

The OE 5mph bumper shocks…are well designed, if that’s a feature you’re looking for. I negated that feature. Energy dissipation takes space—physical laws we just can’t get around ;-). My solution, abandons the concept of 5mph bumpers. I just don’t plan on being bumped.

 

[Keith V]

This on my list of things to do. Not today sadly
Also move the bumpers in to reduce the air scoop and associated drag

 

[Loin Lounge]

Being optimistic owning a 50 year old vehicle helps a lot.I haven’t had a major breakdown after my almost total rebuild.I hope I haven’t jinxed myself after saying that.

 

[Richard RV]

The OE 5mph bumper shocks…are well designed, if that’s a feature you’re looking for. I negated that feature. Energy dissipation takes space—physical laws we just can’t get around ;-). My solution, abandons the concept of 5mph bumpers. I just don’t plan on being bumped.

Bumper shocks... so you're referring to the 1st generation design. Did you consider the 2nd generation design that used two bent steel plates back to back in an hourglass configuration?

 

[TwistyTony]

Bumper shocks... so you're referring to the 1st generation design. Did you consider the 2nd generation design that used two bent steel plates back to back in an hourglass configuration?

Didn’t.
Just made these nifty brackets to put the bumpers in a visually appealing location. I live in a place where I never see another GMC RV. I hope to connect with the Cascaders or Pacific Cruisers soon though and get better edumacated!

 

[Tybalt39]

... I hope to connect with the Cascaders or Pacific Cruisers soon though and get better edumacated!

The current president of the Cascaders doesn't often visit this forum; he's a Facebook fan instead. You can find him in the "regular" GMC Motorhome pages on Facebook. Kelvin Dietz.