Looking at this bumper....install question on hitch trimming

That's what I got.

 

ah, good to know. Is there proper mounting holes on the backside of the bumper to mount the BSM or did you have to fan your own?

 

They have tabs in the back with predrilled holes.

 

Good to know. Are you happy with the BSM performance in the bumper and the bumper itself?

 

Haven't installed it yet, was prepping it, looking to put it on in the spring

 

Have you seen any flush mount lights that will fit? The opening is a 2x3.

 

These fit perfect, but now I'm looking for license plate lights, do you know what kind you have?

 

Sorry they're not flush but that's what I got it

 

They are halogen and came with the bumper. They were sealed inside the hardware bag. I think these will fit and I'm looking at possibly switching to them.

$8 2PCS Xenon White LED License Plate Light - 12V-24V DC Waterproof 6-SMD Lamp Taillight for Truck, SUV, Trailer, Van, RV, Boats - Step Courtesy, Dome/Cargo, Under Hood Light

https://www.amazon.com/License-Wate...ght&qid=1610486206&sprefix=led+license&sr=8-3

 

Dont bother, I just got them, the holes are a 1/16 centimeter off, you would need to drill new holes next to the original ones. Not worth it.

 

Why did you have to remove the 2 brackets?

 

I'll just pull mine apart and swap out the bulbs. They are soldered in.

 

The side of the frame brackets will not sit flush if you don't remove them. Removing them has no affect on the new bumper or install.

 

I looked at the metal bracket that has to be cut off for this bumper and it is a support bracket for the "step" portion for the factory bumper. IMO, I think it was a mistake for Road Armor to require this cutting for their bumper. I think their engineers should have worked with the factory hitch as it is like others have without cutting such a critical piece. Their approach requires welding it back for anyone going back to factory in the case of a sale or something like that.

while this bumper is attractive, this cutting is poorly thought out and tanks it out of the options for me.

 

I guess I'm not going back to factory bumper

 

That tab only holds 2 bolts for a thin piece of metal under the center plastic piece. I can take a pic of what I'm referring to.

 

So here is the removed tab and the bracket that mounts to it. It is a thin material that is just a reinforcement for the center plastic cover. The bracket bolts to the tab that was cut off, and there are 2 more attachment points (plastic push clips) at the bottom. You can see where the hitch plug snaps in as well. The center plastic is only held in by the 2 bottom push clips, the push clip behind the license plate, and a couple of tabs molded onto the bottom side of the cover. The bracket really isn't more than a backing plate that the clips pop in to for attaching the center. You could spot weld the tab back on if needed to sell it. Support even said that you could bend it out of the way enough without removing it if you wanted to....I don't remember if it was up or down though.

 

You are correct that it only has 2 bolts attached to it but that bracket is designed to provide the support and strength for the outer 60-70% of the step. Without it, the step will bend and warp/break when stepped on. While it seems small or irrelevant, it a key component of the factory design. Yes the factory bumper is flimsy and weak but that bracket is essential to what strength the factory has.

Granted if your never going to put the factory bumper back on then it does not matter. However when/if I sell, I’ve kept all factory components to put back on and sell the aftermarket parts separately..

 

Hey I saw these at Lowes today. They look close. I'm going to take one of mine out and trace the template for the mount and holes and go back to Lowes at some point and match it to theirs. I have no problem taking stuff out of a package lol.

 

Let me know how it goes

 

Will do. I did find on the Lowes site where it said it mounts on 2 and 1/8 inch centers. Now I'll have to measure the holes on the template and see how close it is.

 

Perfect fit. I did take the chrome cover and paint it black. I'll take a night shot for you this evening.

 

Looks great!

 

Those are the ones that I posted from Lowes. They were $8.00 each.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hopkins-LED-Hooded-License-Light/1002650046

 

They're not available near me, I would have to pay $7 shipping for an $8 light.... think I'll pass.

 

Lol. Whats the shipping for 2?

 

Amazon and Tractor Supply shows them as well.

 

Night pic....

 

What kind paint did you use? Any prep work needed?

 

I just used a little sand paper and some Rustoleum gloss paint.