Steel Rear bumper

What about underneath the rig like laying under looking up at spare tire? I had to remove/cut what seals up the underside. Imagine mud being spun from tires. Is there anything to block it or is it more exposed with the new bumper? Nice looking btw.

I had the same affect with snow packing up there. A real mess to clean out until sealed up.

 

Most rear steel bumpers I’ve seen tend to scoop mud and dirt if it drags on the ground. They can act like a shovel if it’s just a straight cut on the steel plate. It probably requires a little imagination to figure out how to make some shields to minimize that.

 

Here is what I ended up with. Solved my problem but difficult to get a good pic. Low tech block off the opening zip tie ABS plastic. I fit it from wheel well to bumper. Pic does show how much is exposed without the shield allowing mud and snow to pack up under the plastic bumper left after cutting.

 

Very nice! Zip ties are second to only duct tape lol. So easy to mount and replace as needed.

 

I used a chunk of 1/2" conveyor belt that a buddy had laying around. Cut to fit ( it took 6 patterns before we got it right) and bolts up to the single body bolt stud. I bought a 2 body bolt nuts and bolted it up. It won't stop any scooping, but it will help to keep the winter slush to a minimum.

 

I am not sure if I have that issue with the new bumper. I do my best with underneath photos

 

ABS and zip ties



Had to protect these radar sensors from mud as well. The rig freaks out if they get too covered.

 

I remember you mentioning this, but I don’t think I ever took a look at it. That looks super clean!

 

I’d imagine you might have some potential for scooping dirt if your corners touch down. Probably the best way to find out is to just look back there after an off-road trip, see where it’s a problem, then get creative based on what you’re seeing.

Mostly you just want to inspect it to make sure it’s not packing up from dust/gravel, or that it’s not taking gravel hits that chip the paint and cause corrosion in a few years. These type of problem can be solved with creative use of plastic or rubber sheet and zip ties like @1SilverRunner nicely demonstrated.

I’ve seen some complain that that unfinished straight edges on plate can scoop hard and act like a land anchor. If it does that, a possible “easy” solution might be to weld a small tube or rod along the sharp edge of the plate that makes contact with the ground, so that it slides over the dirt instead of cutting into it. Or cut little slits into the plate so you can hammer the edge so it has an upward angle, then close the slits with a weld bead. Lots of ways to skin the cat, so you may think of better ideas if you experience it as a problem.