Smittybilt Atlas Rear Bumper with Bushwacker Flat Flares & RH License Plate Relo
#11
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Installed Atlas bumper and Rockhard License relo with Oro liteplate. Bumper was a bear to install and rig latch was difficult getting can lined up to engage, but got it done. Full day to install. Bumper is solid. We will see on the latch holding up. License plate relo and lights are solid. Never buy the blue splice connectors they suck. Had to hard wire to get them to work.
#14
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When searching for this bumper the pics and installation guides on the forum searches was not great. Here are some different shots. Love it so far. No issues at all, except the installation was not easy for bumper and oro liteplate. The hi-lift mount is secure and rattle free. Hopefully the bike lock keeps the thieves away. Ordered some black jerry cans to complete it. Turned out great in the end and I highly recommend the bumper and liteplate setup.
#15
So I wanted to comment on my experience thus far.
I picked up the Atlas bumper today and cmueller is right...it's a bear to install. I am bummed that the last letter of my license plate is obscured. But eh. I guess I'll run it to see how it goes. Speaking of which, cmueller, that license plate relo kit, how do you like it? Is it a pain to run the wires? How much slack do you have to have for when you open the tire carrier?
Also, how much grease did you use for the hinge? Have you found the latch easier to close with time? How is it wheeling with it? With the added weight it seems it may goof with the weight distribution.
I'm working on the flat fenders now. Don't care what anyone says. They're a pita.
I picked up the Atlas bumper today and cmueller is right...it's a bear to install. I am bummed that the last letter of my license plate is obscured. But eh. I guess I'll run it to see how it goes. Speaking of which, cmueller, that license plate relo kit, how do you like it? Is it a pain to run the wires? How much slack do you have to have for when you open the tire carrier?
Also, how much grease did you use for the hinge? Have you found the latch easier to close with time? How is it wheeling with it? With the added weight it seems it may goof with the weight distribution.
I'm working on the flat fenders now. Don't care what anyone says. They're a pita.
#16
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I also have the Atlas rear bumper and tire carrier. I didn't think it was that tough to put on. Also have MCE flat fenders. The bumper is a heavy beast tho. Latch came setup perfectly which I understand is a rarity. I swabbed the tire carrier pivot pin liberally in grease. Kept the third brake light so had to re-wire that but kept stock plate mount mostly because I haven't found one I like yet. Will have to do something soon tho as I've already busted it on a tree trunk and replaced it with another stock unit.
#18
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I returned them after finding out that only red jerry cans are DOT approved to carry fuel. They rattled in the carrier even with the straps cinched tight. Need to order new red ones still, and put a pad on the bottom of the holder to eliminate rattle.
#19
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So I wanted to comment on my experience thus far.
I picked up the Atlas bumper today and cmueller is right...it's a bear to install. I am bummed that the last letter of my license plate is obscured. But eh. I guess I'll run it to see how it goes. Speaking of which, cmueller, that license plate relo kit, how do you like it? Is it a pain to run the wires? How much slack do you have to have for when you open the tire carrier?
Also, how much grease did you use for the hinge? Have you found the latch easier to close with time? How is it wheeling with it? With the added weight it seems it may goof with the weight distribution.
I'm working on the flat fenders now. Don't care what anyone says. They're a pita.
I picked up the Atlas bumper today and cmueller is right...it's a bear to install. I am bummed that the last letter of my license plate is obscured. But eh. I guess I'll run it to see how it goes. Speaking of which, cmueller, that license plate relo kit, how do you like it? Is it a pain to run the wires? How much slack do you have to have for when you open the tire carrier?
Also, how much grease did you use for the hinge? Have you found the latch easier to close with time? How is it wheeling with it? With the added weight it seems it may goof with the weight distribution.
I'm working on the flat fenders now. Don't care what anyone says. They're a pita.
#20
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I have not had any problems with rear end sag or distribution with mine, but I am heavy upfront which offsets. It actually leveled out the Jeep. Off-road no problems with opening, but it does rattle more, but on-road is silent. No unexpected opening like the previous XRC tire carrier. I heavily lubed the hinge pin up and also lubed the cam plate really well before capping it off. In regards to the ORO Liteplate wiring, it was easy. I used 1/4" or 5/8" flexible corrugated plastic sheathing I picked up from Harbor Freight to conceal and protect the wires. I used about an extra 1 ft. of wire and sheathing and ran it through the tire, zip tied it to the carrier on the inside, and under the tub to the right rear fender to make connections. It turned out great and the wires are hidden from sight. I get full swing opening and the wiring sheath does not get pulled to tight. When closing it goes back in place hidden. Do not use the plastic wire crimps to make connections, they suck. I hard wired and soldered into wires. For rear brake light wire (beige with brown line) I cut it at the tailgate entry and pulled it back through sheathing on tailgate and dropped it into the fender through the plastic plug under carpet next to rollbar. Opening and closing carrier is fluid, but if you do not close it a little firm the dual cam will not fully engage, and it will open up on you. Pics to follow.
Last edited by cmueller; 11-11-2014 at 09:57 AM.