Mid term C4 Fab rear bumper update/review
 

There are a number of threads after install with people’s impressions and reviews. I thought it might worthy too post some thoughts after the new and shiny has worn off.

So as you have seen the fit and finish is impeccable and after 7 months still no rattles, squeaks, or anything else. Except for the high lift mount, that rattles. I think it needs another bolt the bottom or better would be 2 side by side to keep it from rattling back and forth. I put a piece of sticky back rubber sheet on there and while it wiggles, it no longer rattles.

Things I would change, I’d like if the tire was a bit closer to the gate, Rotopax mount holes moved outboard about 1/2” or so, they already changed the cutouts on the side, as mentioned the high lift mount (my passenger side gate also just nicks the pins on my high lift).

Been trying to figure out what will mount behind the spare tire reasonably well. So far, an axe and small shovel seem okay. But I usually keep the axe inside.

The holes for a Rotopax mount don’t work if you use a 3 gallon container, the can hits the high lift. I was able to massage a few of the square holes and use the mount without the backing plate.

I don’t hate the cut outs on the sides but I wish I would have painted behind the bumper first. My plan is to attach an aluminum sheet behind the cut outs at some point, but it’s pretty low priority.

The last thing is the high lift mount. First off it always rattled and the passenger gate hits the pins on the jack. It’s just enough to scratch the powder coat as it goes by. Normally I push the jack and it clears but I forget sometimes.

But don’t take all that as I am not happy with the purchase of my bumper. Overall, these are all pretty small things. The fact is these are quality parts and C4 does great work. The important things like the latches and hinge points are solid after many miles of wash boards and off road use. And hey Instagram cred right lol. Being completely honest, I probably wouldn’t have bought a rear bumper but after random dude in a Jetta rear ended me and insurance wrote me check...well what’s a guy to do. There are the obvious drawbacks, like half your rear window is blocked and getting in and out of the hatch takes an extra 10 seconds. Nonetheless, I still like it. I like having options on where to carry stuff, I like that I could carry a spare on the gate and underneath if I chose to, and I like that it looks like what I want it to look like.

EDIT, see posts below for fixes I did on the issues I had.

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Thanks for the follow up. I’m considering C4 for both front and rear bumper on my 2020. They appear to set the standard for fabrication quality. Not to hijack your bumper thread but what is your long time impression of the Prinsu roof rack?

I have had zero issues with my Prinsu rack. I have been very happy with it. I have hauled plywood, ladders, my kayaks and paddle boards, and of course Plano cases. Very solid gear!


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This bumper has been amazing. I'm going on 4 mnths now with a pretty hard trip to Moab a couple weeks ago. Took a pretty good beating on the rocks and held up amazingly. Including having the spare tire drag on a huge boulder on the rear and bend my swing out. Pretty much had the entire weight of the truck on the rear wheel/carrier and it didn't break. Keep in mind I have the full swing out not the dual but it tweaked it pretty bad but not bad enough that I can't use it. The craftsmanship of this product is top notch. Would definitely recommend this bumper to anyone looking to get one.

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I figured I would upload some pics of the things I mentioned above. First the gate/high lift interference.
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Then the Rotopax mount sans the backing plate.
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I’m not sure if the Rotopax would still rub or not with the plate.
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I’m working on a modification to stop the high lift mount from squeaking. I’ll update after I get that done.


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Alright, fix number one. I added an extra carriage bolt to the hi lift mount. I may add one to the other side later, I don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s asymmetrical now and I’m not sure if I can live with that. lol
Drill a couple holes and spend some time with a file and there is something that resembles a square hole and corresponding hole in the swing out.

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I don't understand how I have not passed you at some point out here. I want to take a look at that bumper up close.

You in the East valley?


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Okay fix #2, the Rotopax clearance issue.
I used one of the existing holes to mount the flange and mark my holes.
Drill and paint.
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Everything fits

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As a side note the fix on the high lift mount pulled it far enough away that it doesn’t hit there anymore.

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@C4 Fabrication tagged in case someone has similar issues.


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Anyone have the measurement for how tall the bumper is top to bottom in this location. Looking for the vertical distance not bending the tape around the curve of the bumper. Maybe measure it at the rear edge of the gas door.

Thanks!

It looks like you are measuring the top of the c4 bumper which is the same as the seam that is already there from the factory. If you're looking for something else let me know and I'll try to measure for ya'll.

I have had the bumper on for about 1500 miles at this point, weekly offroad use and I am very happy with how things are going so far.

To help with hi lift rattles getting into the car I placed thick rubber washers between the hi lift mount and the swing arm gate. I also did this for the dual jerry mount and spare tire carrier and it helps with noise a lot. Other than Hi lift noise the bumper is noise free. Hi lifts are just super noisy but still better than having it attached to my metal roofrack, that was super annoying.

I will try to update this thread as I get more miles on the bumper but all signs point to great things. Kudos to C4 for excellent installation videos/instructions. It isn't a quick install, but it was a smooth one and went together correctly the first time, something that can't be said for every product I've used.

Yes. Interested to compare the c4 bumper height to stock. The stock bumper measures 18” tall directly below the right edge of the gas lid. Want to see how the ground clearance changes vs stock bumper just behind the wheel which is why I’m asking.

From the right edge of the gas cap straight down without following the curve of the bumper (vertically), it's 13.75" to the edge where it angles in about 30 degrees, and a total of 15.25" to the absolute bottom of the bumper. However, the hitch receiver hangs below that by about 3". The hitch on the C4 uses the stock mounting location so in that area there is no clearance gain. The hitch receiver on the C4 is removable FWIW.
I attached a photo of my rig (forgive me it's pretty old) you can see pretty well how much clearance you gain. It would depend on where you're comparing measurements because the stock cover in that area slopes lower towards the rear tire.

Short answer, if your measurement of 18" is correct, about 3"

Thanks. Exactly what I needed. I won’t be using the hitch. I’ll re measure my stock cover since you took some pretty specific measurements for me!