JSparky
New member
This was discussed earlier in a thread regarding broken U-bolt latches for aftermarket rear bumpers.
From experience, any rear carrier, from any brand, can suffer a latch failure. The better engineered bumpers won’t have this issue (or at least not as frequently) but it does arise from time to time, leaving you stranded with a rear bumper/swing-out that won’t securely close.
Personally, I carry a spare U-bolt in my vehicle at all times, which I recommend to anyone running a vehicle that relies on such a small, inexpensive, yet essential part.
For a quick fix, a few winds of paracord or nylon webbing (stolen from a cam strap) can suffice in a pinch.
But to the point... Another option is to craft one yourself. This rig had a bolt snap and we decided to try something different; grade 8 bolts and a piece of aluminum stock, drilled out to accept the bolts. The requisite tolerances where measured to allow for necessary adjustability.
You could probably get away with making this with hand tools and a bench vice, but a drill press will give you more precise results. Lacking that, a local machine shop could easily drill this out in no time.
Hope this helps.
From experience, any rear carrier, from any brand, can suffer a latch failure. The better engineered bumpers won’t have this issue (or at least not as frequently) but it does arise from time to time, leaving you stranded with a rear bumper/swing-out that won’t securely close.
Personally, I carry a spare U-bolt in my vehicle at all times, which I recommend to anyone running a vehicle that relies on such a small, inexpensive, yet essential part.
For a quick fix, a few winds of paracord or nylon webbing (stolen from a cam strap) can suffice in a pinch.
But to the point... Another option is to craft one yourself. This rig had a bolt snap and we decided to try something different; grade 8 bolts and a piece of aluminum stock, drilled out to accept the bolts. The requisite tolerances where measured to allow for necessary adjustability.
You could probably get away with making this with hand tools and a bench vice, but a drill press will give you more precise results. Lacking that, a local machine shop could easily drill this out in no time.
Hope this helps.
