Aftermarket Rear Bumper Help

[jdjeff]

Looking to get an aftermarket rear bumper. I've seen a couple I'm interested in but I have some questions:

1. My Ranger has the tow package. Does anyone know if I can keep the OEM hitch? Does it disconnect from the OEM bumper and will it re-attach to the truck with the aftermarket bumper installed. All the pics I see show the receiver in place but only after the bumper is installed.

2. Some of these rear bumpers have LED floods. Anyone know how to get those working as reverse lights? I'm aware of the issues with Canbus and you just can't splice in wherever you want. I can't see wanting those lights on all the time. Any ideas?

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[Colo_Ranger]

Looking to get an aftermarket rear bumper. I've seen a couple I'm interested in but I have some questions:

1. My Ranger has the tow package. Does anyone know if I can keep the OEM hitch? Does it disconnect from the OEM bumper and will it re-attach to the truck with the aftermarket bumper installed. All the pics I see show the receiver in place but only after the bumper is installed.

2. Some of these rear bumpers have LED floods. Anyone know how to get those working as reverse lights? I'm aware of the issues with Canbus and you just can't splice in wherever you want. I can't see wanting those lights on all the time. Any ideas?

1. The answer to this depends on which bumpers you're looking at. The Coastal Offroad keeps the OE tow bar. What bumpers are you looking at and I can answer better.

2. They can be triggered by the reverse lights or by a regular switch when you're in reverse. You would not leave these on all the time.

 

[jdjeff]

I sort of have it narrowed down to this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/388914892801

Are the vehicle backup lights able to be tapped into so this would work? I remember when putting in my brake controller I had to tap into the 3rd brake light or the controller would not work. I'm told that's due to CANBUS.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Hey Jeff,

After viewing the images on eBay, it “looks” like it does integrate with the factory trailer hitch. They certainly went to lengths to accommodate the 7-pin and the receiver. I suggest you contact the seller if you haven’t already. They have a 100% customer sat rating. I bet you’ll be happy with the answer. Fingers crossed!

 

[Dr. Zaius]

When I installed my rear bumper 5 years ago, I just tapped the LED pods into the factory backup lights.

No issues.

The one you selected does have the cutout for the factory hitch. Many of them don't.

It wasn't an option when I bought mine, but if I were buying today I'd get the Rough Country bumper. It costs a bit more but has integrated steps.

Mine has the steps on the side of the bumper and they are extremely handy.

 

[jdjeff]

When I installed my rear bumper 5 years ago, I just tapped the LED pods into the factory backup lights.

No issues.

The one you selected does have the cutout for the factory hitch. Many of them don't.

It wasn't an option when I bought mine, but if I were buying today I'd get the Rough Country bumper. It costs a bit more but has integrated steps.

Mine has the steps on the side of the bumper and they are extremely handy.

That sounds promising as the seller says there's no covers if the pods don't get used. And yes, I was looking at the Rough country one and it didn't look like there was a cutout for the reciver so I kept going. I'm also seeing that they are selling what looks like the same bumpers at "higher end" aftermarket shops for 2x as much as the ebay sellers and they look like the same bumpers.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

That sounds promising as the seller says there's no covers if the pods don't get used. And yes, I was looking at the Rough country one and it didn't look like there was a cutout for the reciver so I kept going. I'm also seeing that they are selling what looks like the same bumpers at "higher end" aftermarket shops for 2x as much as the ebay sellers and they look like the same bumpers.

The Rough Country does have the receiver cutout.

And it specifically states that it is compatible with the factory receiver.

Unlike some aftermarket bumpers for this model, Rough Country’s LED Rear Bumper allows you to retain the factory receiver hitch for towing.

I have the Black Horse Offroad bumper, but I would've gotten this one if it was available as I think this one looks cleaner.

Stage 3 has a better price than eBay and free shipping.

Stage 3 Motorsports

I've bought several things from Stage 3 and they are a top tier vendor.

Edit: On the Stage 3 site it says that it does NOT retain the factory hitch.

I'd call Rough Country to be sure.

 

[jdjeff]

The Rough Country does have the receiver cutout.

And it specifically states that it is compatible with the factory receiver.

Unlike some aftermarket bumpers for this model, Rough Country’s LED Rear Bumper allows you to retain the factory receiver hitch for towing.

I have the Black Horse Offroad bumper, but I would've gotten this one if it was available as I think this one looks cleaner.

Stage 3 has a better price than eBay and free shipping.

Stage 3 Motorsports

I've bought several things from Stage 3 and they are a top tier vendor.

Edit: On the Stage 3 site it says that it does NOT retain the factory hitch.

I'd call Rough Country to be sure.

Yeah but it's saying zero in stock. But then also says it ships from manufact 2 -4 weeks. I guess I had this one confused with another one. Yes I did......they have a similar model on ebay with the D-Rings. I do like this one as I can do without D-Rings and as you said this is cleaner looking.

 

[Msfitoy]

That sounds promising as the seller says there's no covers if the pods don't get used. And yes, I was looking at the Rough country one and it didn't look like there was a cutout for the reciver so I kept going. I'm also seeing that they are selling what looks like the same bumpers at "higher end" aftermarket shops for 2x as much as the ebay sellers and they look like the same bumpers.

That's a hella price for what they're describing...shipping?

 

[jdjeff]

That's a hella price for what they're describing...shipping?

Everything I have been looking at up to this point is free shipping.

 

[Msfitoy]

Everything I have been looking at up to this point is free shipping.

That makes it 10x better...I can't imagine what it cost to ship a steel bumper...$450? You get a free bumper!

 

[dozxab]

I sort of have it narrowed down to this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/388914892801

Are the vehicle backup lights able to be tapped into so this would work? I remember when putting in my brake controller I had to tap into the 3rd brake light or the controller would not work. I'm told that's due to CANBUS.

I tied into the reverse wire on the back side of the 7 pin connector. Super easy.

 

[bka0721]

I have had my Rough Country Bumper for a number of years now and it has been great! I use the LED lights often too, not just for backing up but for lighting up the area I might be camped or working.

 

[jdjeff]

I have had my Rough Country Bumper for a number of years now and it has been great! I use the LED lights often too, not just for backing up but for lighting up the area I might be camped or working.

I just got off the phone with Stage3 and they're telling me the 8 pin plug gets mounted on a bracket that hangs down below the bottom of the bumper. I can't do that. Back to Square 1

 

[bka0721]

I just got off the phone with Stage3 and they're telling me the 8 pin plug gets mounted on a bracket that hangs down below the bottom of the bumper. I can't do that. Back to Square 1

My installer moved it next to the plate when the Rough Country was installed, not an issue. When I purchased my 2025 RR the same issue existed, and I moved it next to the plate on the factory bumper. Easy, peasy.

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