[vitapimp]

i just ordered some Rugged Ridge bolt on flat fenders through Chuck at Muddyrocks (he is a vendor on this site). They look really strong and the welds are nice.

A big plus was free shipping. I called him this past friday (12/7), my order was processed on monday (12/10) and they were shipped the same day from the manufacturer. Fedex delivered them on wed (12/12). That was fast!

I would give him a call to see if he can order them for you and what price he can get.

Based on the quality of the Rugged Ridge flat fenders, I would trust that the bumper would be of the same quality.

[beryl]

i have this carrier with no rattles at all.

it is a 1/4" thick. i like it and got it at a great price. ($300...dang $265 is GREAT)

[jcssurf]

It's the same as the old Smittybilt Rockcrawler one that is usually around 285$. The SB one is gloss though.

[Chris_]

Originally Posted by Wheelin98TJ

I would assume its suitable for recovery, which if it is, it would be fine to use for towing too. You're talking about a pretty lightweight trailer when it comes to towing with a TJ.

Most manufacturers will not assign a tow rating to an aftermarket bumper because of liability issues.

I know you know this, but my disclaimer is I wouldn't use it for anything without putting frame tie-ins on it. The bumper just mounts to the flat cross member, it doesn't mount directly to the frame. You might get by for a while, but you risk yanking that cross member off if you don't mount it to the frame. Don't fubar your frame. I spent the $15 on some, or you can splurge and get the high dollar ones, but get some either way. Mine mounts up in a similar way, and you can tell by the tow strap that I use it for recovery, but I wouldn't unless it was tied into the frame with some good bolts. I would also suggest using no higher than grade 5 bolts where it mounts to the cross member. If something is going to give, I would prefer it be the bolts, not the welds holding my cross member to the frame. On top of that, I'll notice wear and tear, because those bolts will stretch over time, and I should be able to notice the play in the bumper.

[jeepbro's]

that carrier is the same as a smittybuilt one, http://www.shopjeepparts.com/smittybilt-classic-rock-crawler-rear-bumper-with-tire-carrier-wranglers-unlimited-198706-textured-black-p-5088.html, i've seen that one every where for about 300, and now that the other one is 269 at 4wheel parts! man thats great cause im going there tomorrow or the next day and might just have to pick one up!

[bigV]

I just placed my order - now I have to call my wife and thank her for my gift

[bigV]

Originally Posted by pruneda13

i just ordered some Rugged Ridge bolt on flat fenders through Chuck at Muddyrocks (he is a vendor on this site). They look really strong and the welds are nice.

A big plus was free shipping. I called him this past friday (12/7), my order was processed on monday (12/10) and they were shipped the same day from the manufacturer. Fedex delivered them on wed (12/12). That was fast!

I would give him a call to see if he can order them for you and what price he can get.

Based on the quality of the Rugged Ridge flat fenders, I would trust that the bumper would be of the same quality.

I pm'ed Chuck and he told me that Smittybuilt is owned by 4 wheel parts and this sale is below wholesale so he couldn't even match that price

[Chris_]

Originally Posted by bigV

I pm'ed Chuck and he told me that Smittybuilt is owned by 4 wheel parts and this sale is below wholesale so he couldn't even match that price

That's a good deal for a tire carrier. I think you'll like it. Just make sure your rubber stops are snug against the A frame, and if you have to, put a little piece of gasket material along the inside of the box that the latch clips into. It will be nice and quiet. Good score.

[Wheelin98TJ]

Originally Posted by Chris_

I know you know this, but my disclaimer is I wouldn't use it for anything without putting frame tie-ins on it...

Very good point.

[jeepbro's]

do they not come with frame tie-ins? i thought they did

[beryl]

mine did...

btw, mine is textured black. not gloss black

[Chris @ GATR]

Just ordered mine.

[wsm04rubi]

Originally Posted by Chris_

I know you know this, but my disclaimer is I wouldn't use it for anything without putting frame tie-ins on it. The bumper just mounts to the flat cross member, it doesn't mount directly to the frame.

I have the non-tire-carrier version of this bumper (Rugged Ridge Rock Crusher). It does mount directly to the frame with two bolts (one on each side) to the bottom of the frame. In addition to that it has 8 bolts to the rear crossmember, with backing plates to spread the load. It is a very well built bumper with a strong mounting system.

Mine is almost 4 years old now, and the only thing I see that they've changed is they no longer have a reinforcing ring welded around the outer edge of the receiver. I've used mine for towing up to 1700 lbs, but I would be hesitant to do so without that outer ring (which you will see on all class 3 receivers).

Here is a picture of mine:

[mudmonkey2400]

I've got the bumper already, but not the tire carrier. I wish I'd gotten it instead of the Bestop tire carrier, which was roughly the same price. I could have installed the bumper/tire carrier and then sold my existing bumper.

[black05tj]

Thanks for the replies on towing with that bumper. Good info!