Jk rear bumper
- Thread starter Burk24
- Start date
I've had pretty good luck with smittybilt, but I don't recommend their tire carriers. They move a lot. I had to strap the carrier to the roll bar on my yj to keep it secure when on the trail. I was looking at the atlas model because it hinges way differently. I'm probably going with an lod or aev style that are tied to the tailgate on my jkur.
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Sent from my Nexus 7 using WAYALIFE mobile app
LeighP
Member
I have the XRC Atlas rear bar and carrier. I know Smittybilt isn't flavour of the month, but I was offered this bar/carrier at a special rate...couldn't refuse a bargain, especially as the carrier will take two Jerry cans and my hi-lift.
I can say its not as nicely made as some of the more expensive units (in Australia, there are carrier/bar combinations that cost almost 3 times what I paid for the Smittybilt), but its an acceptable build/finish quality for the price. It fitted onto the JK perfectly - no mods required to make the bumper fit.
I've had it out in on the trails and not had any problems, had the spare tyre, Hi-lift and some recovery tracks strapped to it.....no rattles, never opened up etc.
Key to the Atlas carrier/bar seems to be getting the carrier adjustment right, and making sure the lock body is adjusted far enough forward to correctly snag the double stage locking pawls on the striker.
Downside...it is heavy - damned heavy.
Upside - integrated rated tow hitch in the bar and big, thick recovery eyes fitted, carries spare, two standard 5 gal Jerry cans and a hi-lift.
My mods were a larger rubber buffer pad to stop the carrier rattling on the striker, and I shortened the LH side of the carrier frame so it didn't obscure my licence plate.....I guess Smittybilt assumes everyone wants to move their plate to the spare....which I didn't want to do.
I can say its not as nicely made as some of the more expensive units (in Australia, there are carrier/bar combinations that cost almost 3 times what I paid for the Smittybilt), but its an acceptable build/finish quality for the price. It fitted onto the JK perfectly - no mods required to make the bumper fit.
I've had it out in on the trails and not had any problems, had the spare tyre, Hi-lift and some recovery tracks strapped to it.....no rattles, never opened up etc.
Key to the Atlas carrier/bar seems to be getting the carrier adjustment right, and making sure the lock body is adjusted far enough forward to correctly snag the double stage locking pawls on the striker.
Downside...it is heavy - damned heavy.
Upside - integrated rated tow hitch in the bar and big, thick recovery eyes fitted, carries spare, two standard 5 gal Jerry cans and a hi-lift.
My mods were a larger rubber buffer pad to stop the carrier rattling on the striker, and I shortened the LH side of the carrier frame so it didn't obscure my licence plate.....I guess Smittybilt assumes everyone wants to move their plate to the spare....which I didn't want to do.
JRied
New member
I also have the atlas rear bumper and tire carrier. Bought the jeep with it and have had no problems at all. It's my DD and off-road. Doesn't rattle one bit and the powder coat is holding strong. Only issue I've seen is the spring in the latch mechanism is beginning to show rust. Yes it is heavy (190lbs) but it glides when I open and close it with my 35" tire with little effort. Smittybilt has a bad rep around here but I haven't had any issues as of yet. I also like how it stores my jerry cans and hi lift jack behind the tire carrier
bman198
New member
I don't know much about them but if I'm not mistaken I believe they are rather pricey. That is if you do the bumper and tire carrier to go with it.
Burk24
New member
Burk24
New member
Thanks, I will check the Ace bumper out.
Also have had no problems at all ordering with NORTHRIDGE
JRied
New member
This is my favorite rear bumper by far