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Stainless steel drop bumpers
One of the many accessories available for trucks are stainless steel drop bumpers. These bumpers add more functionality and even safety to any truck. Here is a beginner's guide to stainless steel drop bumpers along with some information on what to consider when purchasing them.
What are stainless steel drop bumpers?
Simply put, a stainless steel drop bumper is another step for the rear of the truck leading up to the truck bed. Usually, it is attached on top of the rear bumper. Sections of the bumper are made from stainless steel, although the entire assembly is a mix of plastic and stainless steel. A typical stainless steel drop bumper will come in parts as opposed to a single piece. Installation is done by bolting the various pieces of the stainless steel drop bumper onto the existing bumper. The overall effect is to make the bumper jut out more, giving people who wish to climb onto the truck bed more space to step on.
Usually, stainless steel drop bumpers are equipped with several other features aside from the parts that are essentially covers for the current bumper. Some of these features include license plate shields, additional brake lights, safety lights for the step, and other things. The metal of the top part of the bumper, which is designed to be stepped on, is either worked into a tread or covered in rubber tread completely. The stainless steel rear panels are designed to be replaced every so often, so they are not difficult to remove or replace. They simply bolt on with stainless steel bolts. Despite coming in separate pieces, the strength and integrity of the entire assembly is not compromised. The best stainless steel drop bumpers can exceed the legal minimum load required for towing. Finally, as an additional way to spiff out the truck, most manufacturers will allow their bumper to be custom-made or finished as the owner chooses. Paint to match the rest of the truck is the most typical kind of finish, but some people who want a little more flash to their truck prefer to have the drop bumper coated in chrome. A typical bumper that will provide 10 inches of additional clearance cost around $300, not inclusive of the installation.
What to consider
Because the entire assembly is made up of individual parts, be sure the bolts that connect these parts together are strong and durable. If the drop bumper is made of stainless steel but the bolts are made of cast iron or plain-carbon steel, it means that the stainless steel drop bumpers are susceptible to corrosion at their connection points. Also, while the replacement of the steel panels is relatively simple, the wiring required to power the lights may not be. Always seek the help of a professional when unsure about dealing with something as delicate as wiring.