SpareBumper Install

Kent2500 · October 15, 2014

Installed my SpareBumper today. ( http://sparebumper.com/) They have detailed instructions, but my process of installing.

Doesn't interfere with my parking sensors.

Your first decision is do you want the rattle/quick-remove or no-rattle/slow-remove? If the former, then use the hitch adapter that came with your HD and hook it up in seconds. (For 1500's, no adapter of course is required.)

If you plan to wrap the adapter in tape/whatever to stop the rattle... I spent an hour banging my adapter out as it jammed in the receiver due to using rubber tape. I will never do that again. (This is a pure adapter issue, nothing to do with the SpareBumper).

The following is the no-rattle option that I used.

Step 1, buy a 2" adapter and TEST IT before trying to use it. My first adapter was bad and wasted too much time figuring that out. You can't use the GM provided adapter for this.

Ah, this one works...

Step 2. Place one of the 1/4" rubber shims (no specific photo of this) on the SpareBumper. If you look at the below picture, you can see it right next to the hitch.

Step 3. Test fit, note you should not be able to put the pin in. Mine missed by about 1/2 inch (but step 5 will take care of that).

Step 4. Grease it up.

Step 5. Compression time. The goal is to compress the bumper in so the hitch pin will fit. This is what greatly reduces any rattle and makes it impossible (or at least very difficult) to remove the pin.

The fun part is the adapter will move as you compress. So I do a little and wiggle the unit to keep the adapter holes aligned. Using a small socket is useful.

Once you compress enough, the pin will slide in. Wiggling is your friend.

Step 6. Remove the straps and try to remove the pin.

Step 7. Stand back for a better view...

Hobb3s · October 17, 2014

Looks very functional

Silverado4x4 · October 22, 2014

I don't like it as it sticks out to far and just doesn't look right. Also I don't think I would tow with it as hitting the brakes would make the trailer compress the bumper and just wouldnt trust it towing weight.

Kent2500 · October 23, 2014

I don't like it as it sticks out to far and just doesn't look right. Also I don't think I would tow with it as hitting the brakes would make the trailer compress the bumper and just wouldnt trust it towing weight.

I would remove it for towing (thus why I had the non-towing version). With the tail gate down for loading, not in the way. I'm sure it is not for everyone, but I get a lot of tailgaters in my area and my previous Tahoe has been backed into more than once while parked.