Protecting back up sensors?

[Docwagon1776]

I'm not sure why Ram decided to put the back up sensors where they are instead of flush mounting higher up on the bumper, but it leaves me a bit concerned that a failure in judgement on departure angle could leave me with busted sensors. Is anyone drilling the bumper and refitting them higher, and if so does that cause any issues? Alternately, is anyone just using one of those hitch installed skid plate things to give extra protection? If so, which one?

 

[retired]

I built a receiver hitch skid. It does work. I put it on before going to Moab the first time because I worried about the sensors.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I built a receiver hitch skid. It does work. I put it on before going to Moab the first time because I worried about the sensors.
View attachment 508853View attachment 508854View attachment 508855

Did it get 'tested' or did you never tail drag?

 

[retired]

Did it get 'tested' or did you never tail drag?

Got tested plenty of times.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Got tested plenty of times.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[soapy]

Supreme Suspension makes a trailer hitch skid similar to the one made by retired. It works and won't set off the rear sensors. Under Body Armor also makes one but it will set off the rear sensors because it is too big.

 

[2003F350]

Interesting that they moved them lower like that. On my '17 they are much higher in the bumper...which has its own drawbacks, as that lets them sit in compacted snow/ice in the winter, which CAN (happened to me) let water seep past the seals and crack the housing, leading to failed sensors.

Seems like putting them lower puts them more in line with the spray, and as you note leaves them more susceptible to being damaged by everything else.

 

[Travelin Ram]

@2003F350 , if you can post a picture showing your sensor locations I may just break out the drill and move mine. I’ve a suspicion they won’t work properly if anything moves, and I’m certain the dealer will not be of any assistance recalibrating them (assuming it’s even possible). But I don’t really value them anyway, that’s what the rear camera is for.

 

[White six four]

@2003F350 , if you can post a picture showing your sensor locations I may just break out the drill and move mine. I’ve a suspicion they won’t work properly if anything moves, and I’m certain the dealer will not be of any assistance recalibrating them (assuming it’s even possible). But I don’t really value them anyway, that’s what the rear camera is for.

This is on my 16 if you zoom in you can see the black sensors on the rear bumper.

 

[2003F350]

View attachment 509224
This is on my 16 if you zoom in you can see the black sensors on the rear bumper.

Yep, that's about where mine are on my '17. I wouldn't want them lower.

 

[White six four]

Yep, that's about where mine are on my '17. I wouldn't want them lower.

Me neither.

 

[soapy]

Here is a picture of the Supreme sSuspensions hitch skid. It came with a recovery point for a D ring. The tow point is drilled for a 7/8th inch pin which can be hard to find so if you are looking at this order it with the 7/8 pinned Dring included.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Supreme Suspension makes a trailer hitch skid similar to the one made by retired. It works and won't set off the rear sensors. Under Body Armor also makes one but it will set off the rear sensors because it is too big.

I ordered one. They have a 12% off code right now on their website. With no offer code, they are actually cheaper through their ebay store than their website.

 

[powerwagondoncare]

i hit a few things and the sensors were not damaged, just recently had a mustang attempt to park under me and they were still working

 

[Adventurebound]

Here is a picture of the Supreme sSuspensions hitch skid. It came with a recovery point for a D ring. The tow point is drilled for a 7/8th inch pin which can be hard to find so if you are looking at this order it with the 7/8 pinned Dring included.View attachment 509424

Is that recovery point just welded to the top? That looks super sketch, I've seen welded recovery points just rip right off.

 

[grimmecm]

Ive had this same concern since day 1. Anyone thought/tried to drill holes higher into the bumper and relocate them? It been on my mind, but I'm a coward and would prefer not to be first.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Here is a picture of the Supreme sSuspensions hitch skid. It came with a recovery point for a D ring. The tow point is drilled for a 7/8th inch pin which can be hard to find so if you are looking at this order it with the 7/8 pinned Dring included.View attachment 509424

What sleeve are you using to adapt the 2.5" receiver down to 2"

 

[soapy]

My pickup came with a sleeve from the factory that is aluminum. It was in the storage bin behind the drivers seat.

 

[Docwagon1776]

My pickup came with a sleeve from the factory that is aluminum. It was in the storage bin behind the drivers seat.

Hmm, I don't think I have one. I picked up one at Lowes to try, but I'm returning the Supreme Suspension hitch armor. It's pretty loose, measures 1.958" with my calipers and it noticeably wobbly in the sleeve. To eliminate the issue being the sleeve I tried it in my son's 2" receiver and it was wobbly in there as well. I'm afraid it's going to be a source of rattles plus I didn't care for the way the recovery point is welded on once I got it in my hands. I'll have to try something else.

 

[soapy]

I have never noticed a rattle with mine. I looked at some of the anti rattle trailer hitch devises but none fit because the hitch is mounted so close to the bumper. For a recover point you can pull it out use a style you like. I have tried others but they are bigger and trigger the back up sensors when backing up.