Glad to hear. I thought I saw it here.There's no rust, that's a light reflection likely from the Lithium WD40 I liberally spray on fittings used on the beach! When the bracket is off (as it is now) the bolts store nicely alone on the mounting plate (photo).
Yup, I get that, but my question was specifically for the Raptor if anyone happens to know.
Response was directed towards the OP who clarified his was a non-BRaptor question.
given what you want to do yes. the braptor plate is a joke IMO, yes it provides a bit more then not having one and yes the braptor hinges are better, but if your going to start throwing extra weight on a flimsy tailgate setup, I would buy something that is a FULL plate system.
10-4, thanks for that. So it's stout enough for offroading (as opposed to the standard bronco) but still should upgrade for hauling gear.
Yes, there's a bit of rust (today's photo below) showing on the inside of the bolt holes that attach the bracket to the plate. It's off the vehicle, awaiting my next beach trip. It's a steel bracket used on the beach, so I expect it. I suppose it could be made from stainless steel, but who'd pay? The powdercoat coating inside the hole rubbed off. I'll keep it lubed. Not something you'll see in the desert! There's also going to be some dissimilar metal electrolysis with a stainless bolt in a steel plate . . . Enhanced by the salt. I find lithium wd40 helps stave off rust in such settings. I've also seen Stainless and Alunimum corrodeGlad to hear. I thought I saw it here.
So in you're experience the hinges don't really seem to need to be reinforced, at least for your application? That's one thing thay was giving me pause over the tailgate reinforcements like Barnes. Seems to reinforce the carrier, but adds more weight onto the hinges without reinforcing those.
This is what I was saying earlier. Stock tailgate “reinforcement” doesn’t do much with any additional weight. Agreed that you need to upgrade if you’re going to go hard with it.
Good points. I've seen one the aftermarket companies showing a lift off the spare with their upgraded system. I think they also showed some unwanted flex of maybe even damage going the same on a factory set up.I was totally shocked that during the Raptor Off Roadeo a guide was able to “ride” on the rear bumper while utilizing the spare tire for hand holds while the driver navigated a rocky trail. Afterward, I inquired about the weight capacity and I was advised that they do it all the time and never had an issue and the spare tire has been used to lift the vehicle with a forklift.
Can someone verify if this is true? I've got a 2023 Wildtrak, so stock plastic bumper (which I hate, but don't want to update just yet) ... and I am upgrading to 37s (Nitto Recon Grapplers)
