The weekend after Christmas I stopped by MaxGear HQ in Utah to meet Dave and get my new bumper installed. It might be one of just a few MaxGear bumpers with a single jerry can carrier out there. So I thought I'd post some photos. The trip to see Dave was part of a larger roadtrip through the southwest and I've posted those photos here:
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/43-pacific/257249-maxgear-southwest-road-trip-[photos].html
I've had a Hefty bumper for 2 years but found I needed an easy way to carry extra fuel since I'm almost always out in the Great Basin or Colorado Plateau where there aren't as many opportunities to fill up. The trade I decided to make was carry the hi-lift under the seats (for now) and fuel on the bumper. Unfortunately my garage is really short so the standard MaxGear dual-can carrier would make my Xterra too long to fit. Fortunately for me, Dave had some single can carriers which he hadn't put into production yet. This was the perfect solution!
A friend from Denver joined me on the roadtrip. He inherited my Hefty bumper after it came off and contributed to Dave's small pile of stock bumpers
Here we are at MaxGear HQ:
![Image]()
The install went smoothly with Dave doing most of the work while I lent a hand now and then (but mostly played with his dog Rusty). I have to say I really enjoyed my time with Dave. He is as friendly, thoughtful, and helpful as they come. I found he also thinks well on his feet when there was a problem getting the license plate bulbs to work on my friend's new-to-him bumper.
I would encourage anyone needing armor to touch bases with maXTERRA because not only are the products solid but so is the person behind the company.
Now more photos ... here's a view of the bumper 1,000 miles after I left West Haven on the Rocky Gap Road west of Las Vegas:
![Image]()
From this angle you can see the swingarm extends a little to the right to accommodate the can carrier. Currently, there is an option to carry either a hi-lift jack or fuel can(s) but not both.
![Image]()
This gives you a sense of how much room is behind the swingarm. The single and dual can carriers will accommodate a Gobi ladder (I have one on order, either the standard or Shrock version will work). Currently there's also a non-ladder-compatible option which tucks the can carrier closer to the hatch.
![Image]()
Closeup of the gusseting under the carrier:
![Image]()
The carrier is sized to fit both metal NATO cans or the plastic Scepter cans which are a little oversized. Dave recommended using something to fill the gap when carrying a metal can. Shown is an adhesive-backed friction pad for step rails from O'Reilly Auto that Dave had on hand. My local hardware store sells sheets of rubber off a roll that can be tucked into the carrier before dropping in the can. Seems to work OK. Use an "endless loop" style ratchet strap (no hooks) to secure the can to the footman loops welded to the carrier.
![Image]()
LED license plate bulbs are a nice touch:
![Image]()
The bumper's LED's have a flood pattern. Dave also upgraded the backup bulbs in my tailights to spot LED's. Later during my roadtrip on the way down to Mexican Hat, UT I had to backup the Moki Dugway at night to let another truck come up. That's when I found out what a great upgrade those LED's are
![Image]()
These are the bronze oil-impregnated bushings used in the hinge. Bulletproof.
![Image]()
Zerk fitting to grease the bushings. Nice touch.
![Image]()
Closeup of the beefy latch MaxGear is known for using. Can be secured with a padlock.
![Image]()
The latch gets captured by these nylon ramps.
![Image]()
The swingarm is based on a rectangular tube.
![Image]()
Nice and clean on the other side, 3 bolts are used to attach on each end. You can see the cutout which allows up to a 33" AT-style spare to be carried.
![Image]()
Balanced Rock at Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River. I should mention the powder coating Dave uses is top notch. If you choose the silver vein like I did, you won't have any problems with peeling, fading, or corrosion. Dave recommended that powder to me two years ago (Akzo Nobel polyester so it has inherent UV resistance) and I've had it on my front bumper and sliders ever since with zero issues. His coating shop also uses a zinc-rich primer which is key for good adhesion and corrosion resistance.
![Image]()
One part of my roadtrip involved driving down a rutted/washboarded road for 16 miles. No unusual rattles or noises came from the bumper. Solid. Overall I'm really happy with this bumper!
Hope these photos helped anyone wanting to carry fuel on their bumper.
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/43-pacific/257249-maxgear-southwest-road-trip-[photos].html
I've had a Hefty bumper for 2 years but found I needed an easy way to carry extra fuel since I'm almost always out in the Great Basin or Colorado Plateau where there aren't as many opportunities to fill up. The trade I decided to make was carry the hi-lift under the seats (for now) and fuel on the bumper. Unfortunately my garage is really short so the standard MaxGear dual-can carrier would make my Xterra too long to fit. Fortunately for me, Dave had some single can carriers which he hadn't put into production yet. This was the perfect solution!
A friend from Denver joined me on the roadtrip. He inherited my Hefty bumper after it came off and contributed to Dave's small pile of stock bumpers
Here we are at MaxGear HQ:
The install went smoothly with Dave doing most of the work while I lent a hand now and then (but mostly played with his dog Rusty). I have to say I really enjoyed my time with Dave. He is as friendly, thoughtful, and helpful as they come. I found he also thinks well on his feet when there was a problem getting the license plate bulbs to work on my friend's new-to-him bumper.
I would encourage anyone needing armor to touch bases with maXTERRA because not only are the products solid but so is the person behind the company.
Now more photos ... here's a view of the bumper 1,000 miles after I left West Haven on the Rocky Gap Road west of Las Vegas:
From this angle you can see the swingarm extends a little to the right to accommodate the can carrier. Currently, there is an option to carry either a hi-lift jack or fuel can(s) but not both.
This gives you a sense of how much room is behind the swingarm. The single and dual can carriers will accommodate a Gobi ladder (I have one on order, either the standard or Shrock version will work). Currently there's also a non-ladder-compatible option which tucks the can carrier closer to the hatch.
Closeup of the gusseting under the carrier:
The carrier is sized to fit both metal NATO cans or the plastic Scepter cans which are a little oversized. Dave recommended using something to fill the gap when carrying a metal can. Shown is an adhesive-backed friction pad for step rails from O'Reilly Auto that Dave had on hand. My local hardware store sells sheets of rubber off a roll that can be tucked into the carrier before dropping in the can. Seems to work OK. Use an "endless loop" style ratchet strap (no hooks) to secure the can to the footman loops welded to the carrier.
LED license plate bulbs are a nice touch:
The bumper's LED's have a flood pattern. Dave also upgraded the backup bulbs in my tailights to spot LED's. Later during my roadtrip on the way down to Mexican Hat, UT I had to backup the Moki Dugway at night to let another truck come up. That's when I found out what a great upgrade those LED's are
These are the bronze oil-impregnated bushings used in the hinge. Bulletproof.
Zerk fitting to grease the bushings. Nice touch.
Closeup of the beefy latch MaxGear is known for using. Can be secured with a padlock.
The latch gets captured by these nylon ramps.
The swingarm is based on a rectangular tube.
Nice and clean on the other side, 3 bolts are used to attach on each end. You can see the cutout which allows up to a 33" AT-style spare to be carried.
Balanced Rock at Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River. I should mention the powder coating Dave uses is top notch. If you choose the silver vein like I did, you won't have any problems with peeling, fading, or corrosion. Dave recommended that powder to me two years ago (Akzo Nobel polyester so it has inherent UV resistance) and I've had it on my front bumper and sliders ever since with zero issues. His coating shop also uses a zinc-rich primer which is key for good adhesion and corrosion resistance.
One part of my roadtrip involved driving down a rutted/washboarded road for 16 miles. No unusual rattles or noises came from the bumper. Solid. Overall I'm really happy with this bumper!
Hope these photos helped anyone wanting to carry fuel on their bumper.
