By Bill Adams
Front bumper extensions on custom cabs and chassis vary from 6-inches to more than 24-inches from the cab fascia. They’re usually the width of, or slightly wider, than the outside cab width. A 100-inch-wide-by-24-inch extended front bumper has about 16 square feet of space—prime real estate to mount easily accessible equipment. The usable deck surface (aka apron) depends upon the bumper configuration and the manufacturer’s method of construction.
A variety of configurations was on display at a recent trade show. Judgment is not made on designs or equipment caried. The intent is to illustrate how some are laid out. What works in Phoenix might not work in Poughkeepsie or Providence.
Manufacturers have preferred designs; however, most will customize a layout. The features shown are not proprietary. Not every vendor is accommodating when discussing designs and availability. Some may peddle whatever is easiest and might not offer alternatives. Don’t hesitate in asking questions—you write the check.
In this narration, deck means the bumper’s flat, usable surface. Q is a mechanical siren. Steamers are suction inlets piped 4-inch or larger regardless of thread size or intended purpose. Most steamers terminate with NST threads sized to the pump’s rated capacity. All elbows are swiveling. A preconnect is any diameter hose less than 2½-inch that has 1½-inch NST couplings supplied by at least 2-inch piping.
Photos:
1. This KME’s extension looks over 30-inches long with two single-stack crosslays with recessed elbows beneath each bed. It is unknown what’s in the wide compartment ahead of the crosslays.
[Ensure the OAL (overall length) in specifications and “on the print” includes 4½-inches for a Q sticking through the front bumper.]
2. Two double-stacked crosslays with recessed elbows are on this Rosenbauer’s bumper. Note the recessed center portion. Rosenbauer’s headl