?? Slide out rear bumper ?? ...learned something new today

[bulky]

I had a couple of hours free to swing by dad's house today and I was under the 69 GMC pulling off the "airbrakes" (mudflaps) and noticed that the rear bumper had a pull handle and locking pins. I never knew they made a slide out rear bumper for these trucks. Anyone know if it was a factory installed, dealer installed or aftermarket item?

[CastIron]

I would say aftermarket. Probably for a big camper. And is that an air hose fitting on the left side? And a spare tire carrier that is cable type?

[bulky]

Originally Posted by CastIron

I would say aftermarket. Probably for a big camper. And is that an air hose fitting on the left side? And a spare tire carrier that is cable type?

There are two tanks under the truck, I figured they were for propane, but the tanks are not very big. The lines run the full length of the truck and side to side. As for the spare carrier, it is a lowering setup, but I haven't dropped it yet. I'll grab some more pictures of both items.

I think the best part of the rear bumper is even if the bed is full, there is room for the beer cooler.

Thanks for the info.

[tommys72]

Well hell....thats pretty cool! I could use that here in Springfield, not for a camper...but for an extra few foot for a rear end crash. So many texting drivers around here, the could come in handy! Hahaha

[FirstOwner69]

Aftermarket.
I bought my truck to haul an 11' camper and had the dealer install a similar setup prior to delivery. Over the years I adapted it to work on a '86 Chevy dually and '99 Ford F-350. Mine has 2 telescoping pipes on each side which are secured with 4 set screws (actually bolts, 2 per pipe) on each side and extended a little over 3'.

[scooterpimp]

Thats a cool bumper , nice bench for fishing.

[James the III]

Originally Posted by bulky

I had a couple of hours free to swing by dad's house today and I was under the 69 GMC pulling off the "airbrakes" (mudflaps) and noticed that the rear bumper had a pull handle and locking pins. I never knew they made a slide out rear bumper for these trucks. Anyone know if it was a factory installed, dealer installed or aftermarket item?

nice..
That would make it easier to get in the bed when the tail gate is down..
step beside the ball then the bumper then tail gate..
I don't think I'd tow anything with much weight with it out like that..
but if you had to get in and out of the bed all day.. or back the truck up to a dock with the tail gate down.. it be a tail gate saver..

[El Dorado Jim]

really cool, was for a slide in camper, haven't seen one in years......

[special-K]

Yep, not factory. The camper industry was on a high back then and these trucks were a big part of it. GM offered one in their accessory program, but that brand is much nicer. I'll trade you a brand new chrome sport bumper and brackets!

The main reason I got out of my '71 camper truck was wanting the ability to tow. The only time I towed with that slide-out bumper was a little 4x8 jiffy trailer my father-in-law gave me to haul a couple porch rockers up from Myrtle Beach. I figured if it wasn't there when I got home, oh well.

[robs71]

I have been paying more attention to these unusual pull out bumpers lately.I have one but you have to unbolt it for adjustment.The one you have must have been the Cadillac of them...The fact it never was trashed and still functions is too cool..i love it..thanks for sharing photo....buy the way u didn't happen to see a plate or decal with the manufacturer??just curious.

[allchevy58]

Had that same brand on my 69' K20 GMC. We had a 10.5 ft. overhead camper and towed our boat. Took it off and put it on my 83' K20. Only took a couple of minutes to reset to tow with camper on.

[James the III]

I wonder how much the tongue rating dives when you are towing with that much leverage pushing on the frame rail ends..

[68panelman]

My 1969 owners manual shows these bumpers as a "approved GMC accessories"
Pretty neat, I haven't opened this manual in 20yrs

[boogieman1]

I've got that exact same set up on my '72 C20. The bumper and the spare carrier both work very well. When I got the truck it had what I assume is the original spare. It was a split rim bias tire. Came down like a champ using a 1/2 inch ratchet. Haven't decided what I am doing with the bumper yet. It is painted silver and is heavy guage steel.

[bulky]

I'll grab some more pictures and see if there is a part number or MFG tag on it. I thought it was really slick when noticed it. Even my father came around the back and asked "how the hell did you find that??"

I wouldnt tow a car trailer with it out fully extended, but the construction (and simplicity) is impressive. It still works really well.

[allchevy58]

We towed our 21' Daycruiser with 10.5' camper, so extended out 2.5' and it towed nice. I believe the boat weighed 4700 lbs. with trailer.

[71threequarterton]

Have one of those on my 71 C20 too. I can't see ever needing it although, I like the beer cooler idea.

[special-K]

The RPO step bumpers for these trucks were great for allowing bed entry with the tailgate down, unlike the '73-up style. They really were a "step" by being set to a lower height, which allowed room for a boot under the lowered tailgate. The 67-71 and '72 bumpers were only 4" tall with a 4" drop. In '73 they went to 8" bumpers tucked up to the tailgate. It took them about 40 years to figure out there needs t be a step on the corner and designed one into the corner of the bumper as if it was a new idea.

My camper had that one from the GM accessories catalog. With the bumper slid out the bumper could jiggle from side to side. I guess some were made to tow and some weren't. No way anyone with half a brain would attempt to tow a boat with what I had.

[jeffahart]

I love this bumper because it doesn't have the hitch right where the camper door would be. Only bumper I've owned like this. I cut down the channel iron because I'll never pull it out or run a camper on this truck. I really like looking at truck bumpers.