Backup sensors?

[jabartram]

does anyone know why the rear sensors are mounted in the plastic trim, im thinking about drilling the rear bumper to move them up?

 

[Greenhills]

What for? If you end up dragging or braking that trim, chances are that flimsy piece of paper we call a bumper is toast too.

You need to be doing some pretty serious wheeling to be dragging that bumper. More than the average guy for sure.

 

[BAT3500]

I think the idea was that you could just replace plastic trim if needed and not the bumper.
Bad idea, now rear sensors see most any flavor of installed receiver hitch and have to be turned off...

 

[el_barto]

You would need some type of retention system for the sensors. The AEV rear bumper has little L brackets that push the sensor up against the inside of the bumper, and even those work just “ok” (I have had difficulty getting the sensor face perfectly parallel with the bumper face)
Maybe a 4th Gen (<2018) bumper will fit, they have the holes cut into the bumper already and maybe a retention system (though I think the sensors are slightly different so it may not quite work…idk)

Here’s some pictures of inside /wiring on a 2019 bumper for reference on space and how the stock sensors clip in

 

[jabartram]

Hmm, thanks for the pics, ill leave them where they are, im in the process of cutting holes for ss3 lights from diode dynamics. i have been looking at the rough country bumper, but i dont think my amp bumper step will work with it.

 

[jadmt]

I made a hitch skid to help protect them a little. Might not provide ultimate protection but helps when sliding off a ledge and helps push the truck forward even keeping the sensors on the sides safer. does not have any affect on the sensors..

 

[AnthonyD1978]

I was going to move mine up to the OEM bumper as well. I think it's a good project. My plastic pieces were pretty scratched up. Luckily they are pretty flexible.

I ended up with a whole new rear bumper.