Tubular Bumper Question

[Excursioner]

I have a couple of questions regarding tubular rear bumper for all you Overlanders. I have a 2002 Ford Excursion that I am building up and I have been thinking about alternatives to the high price vendors want for aftermarket rear bumpers with tire carrier swing arm. I have recently had my stock running boards replaced with rock sliders that were made from 2" tube steel by a local fabricator and they work and look great. The fabricator said he has done several tube bumpers and showed me some pics of his fine work, and price wise I would get custon design and craftsmanship at a significant cost savings. So, my questions for those that may have some experience with tubular bumpers:

1) are there any strength or safety concerns for tube bumpers compared to standard aftermarket bumpers?
2) do you think the tubes could be used as a volume bottle for my ARB air compressor if regulated to say 150psi and equipped with a relief valve (burst disc type) in the event of sudden rear impact?

A volume bottle would be awesome to assist in airing up tires, using air tools, or adapting air lockers down the road. Using 2.5" tubes with the design I have chosen would make for about 5 gallons of air volume. Thoughts? Concerns?

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

As long as your fabricator uses tubing of adequate wall thickness and not pipe, welded correctly, there should be no concern with strength. Safety? Like rear impact? Well, factory sheet steel bumpers aren't as stout as they look.

As to internal air? Not an uncommon application. My non tubular has a built in reservoir. Make sure you talk it over with your fabricator. You'll want a couple ports at least, one being a low point drain. If your fabricator is good, it'll be air tight and you can slosh it internally with linseed oil for corrosion protection.