there is actually no "shock absorber" mechanism on the vanagon
bumpers [ at least not on my 1990 ] the US DOT did not require it.

I was suprised to find this last summer when I removed my rear bumper to
install
a reciever hitch. So aside from the force the bumper may absorb by bending
[ or shattering as my fiberglass ones would] the remaining impact force
is absorbed directly by the body.

In an interesting twist - the new receiver hitch i bought and mounted
directly
on the body bumper mounts is made of very substantial steel -
which will inadvertently transfer MORE of an impact to the the thinner steel

in the body of the van.  :O(

Tom

        ----------
        From:   rmstewart@mac.com
        Reply To:       rmstewart@mac.com
        Sent:   Wednesday, July 9, 2003 2:44 PM
        To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
        Subject:        Re: Rear-Ended !! / Tube bumpers

        > Anyone ever purchase and install those large tube bumpers and
rear/front end
        > (Like the ones used on SUV1s that cover the front end with large
steel round
        > tubes)
        > I saw someone was selling those a website not to long ago.
        >
        > I have always wondered if there practical enough to purchase, ie
is the weight
        > worth the protection, does it really protect the van or just cause
more damage
        > when your hit?
        >
        > Robert
        > 1989 Blue Carat, NYC (on it1s way from Florida)
        > -----------------------
        >
        >
        > Just got rear ended the other day.  The big chromey bumper on my
'85 Westy was
        > hit directly in the middle and bent inward so that it just touched
the body.
        > It was a good smack.
        >
        > Question is ..... when the insurance guys (not Westy mechanics)
appraised the
        > damage, they talked about body work and replacement of the bumper,
but nothing
        > else.  Is there anything else that I should be concerned about?
Could there
        > be any engine damage from a rear end hit?
        >
        > Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
        >
        > Matthew
        > Vancouver BC
        > CANADA
        >