Front tow bumper option at tow hooks location ?

[verk]

I would find it very useful to have 1-1/4" receiver on the front of truck, but don't want it below the bumber ( e.g. Curt Manufacturing ) nor do I want to have to make holes in frame members to mount it. From the parts fiche inlined below I see #19 which is no longer available according to dealer, but I would like something comparable with a box section welded below for hitch. Although this puts me 5+ inches above rear, my loads that would utilize a drop hitch are small. Anybody seen a commercial offering ? Alternatives ?

 

[Shadrach]

I would like something like that also but remember the opening between the tow hooks must remain open, especially if you have an auto trans, to allow air to get at all the coolers behind there. In your case you could get away with it. I thought about spacing my tow hooks out ( Lasersmith makes these ) and making a bracket that goes up, to keep the opening from getting blocked off, and the putting the receiver in it. I have never seen anything commercially built so far. David

 

[DFerverda]

I got one of these bad boys on my 08 2 inch receiver hitch on front. here http://www.ebay.com/bhp/dodge-ranch-hand-bumper
kinda salty, but if you hit a deer just break out the paper towels and Windex and wipe the blood off...............................

 

[Scooby]

Check out Bodiak - I have one of their front receivers on my truck that ties into the front hooks.

 

[BLNRAY]

my 03 has a blue ox base plate for flat towing, it would be strong enough to weld a receiver to.

 

[AnOldBiker]

Check out Bodiak - I have one of their front receivers on my truck that ties into the front hooks.

Glad I was looking at the threads and found this. They look sweet and what I've been looking for. Thanks.

 

[TWebster]

I just installed a bodiak on mine to allow me to install spare tire carrier, launch boat from front instead of backing in. Very well engineered equipment---highly recommend

 

[AnOldBiker]

I'm thinking of one after the holidays. Is there a way to secure it from someone wanting to steal it ? I appears if someone had a proper wrench, it's gone.

 

[BDaugherty]

I have a Warn 2" front receiver on my '03. It installs to the same holes as the tow hook reinforcement brackets. I don't remember ANY drilling. The bottom of the receiver is even with the bottom of the airdam so you have to either cut or remove the airdam. I gaurantee nobody will "just walk up to it with a wrench" and be able to steal it.

 

[TWebster]

Uhmmmm, its secured with 4, 1/2" grade eight bolts torqued to whatever the correct torque rating is-----I just don't remember off hand. Add a little removable locktite---you get the idea.
Also, the bolts thread from the bottom, and set even with the nut face on top of the hitch. Could also just mig a spot weld for absolute security.
I could take an up close pic of mine if that helps to make a decision.

 

[AnOldBiker]

I've looked at the Warn and seeing you had to remove the air dam or cut it is why I haven't gone that way yet. It appears to be to low for me for what I want. Nothing wrong with the unit.

I like the idea and the placement of the Bodiak unit more, just have to think this over a bit. Might even email the company and see if they have some ideas on this.

Thanks.

 

[TJJEEPER]

A little less expensive alternative is the Draw Tite for the newer pickups.

 

[BDaugherty]

I went through the whole thing about hitch height. The Warn was a good compromise for me. The top of the receiver is right at the bottom of the bumper and the bottom of the hitch is still just above the bottom of the airdam. My airdam was cracked right in the center so cutting it was an easy decision. The crosstube is just below the intercooler. My truck is stock height and I have not had clearance problems with my receiver mounted winch, but I don't 4wheel it hard, either. That said, the Bodiak looks real nice, costs similar the the warn, would be MUCH easier to install, and offers better ground clearance. The only real advantage the warn has is keeping the towhooks and not obstructing the airflow through the coolers...which I think might only be an issue when operating at extreme GVW or ambient temperature.
One side note for anyone installing a Bodiak, if your truck didn't come factory with tow hooks, you will need to source the reinforcing brackets for the tow hooks mounts. Otherwise you hitch would only be hooked to the bumper brackets, not the frame.

 

[BDaugherty]

What did the OP decide on?

 

[verk]

Sorry to be out of touch, just revisited this forum in quite some time. I like Scooby suggestion of Bodiak but without hooks on my '03 ( unable to find after market ) I can't use. I just contacted Bodiak in case they know of source for hooks.

Sven