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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Install Tow Hook

Sometimes you need a helping hand, and sometimes, you're called on to lend a hand. In either case, a tow hook is meant to get the job done.

By Tom Cavanagh - July 13, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram 1500 4th Generation (2009-Present).

Stuck in a ditch? If so, tow hooks on your Dodge Ram would be the most convenient and essential truck component to have. Of course, a winch would also be convenient, but might not be necessary at all times. So install a tow hook in your truck to save the day as soon as possible. But don't expect to lift a bus out of a 75-foot ravine or tear down buildings; it won't turn your truck into a crane. Installing a tow hook onto your Ram's frame is a fairly straightforward procedure and doesn't take much time. Read on as this article will show you how to install bolt-on tow hooks on your 4th generation Ram truck.

Materials Needed

  • Small flat head screwdriver
  • 18mm wrench
  • Impact wrench (if necessary)
  • WD-40 (if necessary)
  • Marker (if necessary)
  • Precision jigsaw (optional)
  • X-ACTO knife (optional)
  • Dremel tool (optional)

Step 1 – Remove the front bumper insert

Depending on which 4th generation Dodge Ram model you have, the bumper may have a one-piece or two-piece insert.

  • Slide under the front end of your truck, and push the back side of the bumper insert to pop it out. You may want to use a small flat head screwdriver to help you push the tabs and undo the fastening clips.
  • Set the clips aside for when you install the bumper filler, or factory insert into the bumper.
  • Figure 1. One-piece front bumper insert.
  • Figure 2. Two-piece front bumper insert.

Step 2 – Install the tow hooks

  • Locate the two studs securing the front bumper to the frame.
  • Remove the two nuts with an 18mm wrench. If the nuts are difficult to remove, apply WD-40 to lubricate the nuts and use an impact wrench to break them free.
  • Slide the tow hook through the bumper opening, and mount the tow hook "L" bracket to the studs.
  • Secure the tow hook bracket by tightening the two nuts.
  • Then, using the bolt that came with the kit, secure the bottom portion of the tow hook to the frame.
  • Repeat this procedure on the other side.
  • Figure 3. Tow hook mounting locations.
  • Figure 4. Tow hooks fitted for the 4th generation Dodge Ram.
  • Figure 5. Remove two nuts on rear side of the frame.
  • Figure 6. Secure the mounting bolt and nuts.

Note

Make sure your tow hooks came with the required "L" mounting brackets, and that the brackets are securely affixed to the tow hooks.

Step 3 – Install the bumper filler

Many Dodge Ram owners install bumper fillers (pre-cut inserts) or make cuts in their factory inserts to conceal the open spaces around the tow hooks.

  • If you are modifying the stock bumper insert, place the insert directly in front of the tow hooks and mark the areas on which to cut.
  • Use a precision jigsaw or strong X-ACTO knife with a Dremel tool to cut out the hole and smooth the inner edges.
  • Whether you're installing a new bumper filler or modified factory insert into the bumper, simply secure it onto the bumper with the fastening clips you removed in Step 1.
Figure 7. Tow hooks installed.

Pro Tip

If you purchase a pre-cut bumper filler, make sure it fits your truck because different Dodge Ram model years and trim levels might have different bumper insert sizes. The most popular bumper fillers for 4th generation Rams are by Mopar. Their part numbers are: 68088193AA and 68196982AA.

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