Yesterday we changed out our bumper and, while doing so, spotted this large bar attached to the frame of the truck directly behind the bumper. What is it and what is it used for? (no laughing, I'm female and still learning) The truck is a 2001 Dakota QC, 3.9L, 6 cyl., 4X2 with the towing package. It has a tranny cooler, wiring, etc. and I thought the ball on the bumper was used for light towing. Now I'm thinking this bar might be a factory installed hitch that needs a receiver. Am I correct? If not, why is this huge bar hanging out on the rear of my truck with no obvious purpose? (remember, don't laugh) In the picture you'll see the bar and the two end pieces that are attached to the frame. The silver piece you see is the back of the license plate on the bumper. I had to lie on the ground and look up for this picture so, to see it correctly. you'll have to lie on the floor and look up at your computer screen. Just kidding...... So, I know there is somebody out there somewhere who knows exactly what this part is and it's use and I'm hoping you'll take a minute and let me know. Any info would be great and appreciated!! Thanks for your time in helping me out!!

 

weird, ive seen a lot of daks and never seen one of those. looks like an import killer if you ever get rear-ended...

 

I think that is whats left of your towing package.Upper

 

Yeah, +1 to what batman said. That's nothing I've ever seen before either. It doesn't look like part of a trailer hitch. It almost looks like something someone installed to act as a bumper for a rollpan.

 

Thats a fine question. When I get under mine there isnt a damn thing there, not even a spare. its just a big empty space.

I hope someone know and posts with an answer cause now I need to know lol

 

Dont worry gurlFRIEND....it's just a secondary bumper since the one you see on the outside bends so easily.

 

I have the same huge round tubing between the spare tire and the bumper and I don't know for what it's used for !

 

mine too

its almost floating there...it can be moved easily....not sure what its used for....i had a friend at a dodge dealership look and he said it was a balancing weight for towing a trailer....but who knows

 

Thank You ALL for taking the time to help me out!! You know I DO APPRECIATE it!! But......we still don't know exactly what this piece is so don't give up, okay? Keep asking around and I will too. If anyone finds out, let me know by a PM and I will do the same for each one of you who replied. It's just gonna drive me crazy if I don't find out FOR SURE. Thanks, again, everyone!! You guys are the best!! REALLY!!!!!!

P.S. So, now if I want a trailer hitch, do I buy the complete hitch with receiver or does the truck just need a reciever that I can attach to the
frame or bumper? (no laughing)

 

no no PMs arent allowed for this, the rest of us wanna know too lol