I have an 04 with the Off Road group package which includes a bar that spans from one frame mount to the other and has 2 hooks built in. I'm considering adding a front hitch mount and am wondering if anyone else has this type of tow hook bar and has done any mods to it?

I've seen a version of this done very well by Brandon:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...h-project.html
but this is from scratch. I'm not sure i can weld to my bar as i think it is cast??

I've also seen a diesel magazine truck that had individual mounts directly on the frame mounts with no bar spaning the front which looked sweet.

My other option is to mount a regular hitch that would be completely below the bumber, but that's not my first choice.

Any other ideas?

 

I have the same bar on my '03 but was actually going to look into mounting a winch hidden behind the bumper instead of a receiver. I know what you mean, but haven't really looked into it. Maybe see if you can find a receiver that has mount bars that will reach where the hooks are, drill holes and mount it there?

 

Yeah I think I know what your saying, but my other concern is the strength of the bar. Looking from below I noticed it is hollow (I assume to save weight). So I would worry if i mount something in the middle without significant supports going to the frame I could bend the tow bar if I'm pushing a wagon or pulling something out.

Has anyone who has this bar ever bent or damaged it?

I've also thought about mounting a winch somewhere, just not sure I would use it enough to make it worth the effort. I do like how the power wagons look with them behind the bumper though!