Bought a 2011 Ram 1500 Sport. wish i woulda got some different options but i plan to add them on myself. right now i dont have duel climate control but can i just switch that module out to get it? also i want to add a receiver hitch and possibly tow hooks up front.

 

Tow hooks are an easy add. You can get the factory set for around $110 and installation is pretty simple. You'll have to remove and cut out holes in the black close-off panel for where the hooks protrude from the bumper, but that's not hard. Just take some care and make clean cuts.

Adding a receiver hitch should be pretty straightforward too. I assume many aftermarket hitch makers have kits for it, and you can probably buy the factory one too. I know the rear bumper is pretty simple to remove so adding a hitch back there can't be too hard.

No idea on the climate control situation. That one will probably be more difficult. That said, I've had dual climate control on a variety of vehicles over the years and found that we hardly ever use it. I wouldn't pay extra for it...

ETA: Here's a picture of my Sport with tow hooks added:


Rob

 

That's a real clean install BigBlue. I want to do the same thing to my '11 Sport. How big did you make the cutouts? I'm ocd and want it to be perfect!

 

There is a thread on here someplace with basic instructions for installing the tow hooks. That's what I followed. As for cutting the panel, the holes are about 7" x 2", but if I recall correctly there is already some design in the plastic that matches the profile of the hole you need. I suspect they make the same parts for both Sport and non-Sport models and then just run the non-Sport pieces through a punch during manufacturing to open the holes. That's why the Sport ones are easy to modify.

To make the cut I guess you have to use the most appropriate tool you have available. I think I drilled a hole and then used a fine jigsaw blade to cut the openings. It was a little rough doing it that way so I had to spend some time smoothing the edges. I think there may be better methods if you have the right tools. Maybe a tabletop scroll saw or one of those rotatry zip cutters with a straight guide?

Rob

 

More info here...

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/4th-gen...tion-help.html

 

Very nice job BigBlue! i think i will do that and hitch asap! My sport is a crew cab Black! i want to black out my front and rear dodge emblems and side Ram 1500 emblems! i think i will take the hemi logo off and leave it off1 how do i manage to paint these anyone know.... also ive seen some sports with a black honey comb grill mine has the slotted grill... is that different option or year..i want a honey comb one. thanks

 

i painted my emblems black. I just taped around em and took cardboard and news paper to shield of the front and tailgate as the spray will get all over. I used nightshades to do it, but you can use any black paint. I took some really fine paper and sanded it, then did it. the night shades is for taillights, the front one I did and its almost a black chrome look which is what I wanted, the rear I made a little more solid black (not on purpose)

 

Yea i got a 2011 quad cab sport, last month wanting to black out my emblems. I herd of some sort of spray that you can purchase at home depot. A buddy of mine said all the guys on the Chevy forum are talking about it lasting up to 2 years with no defects. No sanding no chrome plate removal or anything......anybody herd of such? I've researched stripping the chrome and priming it and flat blacking it. Ive also herd of a light sand over the chrome plating and painting. Not sure what I'm gonna do yet. though about debadging my 1500 emblem and using it as a test run. if it doesn't work out just leaving them off. Any input??????

 

the factory hitch is not a good option imho. I have installed a bunch of them as well as a number of aftermarket ones. I would recommend the style that adds an additional bar and bolts directly to the frame as well as the factory mount locations. The factory setup only mounts to the bumper brace behind the bumper. If you add the factory part it is not the same as getting it from the factory. The from the factory setup uses a completly different bumper support.

Tow hooks have been covered, but you might consider a front hitch mount. Just as easy and way more versatile.

If you want different AC buy a new truck.