So I bought a Ram 1500 express. I like it. It has the extras I wanted like a 3.92 rear end, limited slip, tow package, 32 gal tank, and tow hitch. I installed stainless tuff-bar nerf bars the next day which I like (despite being made in China which I was told they were made in USA). Now I have two more things I need to address....

I am looking for a bull bar that does not interfere with tow hooks. I need to install tow hooks (which I have seen done here in other threads), but want a bull bar that does not interfere too much with them.

Anybody that is running a bull bar care to chime in and let me know. Obviously those with a big horn or laramie that already has tow hooks, or a converted sport model with cuts made to the plastic front fascia should be able to help.

I have looked at tuff-bar, westin, Aries and others. They seem to have slight variances to the angle and taper. In some photos it looks like the hooks are available, in others it does not look so good.

My other thought is adding a front tow hitch. I can deal with cutting the bottom of the skid plate if this would be my only other option.

Figured I better ask before making a wrong purchase. (I was referred to this site by a moderator here -goes by the name: weedahoe on a site I moderate). Thanks for looking.

 

In regards to installing the tow hooks, I installed them on my sport (sorry no bull bar though). Take the instructions and throw them away! They make you waste more time then is necessary.

If you do install the Mopar hooks, remove the front plastic bumper facia (trim to size). Disassemble the two hooks, mount the bracket first, the slide the hook through the facia opening and bolt them to the mounting brackets installed first. You'll understand what I'm talking about when you purchade them.

The instructions have you remove the undermounted plastic pan/shield, which on my truck had rivets on both ends and about a dozen or better push pins. This is completely unnecessary.

 

another option, which i have been wondering if exists.. is there a bull bar which can be used as a tow hook, or with a built in hitch to use as a recovery point?

i have a front hitch because i didnt have tow hooks and needed a recovery point, but it sticks down quite low even with the slight trimming to the lower air dam. i hate it if i hit a high curb in a parking lot that the truck should have gone right over.

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/4th-gen...-bull-bar.html


I don't think I would trust a bullbar for towing or recovery. They are pretty thin walled metal and not all that strong. A few guys from 3rd Gen have bent and broke them trying to do what you'd like out of one. I don't think you can have all three either.

 

So all the bull bars out there block the tow hooks? I know they use the same mounts underneath, but was hoping one of them would taper in enough to keep them viable.

I am enjoying the truck. Going back to the dealer to rebalance the tires. I swear they never get it right at the factory.

 

I have the westin and have still used my tow hooks. You cant pull straight ahead with them but they still work to pull at an angle. They even have a hook at the end of them that prevent the strap from coming off. The two pictures show how the tow hooks are still accessible.
http://s1201.photobucket.com/albums/...-26-52_833.jpg
http://s1201.photobucket.com/albums/...9-27-18_83.jpg