Front receiver hitch options?

[TCRIMSONK]

I'm looking to add a front hitch to my SII. I have a hitch mounted winch that I want to be able to use on the front of my Scout. I'll probably also want to put one of those cargo baskets in it from time to time, or possibly get a hitch tire mount, and use it to carry my spare. I also have a receiver mounted tow hook that I could use to hook up a recovery strap.

So what are my options for a front receiver? I currently have the stock front bumper, and am generally content to keep it.

I'm tempted to just bolt on one of these:

But there's no way to access the inside of the cross member, so I would have to drill and bolt all the way through it. Even then I don't know if I could trust it not to rip off in a recovery situation. I also don't know if it would handle the leverage from a cargo carrier.

The second thing I'm considering is cutting a square hole through the front crossmember, and welding in one of these:

Then I'd have to cut a bigger square hole in my bumper so I can install it over the welded in hitch. The advantages of that are it would be stronger, and retain ground clearance. The disadvantage is, I don't have a plasma cutter, and really don't want to screw up my crossmember.

So what are your thoughts?

[Tom Mandera]

If you bolt on onto the front crossmember, you need to drill the crossmember "through" and then sleeve it (weld some "pipe" / tube inside) so when you tighten the bolts you don't crush the frame.

Sinking the receiver INTO the bumper is a good idea, but look at how deep/shallow it must be and where the pin has to go - there isn't much room behind the crossmember before you get into the radiator.

As to cutting it, a plasma isn't the only way to do it. Drill the four corners. Then drill larger, then use a sawzall or a cut-off wheel to finish the cut on each side.

Getting to the back side (at the radiator) won't be fun since you'll likely have to pull the radiator to really get in there.

Your best bet is to toss the stock front bumper..

[TCRIMSONK]

Originally Posted by Tom Mandera

Your best bet is to toss the stock front bumper..

I'd thought about that too, but so far haven't found anybody who makes a front bumper with a receiver hitch. I could build my own, but at that point, it's easier to just mount a hitch to the crossmember.

[Erik Morton]

Since he is out of business I might not be much help but my D&C bumper has the hitch option. I don't think my front is Class three rating but it way beyond the stock system. Do NOT trust that crossmember. It wasn't strong enough new and is subject to corrosion too. Mine rusted through. Some day I need to fix that but with Damian's bumper is more than strong enough to function in its place.

I think others special make their bumpers too and can easily add a hitch.

[TCRIMSONK]

I took a closer look at the crossmember. I don't think I can put the tube through it without interfering with the radiator, even with my 1" body lift.

Bolting to the bottom of the crossmember is even less likely. The top of the crossmember is triangular, so even if I shimmed the bolts, they wouldn't have a safe purchase.

I guess I need to keep looking for a simple front bumper with a built in hitch.