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Hidden front hitch that mounts to a wench plate?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by tk421, Aug 22, 2024.

  1. Aug 22, 2024 at 9:00 AM
    #1
    tk421

    tk421 [OP] New Member

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    I am looking at getting a front steel bumper with wench mount, but since I am 95% city boy I want to leave my wench at home when in the concrete jungle. Are there any hidden front hitches that mount to where the wench would normally go and then the hitch receiver sticks out where the fairlead is located? This would allow me to gain a bit on gas mileage and then just toss the wench in the back/on top when I dive off into dirt land.
     
  2. Aug 22, 2024 at 9:43 AM
    #2
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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  3. Aug 22, 2024 at 10:14 AM
    #3
    tk421

    tk421 [OP] New Member

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    Last edited: Aug 22, 2024
  4. Aug 22, 2024 at 10:25 AM
    #4
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I think most front hitch receivers are designed to attach to the frame behind the front bumper. I've never seen a steel bumper with a hitch receiver, but that's not to say they aren't available.

    Honestly, though, you are never going to notice any difference in fuel economy by taking 70 lb out of the vehicle. That is, unless those 70 lb are in the tires or strapped to the roof.
     
    tk421[OP] likes this.
  5. Aug 22, 2024 at 11:54 AM
    #5
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    I thought you wanted less of a gas mileage hit. Only way to achieve that is by keeping the low-drag stock plastic front end. Fuel consumption will be indistinguishable between a winch installed full-time in an off- road bumper and a hitch receiver tube installed in the same off-road bumper.
     
    tk421[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  6. Aug 22, 2024 at 12:10 PM
    #6
    Lost Woods

    Lost Woods New Member

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    I dunno how you expect mounting some chick to your bumper to go but if you're looking to have a tow hitch that bolts in place of a winch, that's not a common thing and you need to get in touch with a fab shop. Bumpers don't typically have a hole that will fit a receiver and there's probably not enough demand on the Toyota side to make one regularly since you can't flat tow them like a Jeep.

    Get the bumper of your choice in raw steel, and have a shop cut the hole and weld a long receiver tube to the winch plate with plenty of gusseting. Only downside is you're going to have a few inches of receiver sticking out to make sure a cradle will clear the front bumper.

    You'll be adding 15-20 lbs assuming the winch plate doesn't require further reinforcement so like was said above, you aren't going to gain much on economy over installing a 60lb synthetic winch.
     
    TrailSpecial22 likes this.
  7. Aug 22, 2024 at 1:07 PM
    #7
    Bend_4R

    Bend_4R New Member

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    Said every married guy...ever.
     

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