Adding a hitch receiver tube to low pro bumper

Was looking at getting a curt or draw-tight front hitch receiver but the receiver being so low seems like it could be a problem. Got me into thinking about getting a low pro/valence bumper and welding a 2" receiver tube someone on it- on top, in where the winch goes, etc. Would be used as a basket carrier or winch in a cradle. Those with bumpers, is there a space this could happen? Or do you think the leverage of tongue weight and how the bumper attaches would not work out.

 

I personally would check with whoever you get the bumper from.

I think the support points are ok but not so sure if the bumper can handle something pulling on it in one spot. I'm pretty sure the ones with the winch cutout is supported somehow.

 

Sure you could add a receiver to one of these 'incognito' style front bumper. You would also need a bit of internal gussets to reinforce the box structure as well as some additional tubing in order to 'spread' out the forces directly from the receiver to the vehicle frame. Study how the rear receiver is mounted, to the aft crossmember to get an idea of what kind of strength is necessary just for a tow hitch. It could be a really slick install, flush to the front of the bumper but then how do you access the shear pin?

 

Good idea. Yeah just don't have access to one to look around at it

Yeah might be a bit! And that is true about the shear pin. Would have to figure that out.

Might be an interesting project.

Exactly, thought was that if the bumper attaches to the crossmember similar to a hitch then it should work (since most weight would be a hundred pounds). If it is attached just to the front of the crossmember instead of the sides then it might not be stable enough.

Adding a tube to where the winch goes would be my preferred spot. Guess I just have to buy a bumper and see from there

 

You could probably use the space the winch would usually sit in. You might have to do some fabrication, as mentioned above.

As @Dillusion mentioned, maybe run the idea by the manufacturer, as well.

 

I'd honestly recommend just getting a low profile bumper an winch. This stays on the vehicle at all times.

Then build a custom basket that attaches to the bull bar/ bumper.

Now you have your winch and detachable basket. Job done.

 

Yeah just too much weight on the front causing wear for something I may or may not need once a year for hunting season

 

Fair enough.

Well anyways google to the rescue
https://trail4runner.com/2020/06/16/curt-front-receiver-hitch-review-install-5th-gen-4runner/

Some fabrication will be involved so you could weld this up at any height. Just cutting and welding to make it happen.

 

Very interesting solution you've found. Just a little caveat, since it's a 'trailer hitch' design can't be rated more than a Class V (and the article points out a "9K straight line pull") Hope no-one needs to be yanked out of axle deep mud with that, results may not be pretty.

 

Yeah I wouldn't think it could be rated at all tbh...

It's a solution for OP... But I never said it was a good idea.
If it was my rig I'd bolt up a low profile bumper with a winch. Build a basket that can bolt up to the bull bar when needed.

But it's not my rig... Personally, I wouldn't recommend adding a hitch in the front if the only need for it is mounting a winch cradle and basket occasionally.