Hey all, I'm trying to figure out how to mount a tow hook onto my 2013 JK that has an Rugged Ridge 3" tubular bumper installed on the front. I love the bumper and I believe installation of a hook would be much easier if the bumper hoop wasn't exactly in front on the frame mounts. Has anyone smarter than me found a solution? Maybe a hook mounted under the bumper? I don't wheel often so I rather not replace the front bumper but I need a reliable recovery point when I'm over-landing just in case, you know? Thanks for any advice y'all got!

 

You might want to post a picture first. Me?There is most likely a way to weld a shackle mount with a hole in it to that point in the tube that covers the frame mount. But we need to see first.

 

Do you have that plastic air dam still or is that gone? I'd probably just weld something to the underside or side of the frame rail if you have access to that. It sounds like if you did have to get a tuck or line to it, that it wouldn't be a super extreme situation.

 

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you all.... this is what I am looking at. I dont want to weld because I will replace the front bumper in the future just not ready yet. I am thinking of mounting a hook or shackle so I can use a voodoo rope or deadman soft shackle/rope. is the blocker beam/crash bar/crossmember strong enough? or could I go to the side the cross member and mount underside of the front frame?

 

I dreamed this up for you but not knowing where the CL of the bumper mount is makes it difficult to get exact but this should give you an idea. Note the bit about not good for running with loose line and going tight action because the centerline of force is not central to the bumper mounting holes. If this does not work then I suggest you turf the bumper and get a good compact light one with tabs on it.

 

wooooooow! that is awesome!! Thank you! The bumper itself mounts directly to the frame right behind the vertical tubes and where the bull bar meets the bumper. I wonder if I can find someone to manufacture that for me? It also makes me wonder if I can mount two stick JK hooks upside down and accomplish nearly the same design?

 

that'd be my vote, flip the stock hooks. couldn't hurt to try.

 

Thanks! I rarely saw them on the road when I bought it in '13 and see it even less now so it is definitely a unique color. But those new wranglers in the dark red they are selling.... woooooow! Almost makes me want to sell haha

 

The upside down stocker tow hooks won't keep a strap on them due to the open design. And hard to weld on as they are forged steel and would need to be heat treated to keep the strength. Ever seen those youtube videos where the tow strap got loose under stress??

 

I did just watch a couple of those videos and certainly want to prevent that. I dont want to injure anyone helping me myself ever. I'll scratch the upside down stock hook for sure.