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Old 05-02-2013, 04:59 PM   #1
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Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

I still have the stock front Ford bumper and NO front recovery points, which has caused some issues while trying to recover this van offroad! Without the expense and extra weight of a proper front winch bumper what options do I have? Thanks for the help

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Old 05-02-2013, 05:38 PM   #2
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Re: Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

Not sure what you've got in front, but perhaps the most cost effective thing to do is have someone install a front hitch receiver. A strap secured inside it via hitch pin is the preferred method of snatching/towing. Mine is welded to the frame rails, so it's as sturdy as possible. I'd also recommend you find a 4x4 fabricator to do it; some of the guys that just install trailer hitches often don't have much experience with fronts on vans like ours and try to just fit an off-the-shelf one when it's sometimes (usually?) better to must make one.

I've got a thread about my winch install, which has some pictures of the front hitch I have. I just put the winch on top of it. And I have the original bendo-matic chrome bumper.

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=10887

BTW, you may notice some tow hooks. They are relatively worthless, so don't bother. Shackles would be better, but the hitch method works even better (simpler, quick, most everyone has one).
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Old 05-03-2013, 12:26 PM   #3
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Re: Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

Quote:
Originally Posted by rob_gendreau
Not sure what you've got in front, but perhaps the most cost effective thing to do is have someone install a front hitch receiver.
That's exactly what I did.

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Old 05-03-2013, 01:57 PM   #4
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Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

I also did a front hitch.... Much cheaper than an Aluminess bumper, but not as cool


Ray
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Old 05-03-2013, 01:59 PM   #5
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Re: Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

Quote:
Originally Posted by surfgeek33
I also did a front hitch.... Much cheaper than an Aluminess bumper, but not as cool


Ray
Maybe you can make up a fake Aluminess that attaches to the front receiver kind of like a fake mustache?
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Old 05-03-2013, 06:17 PM   #6
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Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

I'm on it Herb!!! LOL
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Old 05-04-2013, 06:40 PM   #7
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Re: Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

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Originally Posted by surfgeek33
I also did a front hitch.... Much cheaper than an Aluminess bumper, but not as cool
Yeah but easily a tenth of the cost, half the weight, and not aluminum. So we still think you're cool.
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Old 05-06-2013, 11:10 AM   #8
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Re: Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

The front hitch reciever is something I've thought about. I was thinking maybe just some recovery hooks bolted to the frame rails under the front bumper. Thoughts?

If I keep my van for my RTW trip I will for sure put a proper bumper and winch on it. I can't do that now due to the cost, but don't want to dump money into something like a front reciver that will come off when I do upgrade.
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Old 05-26-2013, 06:42 AM   #9
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Re: Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

a nice set up is the front receiver and shackle or Ditch Hitch.
You can also then run a portable winch front/back which is great if needed.
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Old 05-26-2013, 05:42 PM   #10
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Re: Quick cheap way to have front recovery points?

[quote="surfgeek33"]I also did a front hitch.... Much cheaper than an Aluminess bumper, but not as cool


Cheaper, AND much lighter...form follows function.

When I ordered my SMB, I took the front receiver option. I actually came with two tow hooks welded to it. Of course they were hidden by the bumper, but the receiver was all I needed.

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