Looking for input on an idea for a front receiver hitch for a winch.

[Jmospider]

Did you have to do any modifications outside of cutting an opening in the skid plate to install the hitch receiver? I was told that the bolts for the Curt hitch receiver mount to the same pre threaded hole as the skid plate. Im trying to decide if I can installed myself or should bring it somewhere. If the solution involves welding or cutting outside of the skid plate I’ll probably bring somewhere. Thanks!

I think I answered my question by looking at the pictures a second time. It looks like you made the diagonal cut on the mounting bracket, is that right? Will the loss of the bolt impact the weight ratings on the hitch reciever? I wanted to be able to use for a small snow plow in the winter.

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[EddyArnold]

Did you have to do any modifications outside of cutting an opening in the skid plate to install the hitch receiver? I was told that the bolts for the Curt hitch receiver mount to the same pre threaded hole as the skid plate. Im trying to decide if I can installed myself or should bring it somewhere. If the solution involves welding or cutting outside of the skid plate I’ll probably bring somewhere. Thanks!

You have to cut the opening in the skid plate and (at least for the Rubicon) cut the bottom bracket that holds the skid plate... (see the bracket images above) but really you don't have to cut anything, if you don't mind running with out the skid plate I considered that but went ahead and cut the stuff up as I had time... ran about a week with no skid plate, but finally got it all back together!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The receiver bolts up using all holes. It's only the skid plate rear or lower brackets that have clearance issues. I was able to get one of mine wedged in, the other I cut. You'd have to smack that skid plate pretty hard for it to matter because the bracket would be shoved up against the frame before any bolt would snap, IMO. .
No cutting is done to the receiver and you use all bolts for the receiver. It's only skid plate brackets that have trouble if you don't trim them, and the loss of one bolt on those isn't going to matter except in really extreme conditions because it's against the frame anyway.

 

[Jmospider]

The receiver bolts up using all holes. It's only the skid plate rear or lower brackets that have clearance issues. I was able to get one of mine wedged in, the other I cut. You'd have to smack that skid plate pretty hard for it to matter because the bracket would be shoved up against the frame before any bolt would snap, IMO. .
No cutting is done to the receiver and you use all bolts for the receiver. It's only skid plate brackets that have trouble if you don't trim them, and the loss of one bolt on those isn't going to matter except in really extreme conditions because it's against the frame anyway.

Got it - makes sense. Sounds like something I can do myself with a grinder and little time. The pictures you shared are using a Curt receiver, is that right?

 

[Gatorized]

Are there any clearance issues if the curt front hitch is installed on a rubicon with the steel bumper? There is a bolt dead center on the bottom of the steel bumper..

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Are there any clearance issues if the curt front hitch is installed on a rubicon with the steel bumper? There is a bolt dead center on the bottom of the steel bumper..

I have a Curt hitch on my JT with a Steel Rubicon type bumper and Gladiator Rubicon skid plate......
The truck is Overland but the bumper is the same type used on Rubicon.
The skid plate is genuine MOPAR part number for Rubicon with steel bumper.

Parking the car hauler........

 

[Jmospider]

Sorry for beating a dead horse on this topic, but getting ready to order the Curt front hitch mount and want to know what I'm getting into. ShadowPapa and EddyArnold - any idea if the skid plate brackets have any other function/purpose on the Rubicon outside of mounting the front skid plate? I don't mind cutting the brackets if that's their only function. Also, I'm assuming Curt is the best option (vs Draw-tite), but interested to understand if you looked at both. Thanks again!

 

[dcmdon]

Sorry for beating a dead horse on this topic, but getting ready to order the Curt front hitch mount and want to know what I'm getting into. ShadowPapa and EddyArnold - any idea if the skid plate brackets have any other function/purpose on the Rubicon outside of mounting the front skid plate? I don't mind cutting the brackets if that's their only function. Also, I'm assuming Curt is the best option (vs Draw-tite), but interested to understand if you looked at both. Thanks again!

I'd be interested in understanding the differences between Curt and Drawtite. They seem very different.

It would be great if ShadowPapa could compare and contrast.
He has owned both. And I think installed both. He switched because one allowed him to mount a winch in the bumper in addition to the receiver.

It would be great if he could comment on:

1) ease of installation
2)how high and tight each hitch fits
3) eyeball engineering perception of structural integrity / strength of each.

 

[BaliMawr]

Following this thread for similar reasons as several of you- infrequent winch needs, desire for light weight when towing a trailer, utility of having front/rear winch mount options. I'm new to the Gladiator, and overlanding, though. Is a 9k lb winch (which is the max pull of these front mounts) going to cut it for east-coast, mild trail and timber/utility operations? Thanks!

 

[DoyleHargraves00]

Following this thread for similar reasons as several of you- infrequent winch needs, desire for light weight when towing a trailer, utility of having front/rear winch mount options. I'm new to the Gladiator, and overlanding, though. Is a 9k lb winch (which is the max pull of these front mounts) going to cut it for east-coast, mild trail and timber/utility operations? Thanks!

I've got the Kurt sitting on the front porch waiting for install. From the videos I've seen online, looks to be simple. Is there any instructions here? I'm in the right place?

 

[Mr._Bill]

I've got the Kurt sitting on the front porch waiting for install. From the videos I've seen online, looks to be simple. Is there any instructions here? I'm in the right place?

It's been a couple years, but I found the Curt fairly easy to install on my Overland.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It's been a couple years, but I found the Curt fairly easy to install on my Overland.

Similar here. Front receivers are easy to install on Overland - the catches come if you have a skid plate or winch plate that has brackets that interfere. Otherwise if it's a stock Overland, piece of cake.

The instructions? Whatever came with the receiver - or visit the Curt or DrawTite (if you have a DrawTite and not a Curt) sites and download instructions.
Curt used to come with brackets that allowed remounting the plastic shield under there....... DrawTite doesn't come with such brackets.

 

[dcmdon]

Similar here. Front receivers are easy to install on Overland - the catches come if you have a skid plate or winch plate that has brackets that interfere. Otherwise if it's a stock Overland, piece of cake.

The instructions? Whatever came with the receiver - or visit the Curt or DrawTite (if you have a DrawTite and not a Curt) sites and download instructions.
Curt used to come with brackets that allowed remounting the plastic shield under there....... DrawTite doesn't come with such brackets.

I know that you have used both. If you had to choose one, which would you say is an easier install.

Unfortunately for me, I've got a Mojave with both a skid plate and remote reservoirs.

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