Flipped Draw-Tite rear bumper platform

[cj80cruiser]

I'm thinking of flipping my Draw-Tite hitch upside down and using it as the beginnings of a rear tube bumper. I haven't worked out all the details but its already made to line up with the bolt holes so I figured why not? I know that I will have to notch the mounting plate and do a little modding for extra strength but just thinking out loud and wanted to get a few thoughts before going ahead with this idea. Or whether I should just scrap it.

 

[Pikeman]

If you are talking about flipping the mounting brackets then you will probably find that they interfere with the body mounts when you do that. If you are talking about just the center section that bolts between the frame brackets that might work but you would still have a low point. At least that's what I remember when I was thinking of using my brackets when building my rear bumper. Hopefully it works out for you though.

 

[cj80cruiser]

If you are talking about flipping the mounting brackets then you will probably find that they interfere with the body mounts when you do that. If you are talking about just the center section that bolts between the frame brackets that might work but you would still have a low point. At least that's what I remember when I was thinking of using my brackets when building my rear bumper. Hopefully it works out for you though.

I'll look again but I can cut the part out that will hit the body mount is what I had in mind anyways.

 

[cj80cruiser]

So I quit being lazy and cut the factory receiver to fit after the flip. It needs some bracing to be as sturdy as i want it but will be a good starting platform for the bumper I'm going to build whenever I get around to it.

 

[ryani]

Very cool idea! I'm watching. Maybe I'll have to crawl underneath mine and get the brain thinking a bit

 

[rubbman]

So I quit being lazy and cut the factory receiver to fit after the flip. It needs some bracing to be as sturdy as i want it but will be a good starting platform for the bumper I'm going to build whenever I get around to it.

View attachment 36216

you do not plan to tow much weight do you. looks weak.

 

[cj80cruiser]

you do not plan to tow much weight do you. looks weak.

Just to clarify....I took above pic before putting the remaining factory bolts back in.

I used the same bolts and holes that already exist in this factory receiver when it was flipped the other way around. I just recently added 2 bolts coming through the frame for good measure since I was going to tow a car back to Alabama. I added the bolts since the cutting did weaken the end of the receiver....the end that is farthest under the truck.

I still haven't made plans to finish this project but hope the pics above show potential for others that would entertain the idea and do this mod before I finish it myself.

 

[topdown4runner]

I had the same sort of idea for my 1st gen. The "arms" hang down way too far, and I haven't built my bumper yet.
But, yes, you have a good idea there.

Post up your finished product for us to see.

 

[ThePurposeIs]

Finished product picture would indeed be nice to see.