I installed a receiver hitch onto the front of my 99 XJ for a recovery point. I was looking at a couple different winch receiver mounts and was wandering if this would be a good idea. What are your thoughts of winching from a receiver mounted winch. Will the hitch be strong enough to handle the load of a winch. The hitch is from curt so I know it is built very well. But is it well enough to use as a winch mount.

 

I have a receiver front bumper and have used it. I know a number of people who actually use it for winching as well. I honestly think that it should be ok for what you are planning on doing as long as you have the unibody tie ins.

 

I just bought that same hitch waiting for install.

 

I use my front hitch for winching and recover but mine are built into my bumper how many bolts does the hitch use?

 

In that pic the hitch only has 2 mounting holes on each side. I'd drill more (like 2 more on each side) if you're gonna be winching and snatching from it.

 

Its 100% fine if your hitch can handle the load.

I have a front mount hitch intended for winching.

 

Here's mine installed. It uses 6 bolts, 4 being sway bar bolts which you get along with more hardware and drill 2 holes in the front. You look at the rear receivers and they normally only use 6 bolts to hold them in.




Trim the air dam if you have it.

 

Mine is installed and looks the same as yours. My only concern is should there be more bracing on the uni body?

 

Anyone have a part number for the front hitch?

 

The part number is on the hitch in my pic. Drawtite #65009

 

I bought the exact same but it is a CURT #31084 from Amazon for $116.78 and free shipping no tax! And the rear Curt # 13084 for $127.98.

 

Thanks Doug,Marty and JBS for heads-up!What a deal!Just ordered curt unit from amazon.Will come in handy launching valco on lakes,plus stout recovery points.
Are unibody tie-ins necessary for light use,stockish supension.No winch?

 

Got Curt hitch on today,fit perfect!

 

a nice tucked in recovery front bumper with a proper mounting system and reciever mounted winch is much better than a winch mounted on the bumper.

The only time its nto is when there is soemthing like mud or water over the top of the reciever hole, because obviously you arent gonna drive around with the winch sticking out of the front.

So you get out, mount your winch, and winch out then remove the winch and be on your way.

This is better for the winch because it stays out of the elements until its needed, its better for you because you dont have a massive bumper sticking 10 inches out of the front of your jeep killing your angles for appraoch and departure and it just looks better

 

I realize this is old, but oh well...

The documentation that came with my front hitch said that the full 9000# rating is good for up to 45 deg side pulls and I want to say up or down 15 degrees. Maybe it was 30, I would have to go look. Either way, it's designed for winching, and not towing, lol. I have the hitch and the OEM tow hooks so I built a bracket that ties the two together. Even better mounting for both!