Bull Bar w/ Hitch

[bamabrit]

I'd like to add a Front Hitch - to carry a Bike-rack while towing.
I also like the idea of a Bull Bar for a modicum of Off-road protection.
An Online search found only Bumper replacements way above my budget.
Any ideas? DIY modification perhaps?

 

[DetroitDarin]

the problem is this: Few/Nobody makes a strong bull bar for these trucks. Even welding a bull bar to brackets where the tow hooks go will not make the bar material any stronger. Short of custom-bending strong steel tubing...just dunno man. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

[bamabrit]

I think you're right - you get what you pay for. A buddy of mine suggested that I'm looking at this the wrong way round. i.e. a hitch with a Bull Bar attached. A hitch has to be DOT legal, and most are GWR 5000lb.

 

[GAINMOB]

bike rack on top

 

[bamabrit]

I believe that would be an aerodynamic mess!
We have a roof-box for Camping gear and a 14' Pontoon boat we share within the family.
However we are hoping to purchase a TT by Spring, and some of them can have hitches mounted, right?
BTW 7500lbs GTW + Family of 5 in TV would be alright in our "Max-Tow" Ex?

 

[tallsville]

here is a link for a front hitch that works on an expedition

2004 Ford Expedition Front Mount Hitch | etrailer.com