Does anyone know how the stock tow hooks are mounted? I am trying to figure out how it is done so i can add some to my Sport.

The only idea i have so far is to pull off the bumper and build a plate that will go between the bumper and the frame on both sides. This would be bent at 90 degrees and come out to some square tubing that connected the two sides. I'd attach 2 pieces of 1 1/4 square tube to that so that it came out the existing openings in the bumper like two trailer hitches off center. Then i could pin on tow hooks, a winch, a bumper or even a bar that sticks up over the top of the hood to give me a tie off point for the front of my canoe without damaging my hood paint.

I am a mechanical engineer and can make sure that this whole assembly will be strong enough, my main concern is that i know nothing at all about air bags and their sensors. Can anyone help me out with this? If i could mount tow hooks like stock i would probably go that way but you have to admit it would be pretty cool to have an accessory system like that on the front of your riot.

I had an autobody guy look at adding tow hooks and his program shows a hole(s?) where each towhook can attached but, to do it stock, it would require a big hole in the bumper fascia, which I wasn't ready to do. I ended up with an alternate method of tying my canoe down for now.

Post pictures of procedure and finished product if you end up going the route you sketched!

From Hydronaut (this thread (http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-1879.html))
07-06-2007, 05:40 PM
You can order the tow hooks. I ordered a spare rear one because I am modifying it for use with the 5/8" bolts on my Draw-Tite Hitch.

Rule 1: If you are going to modify something, make sure you can get a spare.

Here are the part numbers

Front Hooks

05115268AB 1 J, T, U 74 Right
05115269AB 1 J, T, U 74 Left

Rear Hooks

05115270AB 1 J, T, U 74 HOOK, Tow

and you will need this

05116360AB 1 J, T, U 74 PLATE, Tow Hook

Rule 2: Always have the part number when ordering from the dealer. Never tell them what they are for either. Just say I need these parts and hand them the piece of paper.

I've made some progress. Pulled off the bumper and built a rough version of the final product. I need to get some metal and wait for my welder to get back. There will be a piece of 1.5 inch flat bar bolted to each of the tow hook mounting points. These will be welded to the same piece of 2.5 Inch Square HSS that sits right tight to the bottom of the bumper. I am going to extend the two reciever hitches out as shown on the drawing i attached to my first post. There will be a completely stock look and any accessories will be pinned to these two hitches. Is anyone else interested in this design?

Help! I ordered the front and rear tow hooks that JeepGirl listed. Thanks for your help by the way Jeepgirl. However, when they arrived, they did not include any bolts with the exception of the two for the rear hook where my hitch is installed and they did not have any install instructions. Does anyone know the part numbers for the bolts? Does anyone have mounting instructions? I used the instructions from Hydronaut for the hitch and they were awesome (thanks Hydronaut). Made it a piece of cake. Any help appreciated.

I find it incredible that a Jeep would come without tow hooks! My brother (he's a mechanic/body guy) just finished installing tow hooks for me on my '08 Sport ...two on the front (see pix) ...he had to remove the front bumper to access the frame. He said it wasn't easy, and that the next mechanic to remove the front bumper is going to be cursing like a drunken sailor. For the rear, I'll just use a tow hook insert on the trailer hitch once I get the hitch installed by the dealer.

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=510

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=511

its possible, to build others tow hook?

I was at the dealer today to ask about tow hooks for my Partiot North. This is the 4X4 version built of the Sport model. The hooks and bumpers are available from the dealer and they will install them. I had called Chrysler Canada, I live in Ottawa. Any modification to my Pat that is made can void the warranty if not done by the dealer. So be careful about cutting and welding. I was told this will definately void the warranty. So will alot of other modifications. So don't be to quick to do anything before you ask the dealer. If you are worried about how to tow your, Pat the guy from the dealer body shop showed me the slots in the frame where you can tow from.

I was at the dealer today to ask about tow hooks for my Partiot North. This is the 4X4 version built of the Sport model. The hooks and bumpers are available from the dealer and they will install them. I had called Chrysler Canada, I live in Ottawa. Any modification to my Pat that is made can void the warranty if not done by the dealer. So be careful about cutting and welding. I was told this will definately void the warranty. So will alot of other modifications. So don't be to quick to do anything before you ask the dealer. If you are worried about how to tow your, Pat the guy from the dealer body shop showed me the slots in the frame where you can tow from.

Did you get a quote on just the parts? I'm having some body work done which in turn they will be putting the tow hook slotted bumper on my Patriot Sport. All I'll need now is the get the hooks themselves.

Has anyone actually upgraded a FDI to tow hooks using factory parts?
My jeep is in the body shop getting a new front bumper so I thought "let's add tow hooks." Adding tow hooks like factory requires new metal bumper, brackets, hardware and fascia with cutouts.
If any one has the correct part numbers for the metal bumper please post.

This picture shows the new radiator, condensor and bumper. The bumper is not right for the tow hooks. Another is on order.

Has anyone actually upgraded a FDI to tow hooks using factory parts?
My jeep is in the body shop getting a new front bumper so I thought "let's add tow hooks." Adding tow hooks like factory requires new metal bumper, brackets, hardware and fascia with cutouts.
If any one has the correct part numbers for the metal bumper please post.

A new "metal" bumper is not necissary. The wholes for the stock tow hooks are on ALL PATRIOTS. It is true that "slots" would have to be cut into the fascia, but with the right bolts, brackets, and stock tow hooks they can be installed in the factory locations without "major" modification.

Thanks zombie4569, after being in the body shop for over two weeks trying to get the correct bumper, I just told them to put the original style bumper on there and I will figure out how to mount the tow hooks. The new fascia has the cut outs and if the prices are accurate it was cheaper than the fascia without cutouts. Making a change has blown their minds.

I have made a bunch of progress.I built the under the bumper part of my custom tow hooks. I will take a picture tomorrow. I just need to build the inserts with shackles.I made it out of all free material so far and it lookslike it will work great. once I get time I will be building a bumper that pins onto the mounts. will post updates as they come.

Don't forget the pics too :)
Rich

You know the picture of the Pat in the main page. I think that bumper was made as a prototype for jeep by ARB. Anyone hear anything about them releasing accessories specifically for the Pat?

This is what my Pat looks like now after the repairs have been completed. Formerly FDI, now FDI.1
The parts were about $200.00. The front end was replaced due to an accident. So, I had them add the hooks. The only part that was not original type was the fascia with cutouts.

I completely forgot to take pics when I built my idea but i need to pull it off to paint soon anyways, will take some then (probably this weekend when i install my lift kit). I just need to find some heavy wall 1.5" Square Tubing and two shackles now.

You know the picture of the Pat in the main page. I think that bumper was made as a prototype for jeep by ARB. Anyone hear anything about them releasing accessories specifically for the Pat?

I sent an email to ARB and RRO and they aren't planning on making any bumpers for the Patriot anytime soon.

Check out

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4236&page=2

you can see on the front of my patriot what i built sticking out for the tow points. The shackles are getting finished up tomorrow. I can put anything i want on it, like the bull bar im fabbing up in the next week or two. Opinions (other than it needs paint, I know it needs paint)

In response to HYRDONAUT/JEEP GIRL's posting regarding the part numbers for the front hooks, does anyone have instructions or pictures for installing these front tow hooks?

Any help is much appreciated!

any update after powdercoating tow hook braket ?? picture !!

A new "metal" bumper is not necissary. The wholes for the stock tow hooks are on ALL PATRIOTS. It is true that "slots" would have to be cut into the fascia, but with the right bolts, brackets, and stock tow hooks they can be installed in the factory locations without "major" modification.

Would the stock tow hooks be compatible with an Euro-Patriot? We have a different shaped plastic bumper but are the relevant parts the same?

can't really help you out with this whole operation but I do know that when it's done I'd hate to get rear-ended by you!

"I have become death, the destroyer of Audis." <insert evil smiley here> Sounds good to me... ;)

Although that would probably mean that the answer to my second question in this matter, whether or not the local authorities would allow the tow hooks, would probably be "nope". Bugger. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Would the stock tow hooks be compatible with an Euro-Patriot? We have a different shaped plastic bumper but are the relevant parts the same?

All three vehicles we build have the same holes for the tow hooks. There are three bolts for each tow hook, one going all the way into the frame and the other two attach to the bumper. The only mods that I can see being made is to the A/C line that runs into the condensor, and definately making cut outs to the front facia "bumper". I am not sure of the specs on the bolts.

Looking at pictures of the front bumper it does not appear too difficult to cut the holes for the tow hooks. All you need is a good picture of one with the hooks and use masking tape to mark the cutouts and with a dremel or rotozip saw cut the holes out. If you do it right you will never know that it didn't come with tow hooks. All you need is the tow hooks right? I don't see anything else needed except for the holes. After my 3 year 36,000 mile warranty runs out I may try this.

Would the stock tow hooks be compatible with an Euro-Patriot? We have a different shaped plastic bumper but are the relevant parts the same?

I reckon the issue we would have in Europe is that the would not be pedestrian friendly as part of the safety laws we have.

Don't the European versions have the square tow hole with a plastic cover in the bumpers already?

OnRoad, I'm not quite sure what you mean. We do have a detachable tow hook. The read bumper has a detachable plastic cover over the thread, at the front the threads are located behind a slot in the bumper, there is a plastic/rubber cover there also.

The detachable hook is however naturally not as sturdy as a solid one would be. In fact the manual claims that when connected to the front bumper, the tow hook can only be used on asphalt... :icon_rolleyes:

I ended up with an alternate method of tying my canoe down for now.

Could you please specify what is the alternate method? It seems there's a spot somewhere, on the driver side, but I haven't been able to find it. Thanks!

Check these two threads out:
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/sho...9646#post19646
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=915&page=2