This Top Gun Bumper has become available locally (as new, never installed):

http://www.topgunproducts.com/products/flyer/51/

It's got a receiver and can fit a hitch. Made for 2006-09 RAM's, but seller said it can be made to fit Gen 2 with "minor mods". Not sure I'd want to fiddle with one, rather than buy one ready made for my truck, but who knows, if the price is right. I could call the company to find out about compatibility...

I've been thinking of getting something solid for the front of my truck, to protect from wildlife and other things when I head out on Northern roads in the next year or two (deer, moose, bear). The PO of my truck told me that once a duck flew into the grille of his truck, which disabled the truck (AC condenser or AT cooler needed to be replaced, in addition to grille etc.). The hitch and front receiver might come in handy in remote areas.

One concern I would have is the weight. Does it make sense to hang 370 pounds in the front of a Cummins truck, what would that do to front suspension, MPG, etc? Would the protection and winch it provides be worth it?

Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
--Robert

 

I think that 370 lbs is shipped weight, looks like 288 less a winch. I've personally never needed a bumper this extreme, could see a use for it though. I will say my truck rides much smoother with 900 lbs hanging over the front end. Not the best for ball joints though.

As far as wear and tear, I know from the factory they do not recommend more than 90 lbs over stock for plow mounts etc. But they also don't recommend towing 18k lbs. I think a few people are running similar built bumpers without any drastic changes in driveability/long term wear.


PS after reading your post, that is made for 06+ Rams. He may be thinking of 03-05 as "gen 2" Rams.

 

Thanks Gorms. I just called the company and was told the bumper for a Gen 2 is completely different from this one. Sounds like someone ordered this one and backed away because they found it too costly. I'm sure up here with shipping etc, the total cost must have been close to $2000.

I suppose you're right, having a bumper like that on the front can't be worse than hauling and pushing a big snowplow. But as you say, probably wears out front end components quicker.

Cheers.
--Robert

 

Get one thats made for seconds gens. Its hardly worth it to modify one (unless you got it for free or something)

I remember when Ranchhands were $300

www.bumperdude.com