jforest1 Posted November 23, 2024 Report Share Posted November 23, 2024 (edited) So I've got a 2018 Dodge Journey SE and I have a Yakima roof rack installed on it and sometimes put a two-person ocean kayak on top of it to go paddling. The kayak is a behemoth, and I often need a way to put a strap on the nose of it to keep it straight in the wind while driving, but that requires a tie-off point on the front of the Dodge Journey, which I've yet to locate. It occurred to me I could just put a tow hook/eyelet in the Journey such as the default MOPAR part #5116161AE or the more aesthetic but questionably strong enough for actual towing aftermarket one from Walmart (it does look nicer, and I'm using it to tie down a kayak): https://www.walmart.com/ip/CENL-Car-Front-Bumper-Tow-Hook-Tow-Eye-Replacement-Aluminum-Bumper-Pull-Tab/9610672251 So I removed the tow hook cover to check out what I'm working with, only to find that there is nothing behind it but styrofoam from the bumper! So what gives? Do I need to take out a cordless drill and work a hole in it to the frame to expect some threads to install one of these tow hooks? The folks here seem to think it's silly because tow trucks never use them and the Journey is not an offroad/overlanding vehicle: but I'm just trying to strap my kayak down... My preference is to install a tow hook, but if it's not possible to install one, is there somewhere on the frame I can easily wrap a strap for tying down the kayak? Also if it's not possible to install one on my Journey, why is there a cover for it? Edited November 23, 2024 by jforest1 additional info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2late4u Posted November 24, 2024 Report Share Posted November 24, 2024 mostly I believe the bumper covers are kind of generic for all brands,have seen them on many different makes, dealership would be able to give you a more definite answer to your question,,good luck and please report back on what you find to be your answer jkeaton 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John/Horace Posted November 26, 2024 Report Share Posted November 26, 2024 From the old post it sounds like there is no threaded hole for the hook. On some vehicles (usually moved by ship) It is a drilled hole with a captured nut behind it. Car carrier trucks just strap the wheels. An auto recycler would be the best place to get a good look at metal bumper support with plastic cover and foam crash guard removed. If there is a captured nut that could be drilled out you need accurate dimensions for drilling. Another option would be talking to a body shop. They deal with type of stuff all the time. Let us know if you figure this out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.