Bent Frame Rail

[TX6T7]

I noticed today that the last crossbar(closest to rear bumper) has a bend in it. It almost looks like at one time someone hooked a chain with a hook over it and pulled something which caused it to bend. All of the original rivets are still attached and none are broken. The frame rails seem to be straight, but thats only a guess from a human eye.

The truck has a homemade towing hitch welded up under the frame, so i wonder if this had anything to do with the damage.

Should I just remove this crossbar altogether? Or does it have enough significant structural neccessity for the rear of the bed?

If I recall properly, my last truck frame was missing this bar and it allowed me to install a gas tank under the frame. Just not sure if i need to go hunt the junkyard for this piece or not.