Draw-Tite front receiver

[RACE427]

Looking to bolt on a Draw-Tite front receiver to my Dodge and was curious to any or all comments as to the installation and application of this accessory. I do not what to drill the goosenecks of the chassis and I understand this unit does not require this to be installed. Main purpose is to attach a tow ring on the front for pulling other objects or myself out of a hole. Thanks for the replies!! Have a Happy & Healthy New Year!!

 

[csutton7]

I put one on the front of my SPORT and the only mod was to cut out a square hole in the bumper for the receiver---I don't think this will have to be done on non-SPORT models as the receiver hangs below the bumper, if I remember correctly---chris

 

[emarsh]

Supposedly on non sport models you just have to notch the air dam/bumper

The part number is draw tite 65003

 

[RJ2]

Front receivers are what you need to launch a boat with a 3500. In florida the ramps are so slick you can't pull back out. Most try it one time if they haven't heard.

 

[David Muench]

I have the draw-tite on the front of my 3500. Fits great. No drilling, and since I didn't get the air dam on my non-sport, the only mods I did were to notch my license plate bracket and license plate. It's easier to install with 2 people, but I managed to do it by myself with a lot of grunting and swearing.



Great mod, everyone who has trailers should have one.

 

[RobG]

Where did you guys purchase this Drawtite front receiver? I checked Carparts.com, JCWhitney, and Camping World with no luck.



Thanks!



Rob

 

[VicR]

Just wondered if anyone has a front reciever AND Mopar brushguard? I want to get a front reciever to carry the bike rack when the camper is on the truck, but I am not sure if they would conflict.



Thanks,



-Vic

 

[Thomas]

The DrawTite 65003 WON'T work with factory tow hooks.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I have one on my truck as well, love it. It's an easy bolt up affair - UNLESS the idiot at the factory cross threaded one of the bolts! One of the bolts holding the sway bar to the frame was cross threaded on mine and it was a NIGHTMARE getting it out.



Thomas, why would you need the tow hooks with the hitch? I have a clevis that I slide into my front hitch to use for recovery, I went with the front hitch specifically for that reason. with the hitch you're pulling on both frame rails rather than just on one.



Vic, I have heard of some guys running both a brush guard and the front receiver - but in some cases the brush guard will need to be modified slightly. The receiver attaches to the lower bumper bolt on both side on the outside of the frame, I believe that's where many of the brush guards attach as well. If so, then you'd have to spread the mount slightly on the brush guard so it goes over the hitch mounts.

 

[Thomas]

I had the tow hooks—as well as the cutouts in the airdam—at the time that I installed the front receiver. I ended up giving the towhooks and airdam to my son, and paid for another airdam.

 

[johnrv4]

JC Whitney sells the Hidden Hitch brand for around $99.

 

[David Muench]

Where to buy it

I bought mine from www.miley.com for about $106. Be aware that they ship it without a box, so it'll be scratched up and have the UPS sticker stuck to the bare metal. I sanded mine and sprayed it with some paint and it looks better anyway. Took the big shiny draw-tite sticker off as well and it's a lot more concealed.

 

[Cooker]

I was wondering about the Hidden Hitch as well.



Sometimes I get a 15% off cupon from JC Witney so that would make the cost around $85.



Do you think the Hidden Hitch brand hitches are any good?



-Ryan

 

[johnrv4]

Ryan, looking at the specs on the Hidden Hitch, it says that it is a Class III hitch rated for 9000 lb. winch line rating and 500 lb. tongue weight rating. I know of three people that have installed them on CTD's and all of them like it. I was going to do the same thing, wait for them to send me the catalog with the discount.

 

[JHansen]

I've got a Hidden Hitch....

... . mind you I haven't used it yet but it is on the truck! Looks good to me-and tucks up pretty high as well. My truck's a Sport-I had to notch the front fascia for shank clearance (but only a notch-probably about 1/2 the shank is behind the bumper.



When I finally get to drag someone (or be dragged ) with it I'll be able to tell you more about how well I like it.



Jason

 

[RobG]

I'm curious as to why the receiver won't fit with the factory tow hooks. Does anybody have a photo of the hitch installed?



Rob

 

[Thomas]

Rob,



No receiver picture but I found a tow hook picture to modify (thanks Dave Fritz):



The tow hook and massive bracket come well into the space that the crossmember of the receiver will occupy beneath the truck frame & the tow hook bracket and receiver BOTH want to attach to the vertical surface of the truck frame at the same point.



Of course, anything can be modified!

 

[Scollins]

I think the Draw-tite model has two welded loops, one on each side to facility winching with a snatch block. I don't think the Hidden Hitch as these welded loops. Thus, there is no point to attach the winch hook if you want to use a snatch block.



You can see a picture of what I'm referring to at:

http://www.draw-tite.com/index2.asp?page=prodinfo

Click on "Towing Products" then scroll down to the "front receivers" section.



Something to consider... .....

 

[FDziurda]

Hitch Stuff

They have the Drawtite for $99. 95 and you can estimate shipping. They also have a lot of front hitch accessories.



http://www.etrailer.com/



Going to order one.



Frank Dz

 

[Cooker]

Thanks for the link Frank



-Ryan