Front Hitch 06'?

[wcjp]

Looking at adding a Front Hitch to my 06'. Any known fit problems with a steering stabilizer? Best brand? Curt, Drawtite, HiddenHitch? I prefer Torklift products but can't seem to find theirs.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

I installed a hidden hitch front receiver. It does not interfere with my dss steering box stabilizer. The hitch is in front of the sway bar and the stabilizer is behind it. The hitch also provides some protection to the bottom of the inter cooler. The hidden hitch receiver portion is lower than I like but a diesel dually is not all that much of a wheeling truck anyways without spending a lot more bones.

 

[CKelley1]

ranch hand bumper is the best

 

[goodguys75]

what is the point of a front hitch?????

 

[mwilson]

what is the point of a front hitch?????

It works a lot better for folks that have trouble backing trailers up using the traditional mirror method, also easier to launch a small boat off the trailer or for putting trailers into tight spots due to the increased visibility.



Also used for a receiver mounted front winch as well.



I personally would have an awful time trying to do it from the front, just would seem awkward to me... .....



Mike.

 

[goodguys75]

thats what i figured but... . really that hard to back a trailer up??? just takes a little patience... .

 

[AH64ID]

ranch hand bumper is the best

Other than it may overgross your front axle when empty. There is so little room to spare without a trailer hooked up that I wounldn't put anything heavy on the front of the truck. With just me and the family in the truck and no more than 300 lbs in the bed my front axle is at 5200lbs.

what is the point of a front hitch?????

I mainly use mine to move trailers, but I also have a winch on a basket with quick disconnet wiring I use as well.



I run a modified Draw-Tite. My dad runs a Warn on his 06. The Draw-Tite looks stronger, but hangs lower than the Warn (which is why I modified mine).

 

[mwilson]

thats what i figured but... . really that hard to back a trailer up??? just takes a little patience... .

And some practice.....



I was taught early on, my father would stand in front of the the truck with the semi trailer attached and told me to turn the steering wheel as he instructed while backing up.

Worked good and you learn fast that way because you are doing it yourself, trains the brain.



I can back people up the same way if they just watch me, just tell them to never mind the trailer as I am watching it as I walk back with them.



Handy as heck in a campground after watching someone take a half hour to park a fifth wheel. They are usually frustrated enough at that point to accept the help... ..... pride went out the window 15 minutes earlier... ...



Mike.

 

[EGroeneveld]

Front hitches are also used for holding a bike rack, spare tire, or a hitch ''shelf'' with firewood for those of us that have big Slide in Truck Campers.

 

[mwilson]

Front hitches are also used for holding a bike rack, spare tire, or a hitch ''shelf'' with firewood for those of us that have big Slide in Truck Campers.

Upon pondering this, I recall seeing generators hung out front as well with a slide-in camper.



Mike.

 

[wcjp]

I'm going to use it for a bike rack. Ended up with a Curt. Only problem now is deciding which bike rack. Some are nicer than others.

 

[Road Dog]

A front receiver was about the same cost as adding tow hooks so I added a receiver. A lot of trailers completely disappear behind my dually so being able to push them around the yard is handy.

 

[bighammer]

Backing a trailer with the front of the truck sounds great, but is totally useless. There is really no way to sight down the trailer and see where it's going. Enclosed or RV will completely obscure your vision unless you are backing in a left-handed arc. Even my boat was too hard to see around. I screwed up and built my garage with an opening that is only about 3" wider than my boat. I thought a front hitch would be of some help, but it was impossible. I've marked where the tires need to be and can get it lined up and back it in w/o help or spotters.

I found the receiver on my Ranch Hand to be too high. (tips the trailer tail down low) It was handy for attaching a winch or tow clevis though.

 

[AH64ID]

With a spotter you can do far more with a front receiver. Even without a spotter I can get my camper in the backyard far faster than on the rear. They just work better for situations that require turning in tight spaces.

 

[Shadrach]

Will any of them work with the Sport bumper on my 03? I think the black air dam under the bumper would be in the way.

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[AH64ID]

My hitch sat below the air dam, until I modified it. The dam is easy to trim.

 

[AustinRunner]

The air dam is in the way on my 2003. Had to remove a little section.