front hitch

[tractorface]

Need to find a way to handle my TT in my stone driveway. I do not have any way to turn the TT around in the driveway now that I sold my tractor. I can get close to turning around but can't quite get it. Backing up my winding uphill 700' driveway would be tough. I was thinking that a front hitch might let me turn it a little sharper or at least let me push the TT up the driveway. Am I on the right track? Any idea where to get a front hitch? Is there a better way that I am missing? I have had a couple of estimates to pave it but That is a little to $$ for now. The tractor deal was a PIA anyway.

Thanks

 

[keimmmo]

Sounds right to me! I have front hitches on my trucks for the same reason... trying to put travel trailers into nearly impossible places. I understand you can buy bolt on units for our trucks. I made mine.



Steve

 

[Dkevdog]

Steve's right. Drawtite/reese make a direct bolt on. You can view them Here just follow the link for front mount and go through the selector guide.



Kev

 

[rolltideram]

I had a drawtite from the U'haul place on my last Dodge 1500, It was easy to install and worked good. But I had to remove my factory tow hooks to mount it up. I recently got a 2500 CTD and am going to try a Hidden Hitch front receiver from JC Whitney. I kept my tow hooks from last truck and will see if Hidden hitch will work with them.

 

[Okie-Go]

The front hitch is real handy. Saved my bacon a couple of times. I also use it for a hitch haul on occassion.

 

[tractorface]

Thanks

Anyone have a picture of one installed. I followed the link and it said something about removing the front air dam to install. I want the truck to look decent when I am done. Does the air dam go back on, maybe just ct a square hole in it? Just don't want to booger my nice OEM appearance up.

 

[Thomas]

The air dam can be put back on after cutting a hole for the business end of the receiver. The receiver will end up close to the bottom of the OEM license-plate mount and slightly behind the plane of the license plate—hardly noticeable.



The two loops on the receiver end up near the bottom of, and behind the air dam on my install. I made no cuts in the air dam for these loops.



The instruction/spec sheet that came with my Draw•Tite 65003 front receiver shows a cargo capacity of 500 pounds as long as the front axle weight rating is not exceeded. I imagine that you could go a bit heavier than that (I do) at the speeds encountered while spotting a trailer.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Here's a picture of the draw-tite front hitch mounted on my truck without an air dam. It's not there any more (it's on Rob Thomas's truck now) because I have a built in receiver in my new front bumper. But it worked great when it was on there.

 

[tractorface]

Thanks

I am a little concerned about that Ring in the front. I hope that is not so Fords can pull you around... ... . There must be a better explanation!



The picture makes me feel better about how it will look.

Thanks

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

LOL - no, that's a clevis that I used for an attachment point for a two strap to pull OTHERS out . I had it in case I ever got stuck too (off roading) but have never had to use it. I carry it in my truck to use in the front or the rear for recovering ops. Only time my truck has ever been stuck was one time I high centered it on the top of a sand dune and had a friend pull me backwards off of it.

 

[wcjp]

I just had a front Receiver installed by Torklift three weeks ago. I've already used it 3 times. I can't believe I went this long without one. I think it was $180. I bought lots of other accessories at the same time. The Torklift is rated to 10,000pds.