Hey guys, this is the deal. I have been looking at ways to carry at least 2 kayaks over the front of my truck when pulling the 5er, and have just about come up empty. Let me explain. I need a 2" receiver in the front, but would like to keep the factory bumper as I really like it. My options so far have been either a Curt or Draw-Tite hitch from Etrailer such as this Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Front Mount Hitch - 2013 | etrailer.com

Now, why I don't mind it, it just looks very low to the ground. I know I would hit the valance first, but I will have a Thule Goal Post mount in it and will lower the approach angle even more. Do any of you have a WARN TRANS4mer II winch mounting system on your trucks?? I really like the look of it, from what I can tell, but all the internet photos are crappy! I would be putting the 2 receiver option below the winch mount which would be several inches higher than the Curt one. Later if I want a winch, I would have a place available with this one, but do any of you have any other ideas?? I didn't think it would be this hard to find something like this other than a custom build. I have seen custom build on here, forgot who made it, but it's looking like these are my only options.

 

Even if the Curt is flipped over, it's below the bumper. I remember a custom front mount somebody made on here, it came out directly in between the tow hooks. That's probably your best bet. You can always carry the winch in back and mount it up if(when) needed, and just go with one receiver. Sorry, can't help with the TRANS4MER, just like you I've only ever seen crappy pictures.

 

Thanks! Still looking. Found that Westin has one similar to Warn's.

 

After nearly a year of looking for a better solution I went with Curt and installed it in the high position so it extends through the valance instead of under it. This is still lower than i like so i got one of the dual extension hitch's that provides about a 4" higher receiver. It's not pretty but works and I stow it away when not in use.

 

Good idea! Thanks

 

By the way, the Curt mount barely extends through the valance, the hitch pin hole is behind the valance so is inconvenient to reach.

 

Like you I needed something with more height so I fab up a homemade 2" winch mount that goes behind the bumper and comes out the center hole in the middle of the front bumper. The only thing was I had to modify (cut a piece out) the two big bumper brackets and tow hooks for it to work. Most guys don't want to take a grinder to there brand new truck though.

 

By chance do you have any pics of the mod??

 

Yea I can, I'm at work tonight but I'll get them for you tomorrow

 

I think might be it. Go thru all the pics

http://www.bodiak.us/ford-trucks-fro...eceiver-hitch/

 

Heres the picture of what I had to cut out on the front bumper bracket. Its not much and it didn't hurt the support of the bumper at all. As you can see I had to remove the tow hooks as that's where I bolted the front hitch too. The second picture is of the winch mount itself but it doesn't have the 2" receiver welded to it yet. I used 4x6 1/4 wall tube for the pieces that bolt where the tow hooks go and a piece of 4" square tubing as thick wall as I could get, I then ran a 1/2'' gusset off each side of the 2" receiver to sure things up for side pulling. It was stout to say the least. I ran a 12k pound warn winch on this set up. Had it ****** blocked to a tree and back, it pulled my truck plus a crew cab 2500 chevy out of some mud without a problem. I was worried about it block air flow to the rads but I never saw an increase in temps. I might be looking to get rid of it if it wont fit on '15 but I wont know that till almost the end of june.