I pulled the trigger on a Draw-Tite brand front hitch for my F350. When the truck camper loaded, and trailer in tow, I wanted an easy way to transport bicycles. Putting them up front seemed the most logical means. And the hitch was just $136 delivered.

I know I have to remove/re-locate the factory fog lights. OK, no big deal there -- that's easy. But I'm wondering if there area others here who have installed the above hitch and can comment on its impact to the cooling of the engine and/or, more importantly, the tranny?

It seems to almost fully block the center intake where the fog lights and license plate mount are located. Is the remaining surface area of the radiators adequate to cool the vehicle, especially in hot conditions? In the summer time, I sometimes have to pull 7-8% grades 5-10 miles in length at 4k rpm when ambient outside temps can reach 100+. I always have the Torque App running on my phone to monitor engine and tranny temps in real time. So I would certainly know when I needed to pull back on the throttle.

I know there's an alternative front hitch design (LINK), but I very much dislike how low it sits. No doubt, I'd run that thing into the dirt/snow in no time flat with the places I take my 4WD. So that one won't work for me personally.

Comments/Feedback/Advice welcome.

 

My only experience is with a 2001 F550 7.3. I installed a front hitch on this truck. The front hitch is only used for a winch and front hitching. No difference in cooling capabilities.

The real question with your situation I think is just what you are carrying on that front hitch impacting your cooling not the mere presence of the front hitch.

 

That's a good point. As mentioned, I intend to transport bicycles via the front hitch mount. I can't imaging the bicycles themselves would hinder airflow into the radiator all that much.

Certainly, though, I wouldn't want to put a large cargo rack up there with a massive cooler sitting directly in front of the grille.

 

I thought about the same issue after mounting a Warn 15,000lb winch with hidden winch mount on the front of my 2001 F-350. The winch and mount block most of the airflow below the top of the bumper. I did re-position the power steering cooler up higher behind the grille. I have not noticed any heating issues because of this installation.