Mounting front receivor to Exdy

cecilt · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 10:36 AM

Want to mount a front receiver to my '00 EB Exdy to haul bikes when we go camping. It has the tow hooks. Has anyone mounted a front receivor to the Expdy? If so, do you loose the tow hooks and secondly if you have and your purpose is to haul bikes do the bikes get in the way of the headlights so night driving is a no-no. thanks

heymrdj · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 10:53 AM

Here's some good info on it:

Fifth Wheelin': Have Fifth Wheel--Will Haul Bikes

I really do recommend that you see about a rear receiver hitch for your trailer. Driving with the bikes in front is asking for trouble on so many levels, especially in a collision. That or get the bike hauler accessory for your roof rack. But I've seen it easily kill 2mpg to have them up there. Not to mention getting them up there is reserved for olympic athletes.

I'm in your same straight, next summer I need to haul four bikes (I have a four bike carrier for the back of the Expedition) but I can't haul a trailer with it. But I need to pull an 18' covered trailer at the same time. It's a 900 mile one way trip so I gotta figure something out. I may have to bite the bullet and get the 24' model trailer just so I can fit all the bikes and gear in there.

alwaysfords41 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:55 AM

I have also seen double tube adapters for the rear hitch - the top tube holds the bike rack and the bottom tube goes in the vehicle's reciever, takes the ball mount. Never seen one on the road, only in catalogs.

cecilt · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwaysfords41

I have also seen double tube adapters for the rear hitch - the top tube holds the bike rack and the bottom tube goes in the vehicle's reciever, takes the ball mount. Never seen one on the road, only in catalogs.

Yes, that is an option but it does add to the tongue weight and will cause more squatting then putting them up front.

heymrdj · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 02:56 PM

Front Mount Class III 2 Receiver Ford Expedition 03 04:eBay Motors (item 270476695255 end time Nov-26-09 21:28:26 PST)

This should do it for you, even I'm considering it now seeing how easy it is

.

alwaysfords41 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 03:37 PM

NEW 2003-2006 Ford Expedition Front Mount Trailer Hitch:eBay Motors (item 250506410986 end time Nov-28-09 15:49:47 PST)

Even cheaper, same part number and manufacturer. Picture is different though.

heymrdj · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwaysfords41

NEW 2003-2006 Ford Expedition Front Mount Trailer Hitch:eBay Motors (item 250506410986 end time Nov-28-09 15:49:47 PST)

Even cheaper, same part number and manufacturer. Picture is different though.

Nice find, now if only I could find it for a 4x2.

spotman · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 09:37 PM

Mine had one mounted on it when I bought it. It was a made by reese and fit inside the bumper.The receiver stuck out the lower grille. The tow hooks stay on. I still have it laying in my shop somewhere. It fit my 98 EB 4x4..

lwong · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 11:31 AM

Bodiak Front End Hitches & Hitch Mount Accessories

mounts right to your tow hooks, and will fit your 2000, pricier then ebay for the double mount, less than $100 for the single mount

cecilt · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:05 PM

Does anyone have any photos with a mounted front receiver on the Expdy with either a 4 bike rack mounted? I was also thinking of using a hitch haul on occassion to haul my daugthers battery barbie jeep. I'm just trying to figure out if the headlights are obstructed with bikes on there. thanks

heymrdj · #11 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cecilt

Does anyone have any photos with a mounted front receiver on the Expdy with either a 4 bike rack mounted? I was also thinking of using a hitch haul on occassion to haul my daugthers battery barbie jeep. I'm just trying to figure out if the headlights are obstructed with bikes on there. thanks

I took a look and found one. It's a camping forum, and it's a dodge, but it does the duty. This is like what I'm wanting, it's a 3 bike carrier mounted to a front receiver, mines a 4. What I'm worried about is the discussion of legality there. Apparently some states have front protrusion laws so that big bike carries may need to be amber lighted to be legal. On top of that your lights have to be clear so large beach cruiser style bikes may make it illegal. Finally, remember that 4x2 expedition sit really low in the front, and without a leveling kit, the bikes may drag. Also your bikes can't impede forward vision....alot to look into here

.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z.../truck/009.jpg

cecilt · #12 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heymrdj

I took a look and found one. It's a camping forum, and it's a dodge, but it does the duty. This is like what I'm wanting, it's a 3 bike carrier mounted to a front receiver, mines a 4. What I'm worried about is the discussion of legality there. Apparently some states have front protrusion laws so that big bike carries may need to be amber lighted to be legal. On top of that your lights have to be clear so large beach cruiser style bikes may make it illegal. Finally, remember that 4x2 expedition sit really low in the front, and without a leveling kit, the bikes may drag. Also your bikes can't impede forward vision....alot to look into here

.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z.../truck/009.jpg

Thanks for the link. I have the 4x4 so ground clearance should not be a problem. Wish someone had a pic like this on their Expdy. I think it is the way to go. Adding this much weight to the rear while pulling a pretty heavy PopUp does not sound like the better route. Forget about a roof mounted rack on a 4x4 Expdy. Thing is hard enough to get into now just to drive.

I couldn't imagine trying to wrestle a 40lb bike up there.

heymrdj · #13 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cecilt

Thanks for the link. I have the 4x4 so ground clearance should not be a problem. Wish someone had a pic like this on their Expdy. I think it is the way to go. Adding this much weight to the rear while pulling a pretty heavy PopUp does not sound like the better route. Forget about a roof mounted rack on a 4x4 Expdy. Thing is hard enough to get into now just to drive.

I couldn't imagine trying to wrestle a 40lb bike up there.

From what I can see I don't think they make the receivers for 4x2 second gen expy's. They make them for the first generation (99-02) but only 4x4's get it for the 03-06 generation. Guess I can't go this way

.

eb20004x4 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:44 AM

I have a 2000 4x4 with Yakima bike racks and a load warrior on the roof. Really not too bad to get to, actually real easy if you take along a folding stepstool. Admittedly, being 6' 3" helps, but my son who is 5' 10" has used this setup as well.