Has anyone fabricated their own receiver hitch for the front? The ones available exit under the bumper and hang way to low, severely limiting approach angle.

I am planning on building one that exits through the large hole in the middle of the bumper, similar to the 99-07 style. Looking for some ideas if it has already been done before. I will use it for my custom generator mount and/or a small winch.

 

I agree, the manufactured options for a front receiver are pretty poor design. The manner in which they exit the front under the bumper do set very low. And on a 4x4 you have to cut a square hole for hitch clearance exit.

I like the old design with the center opening of the bumper exit. I'm starting to think the only way to get a front receiver that is of any height is to buy a replacement front bumper with a built in receiver .

Good luck with your fab.

 

I saw one oon a 2012 that was just a Curtis (or maybe Reese) rear hitch receiver that was mounted between the frame members and existed the lower wind dam. It was on a 4X4 and looked to have quite a bit of clearance. Been thinking about doing the same to mine.

 

I assume this is what you are speaking of:


Seems to be the only option out there.

 

this appears to be a front mount hitch that would exit high

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/re...350-super-duty

 

How about a bolt-on from Bodiak?

Ford Pickup Front-end receiver hitch

I have one if you are interested--never used, it won't fit with a Ranchhand Guard.

Joe

 

I would like to see a good photo of one of these mounted on a 2013 Superduty. It would sure make the length of my truck questionable as to fitting in the garage.

 

Thanks for the info. The Reese 65049 looks like it also exits down low. I fab'd one for my 2000 f250, looks like the 2014 will need a different design to clear the hoses that are present inboard of the frame rails.

 

I have the Curt 31018. It's installed in the low position here, and is 8" off the ground. It can be installed higher by flipping the bar, and cutting a hole in the valence. This works good for me and has never scraped, but I don't offroad either. I use this for pushing a trailer around in tight spaces. I also use a reverse 8" drop and 14" extender to get the right height and clear the front bars.

 

This has been my approach for the last several trucks. We welded a piece of flat stock to a receiver tube. Drilled to match bolt pattern.

 

Never saw this before. For as infrequent that I would want-need a front hitch this is a great alternative.

 

It was a pretty stout unit, but have since found out it won't fit an '11 up. Tow eyes are closer together than previous years. But, found a taker anyway.
Joe

 

Actually, it appears that the size and shape of the tow eyes/loops are of a different size, shape and thickness. I have a set of tow eyes from my 2007 F250 I am going to see if I can swap with the loops on my 2013. That just might do the trick.

Never underestimate the abilities of an old cheap man to find an inexpensive alternative to save a few pennies.

 

Mud Doc, it was a pleasure meeting you the other day. Really enjoyed swapping stories and ideas with you. And thank you for the deal on the hitch.

It's members like you that make this forum what it is.

 

Here:

Draw Tite Front Mount Trailer Receiver Hitch for 99 07 Ford F 250 350 Super Duty | eBay