I’ve been looking for someone that has a Bodiak front receiver hitch, I like the idea of being able to remove it without dissembling the front of my Excursion, just connect to front tow hooks when I need it. Apparently they are no longer in business, hoping someone here could help me out with some pictures. May just have to make my own.
Any help with pics would be greatly appreciated.

 

Google image search.

Stewart

 

Been there, done that, no luck. Been trying to find some pictures of how the receiver hitch is attached to front tow rings

 

I'd never heard of them, googled "bodiak front hitch" and found not only a ton of detailed pictures, but there is even a YouTube video showing the parts and how they bolt over the tow rings.
Looks like the tow ring is clamped between a steel plate and the hitch with two bolts, one going inside the ring and one outside.

 

Hmmm, I tried it before suggesting it and like Haster, I got a bunch of hits.

Stewart

 

I second Olafs request. Would really like to buy a Bodiak for my Excursion but since it seems the company has went by the wayside that's not an option so contemplating fabricating my own. There are several hits when googling Bodiak, but I have not seen any detailed pics. The video shows the Bodiak being installed, and I see there are two bolt holes on the top part that goes over the loops and a plate affair appears to go on the bottom, but not real detailed. If anyone out there has a Bodiak, it would sure be nice to see some detailed pictures. Or if someone has found detailed pics, a link to them would be much appreciated. For example I assume it is made from rectangular steel tubing, but something I saw almost looked like it was steel channel instead of tube.
Thanks in Advance

 

Not an Ex but same concept.




Personally I like the one that sits behind the bumper. Almost totally hidden.

 

Personally, I see the Bodiak removable front hitch (or setups like it) as somewhat of a hassle to own and use vs a permanently mounted front hitch.
It's not typically something that you would leave on the rig, so you have to take up space storing it. Then it's where it's stored, not with the rig, so if you are out and find a need for it you are out of luck.
Then when you do need/want it for a short simple chore like backing a trailer into a tight spot off the front of the EX you have to take the time to mount it up, setup would be longer than the job at hand.
Seems more limited with a load due it having more leverage and potential for some movement with how it attaches vs a hard mounted recessed model.


Maybe there is some attraction or benefit to them over a "hidden" style front hitch that I'm not seeing? Please educate me if this is the case.

 

I been using my Bodiak front hitch on my f350 for 10 years. i wish I could find a couple more of them my friends want one. I built a custom aluminum cooler / rod rack to use with it. It keeps the cooler up level with the top of the hood so i can see it driving down the road.

 

Where you located? I no longer use my hitch and would like to sell it.
Kevin

 

I would be interested in your hitch. Send info please.

 

I'm wondering how hard it would be to make one of these? I'm picturing two plates that mount over existing bumper mount/tow eye locations, but have a square tube that could accept either a cross member with a single receiver, maybe a custom made push bar/winch mount, front cargo carrier, etc.?

My personal use case would be when I deploy with my FD maybe I attach a push bar/winch combo...when I take a camping trip I put on a cargo carrier...when I'm just M-F 8/5 jobbin' it, I have it removed completely.

I'm not a welder at all so no idea how hard it would be to weld up something that can be bolt-on mounts but remove-able bits as well.

 

Neither of my hitches have ever seen a bent pin and the holes are very egged.

 

i used the one that mounts to the bumper bolts and sits behind the bumper on my 7.3 f250 in the past. i found that hitch to be very weak, you could watch it flex under use. I also did not like the fact that it elinimated the ability to use the OEM fog lights

I just recently installed the Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch 31014 Ford F-250 / F-350 w/ Blocker Beam, on the yeti, I do not know if it will fit all years of excursion, but it fit nicely on my 2003 with the 2005 facelift.

I have been using it to mount a plow and gave it a hearty workout this winter. It is very strong and is very unobtrusive on the front. it alows for use of factory fogs and more