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I really like the idea of the hitch in the front along with the winch. Before I was thinking of getting one of those hitch mounted winches for the front and rear, but what you've got is pretty dandy.
Did you weld the receiver to the bumper or get one of those mounts that bolts to the frame like a normal hitch?
You could start reading here. But, that took along time to develop so I'll show you in pics. First, I used a 24" receiver extension from Northern Tool, as shown here:
And I welded 1/4" plate to it and welded 2" angle to the front crossmember like this:
And, here it is mounted:
But, one thing I noticed today is that that tongue weight of the loaded trailer actually flexed the 1/4" plate, and made the receiver move down slightly from the bumper. So, were I to do it again, I'd use 1/4" by 2" angle instead of plate, and place it as shown - although that's hard to imagine. So, let me describe it. Two pieces of angle, with a 3" wide notch cut out of the downward leg of both pieces. That would let the edge of the notch touch the outside of the receiver at the front and at the rear. Weld as I did on the plate plus weld the downward leg of the angle to the receiver. And then there would not be any flex of the receiver.
And, here's basically what I was talking about. I tacked some 1/4" plate in, simulating the angle I could have used. This way when the load goes on the front hitch there will be essentially no flex.
Maybe tomorrow I'll get to weld it up and reinstall.
Great idea on the the updated front receiver. I think I'll add that mod on the list of improvements to the Big White truck as I want to use it to tow, albeit I don't have the big engine like you do. That front receiver looks handy!
It is handy, as I found on Sunday. I'm going to be loading Dad's truck on a trailer soon for a show or two, and had come up with an elaborate scheme to load it on a trailer using Blue, my new truck, hitched to the trailer to keep the trailer planted, Dad's truck rolled up behind the trailer, and Big Blue behind Dad's truck with his winch line under Dad's truck, up to a ****** block, and then back to Dad's truck. But with the front receiver you just drop and swap the trailer rear/front and pull Dad's truck on.
So Sunday was a good test, and I learned three things:
That the receiver flexed slightly. That problem should be solved.
That the receiver was too high. This was something I'd not thought about, but it had the winch line running across the front of the trailer. So, I need a draw bar with a larger drop than the 2" one I have. But, I also need one with a much larger drop for the rear. So, it would be nice to make the front and rear receiver heights as close to the same as possible so you can use the same draw bar.
I also had the winch line running across the rear edge of the trailer as it dropped to the van we were loading, so you should carry some 2x4's or somesuch to use as a way to keep from damaging the line.
I don't have a front winch, so beyond just buying one of those (I did read your choice and decision), will need a winch bumper for a Bullnose. I know Warn made a special bumper for them back in the day, but not available now. I actually saw one on my local Craigslist a couple of yrs ago, but didn't get to it fast enough.
Food for thought anyway, and something to look for. Many things ahead of that setup on BW, but thanks for the engineering aspect, and knowing what to look for.
I wasn't aware of how rare the Warn bumper is, so I'm even happier to have it.
Anyway, I got the welding done on the receiver today. It ain't pretty, but it won't come apart either. I still need to clean it up a bit and powder coat it, but it fits nicely and surely won't flex.
But, if I had into do it over again I'd use 2x2x1/4" angle. Just cut the down leg to slip over the receiver from the top and weld it up. Lots less welding!
We did go get the Nissan today, and the front receiver made it easy. Dropped the trailer off the rear and picked it up in front. Then pushed it right up to the Nissan and ran the winch to it. Pulled it right on, tied it down, dropped and swapped, and off we went. Truck handled it with ease.
That is truly slick and it's a good look to the front of Big Blue! Nicely done, Gary and good to hear it was "butter"!
I wasn't aware of how rare the Warn bumper is, so I'm even happier to have it.
I'm back on the hunt again; no luck in the the first hour of online searching, altho I did find a manufacturer in Atlanta that will build one for our trucks for $1000+! I'm thinking a used Warn bumper will do just fine
The Warn bumper is made out of 1/4" plate and seems to be rather sturdy. However, mine didn't quite fit, as previously explained, so if you find one be prepared for a bit of modification to get it to work properly. But with some work it appears to be just right.
I'm back on the hunt again; no luck in the the first hour of online searching, altho I did find a manufacturer in Atlanta that will build one for our trucks for $1000+! I'm thinking a used Warn bumper will do just fine
Move Bumpers has a DIY kit where you weld the pieces together and paint (powder coat). It's a pretty good value I think. If you can't weld there are probably a bunch of local shops that will do it. In the end I think it will still be cheaper than what Warn and others "were" selling their complete bumpers for.
Of course now it is almost impossible to find a winch bumper for our old trucks.
Ya, "doesn't quite fit" and "requires a bit of modification" seems to be a common theme with our trucks. First task is to find one, and preferably before I get to that stage of mods! Big Blue will be a great guide on how to git'r'done!
Move Bumpers has a DIY kit where you weld the pieces together and paint (powder coat). It's a pretty good value I think. If you can't weld there are probably a bunch of local shops that will do it. In the end I think it will still be cheaper than what Warn and others "were" selling their complete bumpers for.
Of course now it is almost impossible to find a winch bumper for our old trucks.
I looked it over, and yes, prices aren't so bad if you don't mind doing work. I was thinking to go there and hash it out with them, but see they are in Montana, so maybe can swing by as part of the trip to go to the International FTE GTG!
One note; when I went to Ford F150, they cover many year ranges, but stop at 1979 and start again at 1987. Not sure the differences as I thought the bumper mounts should be the same 80-96.
However, mine didn't quite fit, as previously explained, so if you find one be prepared for a bit of modification to get it to work properly. But with some work it appears to be just right.