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I have seen them and used them before, yes it make for a WAY easier time getting a trailer into a certain tight spot. I have seen bolt on kits for newer trucks, but never seen one for our older 73-79 rigs. Tape measure, and go hit up a junk yard for one. Make it bolt up in between the front frame rails. Put a place in the front bumper for the receiver hitch to come out just a bit? Cover the receiver hitch spot with a removable license plate bracket. Or mount it under the frame rails and have it come out from under the front bumper.
I have a front receiver welded to the front passenger side frame rail and spring hanger. It's a little set back from the push bars/guards and the bottom of the receiver sits about 2.5 - 3" below the bottom of the push bar but above the lower front frame crossbar.
It was there when I bought the truck. I've never used it and it's not centered, but it gives you an option to look at.
I put one on my '78. You can steer a trailer into the tightest of spots without issues. Makes for much easier maneuvering things inside building too.
When I built the bumper for mine, I installed one just like this one. I welded it to the winch plate. The aftermarket used to sell them for trucks back in the 60's/70's. I knew a few people who had them on their trucks that owned travel trailers. Looks like your bumper is a good candidate for bolting/welding one under the center.
Mark.
For a 78-79 truck i would do the same as Fordrealdrive....i bought a donor hitch about a year ago but that project keeps getting pushed back until later.
I will have it just below a stock front bumper and centered.
I have a winch mounted on a receiver winch plate so I can winch out front or rear in case my pavement pounder gets stuck in wet grass.
I added one to my '79 2wd f-150. I used a late model take off that I cut down to fit between the frame rails, welded it in place.
Jess
Ok I like this idea 29484848392x more now. I thought sure it'd be useful every now and again but then you went a put the hitch step in.... GENIUS!!! I hate either crawling up the truck or grabbing a step ladder. Highboy currently on 33s, moving up to 37s. Working on the engine bay sucks lol
There are a ton of free ideas on how to make a step to put in there. Especially one that are not slippery when wet. And here are a few ideas when you are working on it at the house. I like to be able to set down and not work kneeling in the gravel all the time. Cheap pallet steps or a old piece of furniture. The ladder with the padded piece is pricey for us hard working types. Just wanted to show you the idea.
I have this one and it folds up flat to store in a tool box or behind the seat. It is what is being used in the far L/H side of the pic. I can even MAKE it fit on a 35x14.50x15 Bogger on the Bronco. If you got to looking at one you can make one easy enough too. But not as cheap as they are to just buy.
I got a receiver from Harbor Freight and bolted it to my bumper (not as heavy duty as some of your examples, but sufficient for my needs) - if I want to replace my Belleview winch, I'll need to have it welded on since the bolt heads interfere with the clearance. The winch needs some work - worth it? Maybe should start a new "Belleview Winch" thread.
