Front Hitch
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
According to the installation instructions, the spacer (shim plate) is apparently OEM. Some trucks have them, some don't (mine didn't).
Maybe Hunter 40's 2004 had all 8 holes drilled in the bumper bracket. My 2006 was like what is pictured in the installation instructions (4 holes). I guess if you didn't want to drill the other 4 holes (it's easy), you don't have to, but with a 12k winch in the receiver, I'd rather have 8 bolts than 4.
Maybe Hunter 40's 2004 had all 8 holes drilled in the bumper bracket. My 2006 was like what is pictured in the installation instructions (4 holes). I guess if you didn't want to drill the other 4 holes (it's easy), you don't have to, but with a 12k winch in the receiver, I'd rather have 8 bolts than 4.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 305
Likes: 20
From: North Padre Island, TX
I just checked my truck. Only four bolts holdit in place. Hidden hitch model 5010. It seems like there were some 1/8 or 1/4" spacers that were placed between two parts of the metal but I don't recall for sure. I use a 9500 lb winch (vs 12000 because you can lift it) and have absolutely no problems. I also frequently carry my motorcycle on a carrier. It doesn't budge.
If I'm not mistaken, the rear receiver is held on by four bolts, and we tow giant trailers with it....
If I'm not mistaken, the rear receiver is held on by four bolts, and we tow giant trailers with it....
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
From: Mexifornia
Yeah I found both, but the hidden hitch was 199.00 vs 125.00 for the draw-tite...so for 70.00 I can drill four holes...thanks for all the advice...wonder if I should take pics of the install and post it like I did for my aux. tank? Think that would interest anyone?
Thanks guys, for all the great input, I really apprecaite it!
Thanks guys, for all the great input, I really apprecaite it!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Aurora,CO
Please!
Originally Posted by bczolone
Yeah I found both, but the hidden hitch was 199.00 vs 125.00 for the draw-tite...so for 70.00 I can drill four holes...thanks for all the advice...wonder if I should take pics of the install and post it like I did for my aux. tank? Think that would interest anyone?
Thanks guys, for all the great input, I really apprecaite it!
Thanks guys, for all the great input, I really apprecaite it!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Aurora,CO
Originally Posted by Hunter40
Tow hooks stay. The foglights need to be remounted. I just removed the foglight bracket, then attached them directly to the hitch. Looking at my truck you'd never know there was a hitch there until I hooked up my winch or motorcycle carrier.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
From: Mexifornia
Well I ordered it from that place someone said earlier (.99 shipping) they confirmed my order will ship within a week so I should have it within two weeks...I'll post pics in my gallery when I'm done.
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
I looked around for a while and didn't want to loose the fog lights or tow hooks so I chose the Curt under bumper mount on my 2001 F350. You don't have to touch the bumper but you do have to drop the blocker beam and add brackets at the front leaf spring mounts. You also have to drill a couple holes in the center of the blocker beam for 3/8" self tapping bolts. I picked up a license plate mount, service step, and a bike rack at the same time. I also made a winch mount for my #8000 Ramsey on a 12" hitch extension that will allow me to keep the winch mounted and still have the 2" receiver. The winch also works on the rear and allows me to use the winch to pull things up onto the flatbed trailer that is hitched to the winch mount.
Sorry, but I just noticed that this configuration is not available on 2004 and up, evidentely no blocker beam.
Sorry, but I just noticed that this configuration is not available on 2004 and up, evidentely no blocker beam.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 176
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The 2006 has a blocker beam, but the Draw Tite hitch mounts to the ends of the frame rails, and doesn't affect the blocker beam (or the tow hooks).
You will have to remove the blocker beam for most plow mounts though.
The post 2004 change is probably due to the change to coil springs from leaves.
You will have to remove the blocker beam for most plow mounts though.
The post 2004 change is probably due to the change to coil springs from leaves.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
IF you have a 2003 or older, the Curt underskirt front hitch works directly. If it is 2004 or older, you can do what I did to my Excursion and change the front springhangers and blockerbeam so it will fit. That way, you keep the fog lights, tow hooks, and have the hitch.
Here is a write-up:
http://rides.webshots.com/album/557332733POwXan
Here is a write-up:
http://rides.webshots.com/album/557332733POwXan
New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I was thinking of adding a front receiver to my 07 F250 to carry a bike rack. I am now thinking that a bike rack mounted in the front receiver, would block your view of the road badly! Has anyone used a front receiver to carry bikes, without blocking much of your view?
Thanks,
Larry
Thanks,
Larry
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