Has anyone installed a hitch receiver on the front of their X? Would love to see a photo or know the pro's / con's in doing so (6.0 PSD). Would like to be able to slide in a rod holder, cooler rack etc for going back and forth to the boat. Any specific model, etc. to use or special mounting instructions would be appreciated as well. Thanks, Mike

 

Do a search on both Super Duty forums. There is a ton of info that I found when I was looking for the same thing this past summer. Here is the solution I am going to use:

https://bodiaknet.powweb.com/store/c...53d70e4b954748

 

ml,

Here's the page to a fellow FTE'r that I used as an excellent tutorial for installation of the front rack. While this link is for an F250...it is identical for our Ex's

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=27350

Here are some photos of my finished job on the Ex. I got a Hiden Hitch front receiver from JCWhitney delivered to my door. I want to say it was in the $130 range if I remember right.





One thing for me since I use mine for hauling bicycles...I had to watch out for blocking my headlights and turn signals so I had my welding shop fab up a 'drop hitch' for me. This lowers the rack by ~12" and removes all headlight/turn signal blockage when the bikes are on the rack.





Sounds like for your intended uses...you likely won't need this...but thought I would post it for anyone else that was thinking of using it for a bike rack like I do...headlight blockage needs to be considered...while I highly doubt anyone would actually ever get a ticket for blocking their headlights...it is better to be safe than sorry IMO just in case one is involved in an accident and the other driver claims that they couldn't see me because my headlights were blocked...that's all...

Good luck and hope these links help...BTW...if you click on any of my hitch photos it will take you to my webshots page where there are more...I only posted a few here for you to see.

Joe.

 

Thanks to you both for quick and useful responses.

I can't go with the type that goes over the factory tow hooks as I had
to move those outwards some (an inch or so each way if I recall) when
we put the brush guard on.

I like the idea and look of the "hidden" one from JC Whitney and will look
that up. Did you have factory fogs in that opening and just remove them?
It looks like if one did away with the fogs (or relocated them, and in my case
I could tack them onto the brush guard or something) and the license plate
bracket this might work. PITA to install?

 

I did not have any factory fogs on my Ex.

However there is another option for a front receiver depending on the year of your Ex. Curt manufacturing makes one that fits BELOW the bumper but at some point Ford changed the front spring hangers that precludes using that option.

Although if you have an option of moving the fogs to your brush guard...that may be a better option.

As far as front license plate holder...Indiana doesn't require one so I simply took mine off but it is in the shed 'just in case'. However you can buy a bracket that slides into the receiver too...JCWhitney sells that too I think...

Good luck,
joe.

 

I think if your trailer is of any length that it would be hard to see around it and keep straight if you were towing at highway speeds. You would also get a crook in your neck from looking back if you decided to tow it in reverse. I would stick to the rear receiver.

 

Thanks again for all your advice....some more comical than others.

I just ordered the Bodiak version that slips over the tow hooks which Bob recommended. Having spent several hours going back and forth between
Curt and JC Whitney on which specific one for a under bumper or hidden
version will work best - I opted for what should be the easiest installation
instead, and not require me to remove or relocate my bumper or factory fogs. Plus, pulling off the brush guard to remove the bumper and going through all that hassle just made the thought of carrying a fishing rod holder not that important any more..We'll see...

Mike

 

How is that going to work out with the hooks moved outward and your brush guard in the way?

Do a search on here about the Bodiak, and you'll see that some folks have put a decent amount of weight on them...

 

My install used to be in the tech folder around here somewhere, but you can see it in my gallery.

Nevermind its already done.

 

I actually didn't realize that we'd moved the hooks inwards, not out. Overall, looks like about 1/4" off center of where they were before. Going to find out when it arrives though...even if it means cutting the receiver hitch back a little to fit. Anything to not yank the bumper off...

Bottom line, never once used the tow hooks for anything - so wherever they end up, insignificant...

 

Well, finally - headlights are done for 3rd and last time - put in the HID and Xenon kits. Drove it tonight, 100% improvement. Bodiak front hitch is on but required some welding modifications due to the brush guard. I was just going to cut off the extra length and weld it to the tow hooks but decided against recalling how many times I've pulled the bumper thus far. Factory fogs came out as they were covered up by the hitch. Probably overdid it on the 4 Hella's added but they do put out some light. Thanks to all who provided input and "technical insight."

Mike




IMG]http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/mlshelton/Excursion/DSC02948.jpg[/IMG]

 

What is the pipe organ for?

 

Every now and then I get bored....fortunately, it doubles as a rod holder for surf fishing or to get equipment down to the boat....

 

Kinda wonderin' the same thing

Glad you answered it.

Everything looks like it fits together pretty good; glad it all worked out for you.

 

A Curt front hitch doesn't require relocation of the fog lights.