Ordered a Curt front receiver hitch for my 2013 F350 yesterday. Now I'm not sure that I need it, but for some reason I want it. It will give me the ability to haul long ladders, bikes, a canoe, generator, or a mount for a front winch.

I know I am not the first to do this installation, so I was wondering if anyone had any secrets or pointers to make the installation process go any easier.

 

I took the easy way out. I didn't get a Curt but I got a Bodiak hitch for my 2012 F350. It fastened to my tow hooks and it is solid. Slapped a Reese 2-bike carrier on it and that is where we haul our bicycles when pulling 5th wheel. I can take it off or put in on in about 2 minutes. I have been using it for several months now and have been extremely happy with it.

 

I thought long and hard about ordering a Curt for mine, but after looking at the pics of how low they are on Etrailer, I have so far decided against it. There is a video on Etrailer on how to install it step by step. I think I am going to get a Westin HDX winch ready brush guard for mine and take a plate, weld on a receiver to it, use the holes for the winch,(using a winch too) and put longer bolts up through the plate, through the carrying tray for the winch and into the winch to hold it in place. That way it is much higher off of the ground, I can then carry our kayaks with the 5th wheel by using a Thule Goal Post rack(or similar) and have the winch to boot.

 

NOW, you thrown that into the mix!!! Dang I like that!!!

 

OK, received my CURT Hitch yesterday and just installed it this afternoon. It took about an hour and a half to install it by myself on my garage floor. The only tool it takes is a 3/4" socket, a ratchet and a torque wrench. Now in all honesty I do have yet to torque down the nuts, I'll get that in the morning when the temp drops back below 103 degrees.

No drilling, you use all existing holes in the frame of the truck. Should you choose to mount it in the high position you will need to cut a hole in your front lower valance for the receiver to extend through. But, that is no big deal to do.

The lowest point of the hitch frame does extend maybe 2 1/2" below the front valance. However, it also serves as a point that would scrape any high ground point before your front pumpkin would.

I had thought about going with the Bodiak receiver. It is nice in the fact that it is easy to install and remove, but you do loose the ability of using your tow hooks when it is installed. Under most circumstances that wouldn't be a big problem. However if you needed to use a block and tackle to winch your truck free, you would have no secondary place to hook your line back on your truck...just thinking out loud.
On the other hand with the CURT the receiver pin is located on the back side of the lower valance, meaning that the receiver is somewhat set back under the bumper. Where the Bodiak does set higher and out from the front bumper.

I guess both receiver hitches have their place, it's up to the buyer to choose what fits his/her needs.

I think that the CURT is well worth the $144.99 delivered. Not sure what the Bodiak is selling for.

Best wishes, keep on Truckin.

 

Cool mod. I would like to see a pic if you have one... or two or three.

I have thot of putting one on my dually for boat launching purposes.

 

I will take a few photos in the morning when I torque things down and post them.

 

As promised a photo update: