Front mount tow hitch

[Northofu1]

Just added a Curt Class 3 to the front end for a bike rack and whatever.
Fits perfectly, took 30 mins.

Just added skid plate and hitch tightener and anti rattle stabilizer.

[bearcat77]

Nice! I need to do that. How hard was it?

[Northofu1]

Thanks
Even lying on the floor it wasn't bad, I used a floor jack to hold it up in place while I pulled fishwires through, bolted each side and removed jack.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

Just added a Curt Class 3 to the front end for a bike rack and whatever.
Fits perfectly, took 30 mins.

That's a 110% better place to haul bikes than the rv bumper!

[jim1]

Not just for bikes. You can hitch up a boat or trailer to the front and drive [push] them into place. You will be amazed at how easy it works. Nice set up.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by jim1

Not just for bikes. You can hitch up a boat or trailer to the front and drive [push] them into place. You will be amazed at how easy it works. Nice set up.

Yup, it's wonderful for tight maneuvering of a flatbed trailer or a boat that you can see around.... Attempting it with a travel trailer, well, make sure you have spotters to yell directions and especially STOP !!!!! I had a front hitch on an old Dodge when we were towing a 20' Jayco. I tried to use that hitch to put the trailer in the back yard. All the hedges along the drive were "clear evidence" that DW should have been helping direct my attempts.... LOL Worse "forward visibility" than driving in a blizzard. Not impossible, but don't try it without spotters...

[Northofu1]

LOL
I really did just get it for bikes. The TT I traded in had a dinette and it was perfect for bikes with the cleats and reinforcement I added. The 5er had a table and chairs and is not ideal for that set up. Too many horror stories about bumpers, I was not going that route.
Too much $$$ to add a hitch to the frame in rear or a receiver welded to pin box like Rhagfo (?) I know a member in Oregon in the forum did this and looks awesome.
This was easy and pretty cheap and Curt has a decent name.

[retiredusps69]

Watch some states if you block the plate locals will ticket you!! also watch motor temps you will be blocking air flow

[Northofu1]

Thanks Dave.
Only putting two bikes up front and no cover so it should hopefully be ok. I stick closer to home in the heat of the summer, too many kids.
I just might get stopped, I guess they have to tax outsiders to keep taxes low
Be well, stay safe

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Yup, it's wonderful for tight maneuvering of a flatbed trailer or a boat that you can see around.... Attempting it with a travel trailer, well, make sure you have spotters to yell directions and especially STOP !!!!! I had a front hitch on an old Dodge when we were towing a 20' Jayco. I tried to use that hitch to put the trailer in the back yard. All the hedges along the drive were "clear evidence" that DW should have been helping direct my attempts.... LOL Worse "forward visibility" than driving in a blizzard. Not impossible, but don't try it without spotters...

Sort of like taxiing a taildragger, you have to keep weaving back and forth to see where you're going.

[Lee]

Yup,.... did the same thing many years ago.

Lee

[Ccrew]

Did the same thing on mine. I have a Chevy 3500, I had the option of the Curt which came out low, or the Drawtite that came out where the front license is. I opted for the drawtite as I saw a lot of complaints about the Curt being a curb catcher.

[Northofu1]

I have lots of clearance and I added the skid plate.

[Ccrew]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

I have lots of clearance and I added the skid plate.

Still now the lowest point in the front by the looks of it.

[Northofu1]

It is, It's curb tested and no problem so far. I didn't feel like cutting into front end parts and my thoughts were also on height of bikes and the rack.

[Ccrew]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

It is, It's curb tested and no problem so far. I didn't feel like cutting into front end parts and my thoughts were also on height of bikes and the rack.

Not arguing, you do you and i’ll do me, but after testing and looking at mine the extension and height of the rack also has a huge impact on approach angles where you nose into a dip. In my case if I wanted to undo it I just have to put the front tag bracket back on. It’s only 3 1/4” square hole in the plastic fascia.

[Northofu1]

Not arguing Roger. I drive on paved roads, not an off roader, if it becomes a nuisance then I just remove it and put another one on. It was only $200 the bike rack price is another story.

[Ccrew]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

Not arguing Roger. I drive on paved roads, not an off roader, if it becomes a nuisance then I just remove it and put another one on. It was only $200 the bike rack price is another story.

Agreed!! They’re proud of their racks aren’t they? I got the Thule T2 pro, and between my Thule TracRac over the bed and the Thule kayak mounts on it it’s certainly NOT inconsequential!! Enjoy!

[Northofu1]

Test driven. Works well, so far.
I went with a cheap Swagman XC2 and had to buy a 12" extension so bikes wouldn't touch bumper.