Front hitch for bike rack

[cousin_eddie]

Looking for some input on an idea I had of installing a front hitch on my truck.

Our old PUP had a 2" square trailer receiver installed on the back bumper, and we used it for our bike rack that slides into a 2" receiver. The new unit does not have one, and the bumper is not sturdy enough for me to install one.

I really haven't had any luck finding a bike rack for a PUP with a fiberglass roof, so I was considering installing a front hitch on my TV (2005 Ford F150), and then using the same bike rack on the front.

Has anyone done this? Looking at about $130 for the hitch, is it worth it? I'm thinking it would help with putting the camper in storage as well.

[Rrickim63]

Great idea. Check out e trailer as they have a lot to pick from

[richp]

Hi,

I've had a Reese front receiver on my last two K-2500 Chevy trucks. Straight bolt-up, and works great.

FWIW.

Rich Phillips

[5er_tom]

I did that. It worked great. A 2" receiver installed on the front of my F250 and a platform for carrying a trike and a bike. It was a little weird looking forward thru bike handle bars, but I always knew they were there. I highly recommend it.


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[richp]

Hi,

I tow a fifth wheel and carrying a boat is an issue. So in addition to the bike rack, I fabricated an upright with a "T" on the top, which supports the front of my canoe, which hangs out over the hood.

FWIW.

Rich Phillips

[Hicks43]

I plan on welding two peaces of 2inch steel on my tow hooks I've owned the truck. For 5 years and never used them. And u bolt a 2inch receiver to it

[Capt. Mike]

A company named Bodiak makes one that bolts right to the frontof your truck with no cutting or welding. Check it out...here is a link to their web site.

Bodiak Front End Hitches


Mike

[richp]

Hi,

The Bodiac looks good, and would be easier to install than the Reese. But it does stick out quite a bit more from the front of the bumper than the Reese.

That might not be a big issue for some, but I think it would be for me. I'd be worrying about folks whacking their shin against it, as they walk around the front of the truck.

FWIW.

Rich Phillips

[cousin_eddie]

I was looking at a unit from Curt and a unit from Reese. Both are bolt on, no cutting, and are much more hidden under the vehicle. Plus, they are both cheaper.

My concern was that they were both lower to the ground, and I was wondering about ground clearance.

[richp]

Hi,

I just went out and measured my Reese front receiver hitch. There is 10.5 inches of ground clearance as it sits level in my driveway. This is on a Chevy 3/4 ton, which, if I'm not mistaken, sits a bit lower than the Ford and Dodge 3/4 and one ton trucks

As a side note, this hitch first was on my 2001 Duramax, and it fit below the bumper with no problem. When I moved it from that truck to my current 2009 Duramax, I had to trim about a one inch notch in the plastic license plate holder for the receiver to fit properly. But no trimming of the bumper itself was needed.

Hope this helps.

Rich Phillips

[oldcat]

Here is my homemade version of the Bodiak that mounts onto the tow hooks. Takes only a couple of minutes to install/remove. Safe travels.

[Hicks43]

Originally Posted by oldcat

Here is my homemade version of the Bodiak that mounts onto the tow hooks. Takes only a couple of minutes to install/remove. Safe travels.

I like your set up might do this instead. It comes off at least

[cousin_eddie]

Unfortunately, I do not have front tow hooks.