I did a search for this info and didn't come up with anything.

I need to install a front mount receiver hitch but am concerned with how low it will be (below the valance/airdam). Can anyone shed some light on the actual mounting? A link to pictures? Any brand constructed or fit better than others?

Thanks

The first one I can think of is made by Warn for mounting a winch so you can use it either front or back. Check their web site.

I just bought and installed a Curt brand front receiver on my '01/2500HD/exc/Lb/2wd. The Curt hitch sticks out just below the air dam. It bolts between the tow hooks and to the bottom of the frame(four bolts). I'm using it for "pushing" my 29' travel trailer into tight parking and for front use of a bike rack. I got it from truckxpressions.com for $101.00 w/free shipping. I think the Hidden Hitch brand sticks "thru" the air dam and requires relocation of the front license plate(if required in your state).

Andy

I've got the Hidden Hitch. It also mounts just to the bottom of the air dam and very solidly to the frame rails using longer bolts through the tow hooks. I also use it for shoving my 6x6x12 box trailer and last winter for a sportplow mount. It looks and seems low, but even with stock tires and stock suspension heighth I've never had a problem and completely forget about it being there now. Got mine off the internet for $125.

This similar thread has a picture of my installation
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28819&highlight=hitch

Thanks for the replies. IC, that pic of yours helps a lot. Wonder why that thread didn't show up when I did a search for "front hitch"??

You could go with a replacement bumper with an intigrated front receiver built in.
mine is a Buckstop but i think the Ranchhand has one as well.

for only $1300 more dollarsYou could go with a replacement bumper with an intigrated front receiver built in.
mine is a Buckstop but i think the Ranchhand has one as well.

I just bought the Hidden Hitch online yesterday and was wondering how it would look. Thanks to IC's picture I know exactly how it will look! same color truck. I plan on using it for a fishing rod rack, and when towing the fifth wheel put the Thule bike rack on the front hitch.

Are all of the front mounts mentioned above bolt on, or is there some drilling required?? I thought that i remember reading that the hidden hitch cant be used with the tow hooks... Just trying to find out the easiest route to go...thanks.

You could go with a replacement bumper with an intigrated front receiver built in.
mine is a Buckstop but i think the Ranchhand has one as well.
It's on the list (Buckstop)but not in the budget right now. Along with a 15k winch.

I am getting a 9k quick mount Ramsey winch and need to have a place for it up front. My toyhauler has been up in the forest all week waiting for the ground to dry up. If I had a winch, I could have gotton it out Sunday and not been woried all week.

I'll do what I can afford now and what I want later.

Are all of the front mounts mentioned above bolt on, or is there some drilling required?? I thought that i remember reading that the hidden hitch cant be used with the tow hooks... Just trying to find out the easiest route to go...thanks.
Over this last week I've downloaded installation instructions for Drawtite, Putnam, Curt and Hidden Hitch. There may some enlarginging of holes on some trucks but they all allow the continued use of the tow hooks from what I can see.

There seems to be a lot of "misinformation" regarding the Hidden Hitch so far, including: drilling required (not), cutting of air dam (not), loss of front license plate (not) and now loss of tow hooks. All completely false. The Hidden hitch comes with longer heavy duty bolts and nuts, goes right onto the frame in the tow hook mounting locations with the tow hooks retained and does not require any modifications or alterations to the truck at all. It's a simple unbolt/fit/rebolt. It's pretty clear in my picture where and how it mounts and the tow hooks are still there.

Idle Chatter,

Thanks for the info, I will see about ordering one!

Over this last week I've downloaded installation instructions for Drawtite, Putnam, Curt and Hidden Hitch. There may some enlarginging of holes on some trucks but they all allow the continued use of the tow hooks from what I can see.


I was under the impression that Hidden Hitch and Drawtite are the same thing. The site that I bought from calls it the Hidden Hitch and shows a picture of the hitch that says Drawtite on it. Any of you guys know if they are the same/different? I guess I'll find out on Tuesday when it gets here!

Answered my own question. Looked them up and found they are 2 different brands, and have ordered the Hidden Hitch 5004 model.

It's on the list (Buckstop)but not in the budget right now. Along with a 15k winch.

I am getting a 9k quick mount Ramsey winch and need to have a place for it up front. My toyhauler has been up in the forest all week waiting for the ground to dry up. If I had a winch, I could have gotton it out Sunday and not been woried all week.

I'll do what I can afford now and what I want later.
Will buckstop front bumper replacements accept a 15,000 lb winch? I talked to RANCHHAND on saturday and their biggest one will only take a 9,500 lb winch......and i wanted a 12,500 lb winch minimum......:(

There is a guy, I think LeedEngineering, that makes a dual front hitch
setup that uses the mouning points for the tow hooks.
No loss of ground clearance at all; the tow hooks are still usable. In
order to have a quick-mount winch you will need a custom mount, but that
is pretty easy given the Leed product.

https://bodiaknet.secure.powweb.com/store/catalog/

Go here............