Front receiver hitch on tow vehicle

There are more than a few guys who have made a pin box mount for their generator...

Lyle

I put one on our 2003 F350. We use it to carry the bikes. It is a Curt brand hitch and got it off Amazon.

I'm considering a front mount reciever for my 2006 Ford E350 van to mount my bike rack. For those of you who have done this, how much does this affect headlight operation? I realize it will depend on these shape and size of the bikes, but looking for some general guidance before I invest this summer.

I carried a 230 pound motorcycle on the front of my Ford Excursion. No problems.

Put a front receiver on my 2006 F350 to carry bikes. They were right in front of the rad. No problem in 10 years. Only negative thing was I lost the fog lights when I installed the receiver in this Ford.

Dave

Several of the guys on the truck camper forum have front hitches for their generators and tool boxes.
I carry a scooter or bicycles on mine. No problem with air flow.
Hitches are readily available online and easy to install.
I have done 2 on GM products, Ford should be easy as well.

I have one on my TV to carry bicycles, have used it to carry fire wood. Does not affect my operating temp at all. I realize a ginny might be a little more obstructive, IMHO should not be a problem. May have to put my ginny up front one trip to compare temps. :)

How many disasters have you personally seen with the cargo carriers???

I've used one for years with absolutely zero issues. From carrying bicycles, coolers, firewood, etc. Just make sure you have a strong reinforced hitch and a good carrier with the generator properly strapped and carry on. You could even get a rear camera system to monitor it while on the road. Most all factory fifth wheel receivers are good to go from 300-500 pounds tongue weight. I too don't think the genny in front of the radiators is a good idea.

I'd be a little worried about airflow into the truck for proper cooling.

I am surprised that you don't have enough room in the truck bed. My buddy brings his Honda 3000 with him when we go camping. He uses the step that is built into the tailgate of the truck - lifts it there, repositions his hands, then into the bed of the truck. Not easy, but not terrible either.

That said, if you have the hitch properly welded onto the rear of the RV, it will easily hold the generator. I tandem tow my boat, and it has a lot more than 150 pounds of tongue weight.