I got my hands on a new hitch cargo rack that i almost have no use for as i already have one installed in the rear. An idea had occured to me that maybe i should mount this on the front bumper to carry more useless things. I havent really thought the idea through but recall seeing some other fellas having a similar setup. My major concern ofcourse is how it will affect the cooling capability. Bikes i suppose are alright but some large ice chests or something similar in size would choke the radiator wouldn't it? Please feel free to chime in. thanks in advance.

I've seen it done before. I say go ahead and mount it. Make it so it's removable and put it on when you have a need for it. When using it for cargo, just make sure your lights and turn signals are not obstructed either.

Go for it! It works for this guy... :E:B

I carry a Cricket golf cart on the front of my F350 diesel. I noticed the cooling fan would ramp up sooner than normal when pulling my 16K fiver into north GA "hills" but temp never got above normal.

I've carried the box in my sig on two trucks. It works well for me.:):)

Would you mount a cargo rack in front of the rig?

26 Replies

Redsky
Explorer
Jan 19, 2014
I saw a photo of one that the truck owner had custom built so it sat low and did not block the radiator. Seemed like a good way to do it if wanting either more space for gear or to move weight off the rear axle and on to the front one.
Raften
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
Been carrying a generator on a front rack for 10 years, never a problem with heat. Tried bike rack but did not like that. Recently got a Lock n Load, great product, strong and secure, don't worry about generator security anymore. Say again, great product.
SLOW-1
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
An added bonus to having a receiver on the front is that you can use it for trailer backing...you would be amazed the places you can put a trailer with it hooked to the front.
trnfla
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
rmasonschneider wrote:
trnfla wrote:
I mounted a front receiver Hitchon the front of mine and have carried bikes, now I have a rack that I put my firewood on to take camping.

thanks for the suggestions, it appears i might just go with this setup. It's pretty neat and doesnt need too much modification.

Glad you liked it, it was not to difficult to install.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jan 17, 2014
Not our current RV, but carried two mopeds around for years, with no problems
rmasonschneider
Explorer
Jan 17, 2014
trnfla wrote:
I mounted a front receiver Hitchon the front of mine and have carried bikes, now I have a rack that I put my firewood on to take camping.

thanks for the suggestions, it appears i might just go with this setup. It's pretty neat and doesnt need too much modification.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jan 17, 2014
He should have used the Tork Lift Lock n Load. This is one heavy duty hitch carrier. Heck it must weigh 75 lbs by itself. Powdercoated and bulletproof. The whole front end would come off the truck before this baby let go.
pkunk
Explorer
Jan 17, 2014
I saw one the other day that had me wondering...It was a strap-on roof rack attached to the hood of a pickup.. How could he see if it had anything in it?
discovery4us
Explorer
Jan 17, 2014
I had a buddy with a TC that used one to carry his generator on. Worked well for years until the rack gave way and he drove over the generator taking out the truck's oil pan and rear driveline.
westend
Explorer
Jan 17, 2014
Up here, in the Great White North, there are many trucks with a snow plow on the front. You can't get a better air dam than that.

I would assume that any of the newer trucks would be ok with a front rack as long as there is minimum restriction in front, not like Dutch's buddy, lol.