Any issues with front storage when traveling?

Here's a good thread to read,
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28397541/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

My primary motivation for front hitch was a bike rack also...we often carry 4 bilkes up front. Having said that I purchased a second hitch rack to use up front and have carried (last weekend) screen tent and camp chairs, have also carried large Coleman stove, firewood, cooler...you name it!
We use the rear hitch rack for firewood as it stays nice and dry underneath the camper.

We have found the front hitch is useful for all kinds of stuff!
BTW; have never had any issue with heat, head lights, etc and have driven X-country 2x in (100* +) summertime temps no problems...

Good luck, Bill

I think it probably depends on the vehicle, but I was able to generate a "hot" condition with a front hitch and firewood. It was tall, but nevertheless, it did get hot! My solution was to move the rack to the back, but something to keep in mind.

I used to carry a small Knaack heavy duty steel gang box on the front hitch of both my F350's. I welded a hitch mount frame under the gang box to mount it to the front receiver hitches of both trucks.

If you click on the link to '92 F350 in my signature, you will eventually find pics of the front hitch gang box project, probably a few pages back.

It's been too long since I's posted pics on the forum. I've forgotten how to do it...

Actually, I seem to remember that I did a write-up of the project, with pics, that was saved in the help section of this truck camper forum. It's probably still there.

This is what I use my front rack for. I put two big plastic tubs on each side for water levelers etc. Works great.

Thanks all. Keep the suggestions coming.

Here is a pic of the Knaack 36" gang box on fabricated hitch mount, with license plate moved over to side of bumper.

Here is my setup. I added some home made brackets to the front tow hooks to stabilize the box. Made it out of used pickup box and parts of the aluminum carrier Harbor Freight sells.



The straps hook into the top of the bumper and into the tow hook brackets.

I did something very similar to your setup, Jim. I was given an old truck toolbox, and I had a carrier fabricated for it. I'm using a pair of Bores bumper guides to help remind me it's out there. I can't see any part of the box from the drivers seat! The bumper guides are wired in to the turn signals.



I have a front hitch on the truck, and the toolbox carrier was made using two pintle-hitch mounts. I can raise it up several inches if needed. Stabilized with a pair of turnbuckles to the tow-hooks.



I've also put a set of auxiliary lights on the front because I discovered the box casts a shadow in the headlights when driving at night.



:):)

Some of the photos show clearance posts so the driver can 'see' where the box is down there in front.
It's VERY easy to forget it's up there and bump into something accidentally. Make sure your setup includes markers so you can remember it's there and how much clearance you have.