We have been using a front hitch to carry 2 bikes for the last 6 years. It has worked well. Just ordered a new front hitch for our new 1017 Silverado. It will be a Drawtite since Curt does not have one. Hitch is rated for 500 lb dead weight.
You will need a good bike carrier for 4 bikes. We use Swagman since it has the bike tires resting in hoops. The bikes don't sawy around. For a couple of months we used a carrier that had the bikes hanging from the crossbars. That did not work well since the bikes swayed in the wind and had to be tied off. Also the ladies frame had the bike on an angle.