Front hitch/dirtbike carrier

Thanks bka0721 I was looking at a Curt hitch a while back it does look good and the price is reasonable. Using my old hitch was just a thought. Anyway I appreciate your input. I guess I've hijacked this site long enough, time too give it back.

Jayco254 wrote:
Has anyone ever modified a rear hitch to fit the front I've got an old Valley hitch off of a "87 4x4 Ram we had and I'm thinking about modifying it to fit the front of my Expedition to carry 4 bicycles. My wife won't let me put it on her Ram. Don't mean to butt in but I'm just wondering if any one has ever tried this.

As you stated, with modifications you can accomplish this. So, yes.

Many do this by taking the pieces of a hitch and modify it for mounting it to your tow hooks location mount. Personally if you purchased one made for your front row hooks, Curt, it might end up cheaper. Also, you will need to modify the verticals post of the bike rack to work better with the hood height, just as I did with the bike rack I had previously on my Ford truck, which is same as your Expedition.

Good Luck!

b

On Ford rear hitch is bolted under the frame, while front hitch is bolted to the front flanges on the frame. Also on front hitch you can't have go -thru as that would punch your radiator.
Completely different design.

Has anyone ever modified a rear hitch to fit the front I've got an old Valley hitch off of a "87 4x4 Ram we had and I'm thinking about modifying it to fit the front of my Expedition to carry 4 bicycles. My wife won't let me put it on her Ram. Don't mean to butt in but I'm just wondering if any one has ever tried this.

Did this years ago with my old f350 4x4 diesel 1986 and viking camper. Hung a dr350 se off the front. Math worked out fine weight wise, but I had to do a custom welded receiver hitch. Carried that bike all over up front. I also welded on some tabs for headlights and blinkers, wired in a small front trailer hitch light socket with a switch so that when plugged in the truck lights were off, rack lights on. Got the lights from jc whitless. Also hung a spare plate on the front of the rack. No troubles except bugs n rain!

Kayteg1 wrote:
I don't know how you can talk about dirt bike front mount and say that law and safety are other subject.
Front plate is probably much bigger topic that some might imagine.
My feeling is that in CA their biggest use is catching bridge tools violators.
The bridge cameras are overhead, so the arguments that you can see the plate while on your knees is not going to cut.

I had the pleasure of meeting bka this past week in the desert (nice guy) and I could see his front plate just fine, no kneeling required! :)

top one is a drawtite bottom is a curt on my '12 2500

I don't know how you can talk about dirt bike front mount and say that law and safety are other subject.
Front plate is probably much bigger topic that some might imagine.
My feeling is that in CA their biggest use is catching bridge tools violators.
The bridge cameras are overhead, so the arguments that you can see the plate while on your knees is not going to cut.

Kayteg1 wrote:
Not sure about obstruction of driver view.

You bring up a really great point here and thanks for mentioning it. I too thought about this as well, and moved the original bike (KTM 500 EXC) I had planned on riding in this location, to my trailer. As it was too tall. Installing this Honda which sits more than 8 inches lower. I still plan on lowering the hitch another 6-8” once I get to a location of a welder. Not many out in the areas I traverse.

But, what I did is I actually drew lines in the dirt in front of my truck and sat behind the wheel of my F550 4X4. What I learned was that my view is obstructed up to 12 feet in front of my front headlights. Basically less than a car length. Acceptable, in most thoughts. When you consider the different types of individuals that operate motor vehicles and whether they use booster seats to see over the steering wheel or the nose of a semi-truck. All real world scenarios and ones that have consequences, like a booster then takes your feet from reaching the pedals (brake) effectively. So what is Law Enforcement and the Judicial System to do and how would an officer articulate this, as well a defense be presented?

Again, an interesting thread and worthy of you beginning a new one and worth mentioning on this thread for others considering doing just this with the front bumper of their trucks. Whether a motorcycle, generator or ice coolers.

b

Kayteg1 wrote:
You'd get ticket in CA for not readable licence plate.
Not sure about obstruction of driver view.

Actually, it is readable and to the 200 ft to the frt, as required. But the angle of the photo, makes it appear unreadable.

You make an excellent point, Kayteg, and one that I addressed, too. With the photo below, you will see that the plate is visable to the front for a reasonable person to have the ability to see. Also, at night (though I prefer not to drive after dark) both headlights are visible through the wheels, as well as the turn signals. If I were to drive at night, I would fashion a light bar, in the theme of snow plows for this option, too. But it is unnecessary as it exists now.

I agree with you, that a Plate, rear or front when required, should be visible or moved and mounted so as to comply. There are numerous threads on this very subject and no resolution with those that wish to follow the rules/law and those that wish to follow the rule of I have done it for years and no one has ever bothered me so it is O.K.

But then again, your point of discussion is an entirely different thread that could be discussed in how front generators, ice coolers, fishing poles and the like obstruction of plates, turn signals and headlights.

If you were to begin a new thread I certainly would be happy to contribute to that thread too! It is a good point and one should certainly make adjustments if they are to carry a front mounted m/c where a front plate is required by the issuing state.

b