Has anyone installed a hitch on the front of the truck to park their trailer? Will this make it easier to park in tight spaces? Will tongue weight be an issue? Thanks!

Although I have not done it, many people have. It does make it much easier to maneuver the trailer into tight spots. The only thing I would be concerned about would be bending or breaking steering parts if the trailer tongue weight is really heavy (something over 1200-1500 lbs or so). Barney

I do not believe weight would be an issue. Even 1/2 ton trucks routinely have plows put on them for the winter and those plows, with the plow frame, brackets, hydraulics, lights, rams and the plow itself combined weigh several hundred pounds. I think for short term/temp useage, such as parking a TT, as long as the suspension is not bottomed out (on the bump stops), you would be OK.

Did that years ago with a Ranchero and a small trailer. Works great. Installer suggested to mount the receiver slightly to one side.. don't remember why.Not only did this work great at home (maneuvering a tight turn) but I also used it at CG's where backing was difficult. I didn't care if other men thought I was a wimp!!

Had one on the last truck (and will hopefully be fabbing one up next week for the current truck). Loved using it for spotting trailers, and have a receiver winch mount that I want to use on this truck. Before I made the side gate wider, I had a hard time getting my toyhauler in the back yard (dodging the fire hydrant, the corner of the house, then the narrow gate, all which is on land the shape of a piece of pizza since I'm at the end of a culdesac. I simply couldn't do it with the rear hitch, but the front allowed me to swing the tongue to jack the trailer around the corner of the house and dodge the gate.

Yes, I had a front receiver hitch mounted on my truck. It is really helpful moving the trailer into tight spaces, seems much more intuitive as compared to backing. Weight was not an issue with my truck, but the receiver is really low (close to the ground) so I opted for an additional adjustable hitch from HF. I carry my "spare" hitch in my truck when not needed.

Using front hitch on truck to park trailer | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

nickthehunter
Nomad III
Nov 14, 2013
It is much easier to see down both sides of my trailer using the side mirrors. When using a front hitch, there is no way you can see down both sides of the trailer; and if the truck is scewed to the curb side of the trailer, you won't be able to see down either side. Too much backing up in the blind for my comfort.
PA12DRVR
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
I've got one on my current GMC 2500. Use it for equipment trailer moving, not for RV. Really handy for getting in and out of tight spaces in the storage lot.

FWIW, I suspect I'm routinely over the 500# limit and maybe (diesel truck) over the FAWR as well, but at 10 - 15 minutes a pop and no hauling time, I suspect it's OK. Truck hasn't collapsed in 3 years that I've had the front hitch on it.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Nov 09, 2013
Wishbone51 wrote:
Would a WD hitch work on the front to distribute the weight to the rear? :)

I suppose it would, but at least the hitch I have is rated for 500lbs max, and is not rated for use with a WD system. WD puts entirely different forces on the hitch, so if it isn't attached to support the different forces it could be trouble.
Bolts and attachments that are normally in compression become in tension, and vice versa.
Wishbone51
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
Would a WD hitch work on the front to distribute the weight to the rear? :)
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Nov 08, 2013
I know folks that use one, but usually on smaller trailers. Most front reciever hitches have a 500lb or lower weight limit, put's it out of my needs since I'm at 1400lbs. And then even if the hitch could take it , I'd be way over my truck FAWR.

So, if your tongue weight is low, may work fine.
scottykrug
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
My last truck had one, my jeep cherokee has one, and I am looking at that bodiak for my new truck. Indispensable. As far as weight carrying, my jeep is rated to 500# and the unloaded tongue weight is around 650#. I am not driving more than 20 feet and never get over walking speed so I don't worry about it. 25 years ago my dad put one on his old motorhome and it was perfect for launching his boat.
qtla9111
Nomad
Nov 08, 2013
Bodiak Hitches Now that's pretty cool!
Bisker
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
The front hitch idea looks pretty cool, but as one poster mentioned with the time it takes to unhitch, reposition the TV and rehitch I'd probably be able to just back it in to most sites. Plus I'm getting better at backing all the time!
canoe_on_top
Explorer
Nov 07, 2013
I don't think Bodiak makes them anymore.

Looks like they do. They were not for awhile. Guess they started again. When I couldn't get a Bodiak a couple of years ago, I had a friend make one for my so I can mount my winch front or back.
wanderingbob
Explorer II
Nov 07, 2013
A company called "BODIAK " makes a full line of front hitches using existing holes or tow eyes for most trucks ! DIY