Front receivers - is there any margin in the ratings?

[chrispitude]

Hi all,

I'd like to put a front hitch on my truck to make the sharp right turn into my my driveway. However, the front receivers are rated for 500lb vertical and 5000lb pull, and the tongue on my trailer weighs 720lbs.

How realistic is this rating? Because in fact, all front receivers I see have this same rating:

Curt 31078 for 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty - 500lbs vertical / 5000lbs pull
Curt 31071 for 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD - 500lbs vertical / 5000lbs pull
Curt 31067 for 2017 Ram 3500 - 500lbs vertical / 5000lbs pull
Curt 31077 for 2017 Nissan Titan XD - 500lbs vertical / 5000lbs pull

Has anyone used a front hitch for low-speed maneuvering (<5mph) into a driveway? If so, what's your tongue weight, and do you remove the weight distribution bars before you do it?

Thanks!

[boogie_4wheel]

05 3/4t Dodge with Curt (if I remember correctly). I've pulled the sticker and repainted it over the years. 90% sure it's a Curt.

[chrispitude]

boogie_4wheel wrote:
I've stalled a Warn 8000lb winch on a front hitch with two wraps of cable on the drum. My trailer has 1k of tongue weight and is 6k before toys.

I can't imagine you having an issue.

This kind of data point is exactly what I'm after - thank you!

Mind if I ask the details of your tow vehicle and front receiver?

[boogie_4wheel]

I've stalled a Warn 8000lb winch on a front hitch with two wraps of cable on the drum. My trailer has 1k of tongue weight and is 6k before toys.

I can't imagine you having an issue.

[mowermech]

IMO, all manufacturers build a safety factor into their ratings.
Nobody knows what that safety margin is, and they more often than not won't tell anybody.
Yes, the receiver will handle more than it is rated to handle. The "Breaking Strength" is not advertised, as it is on rope, cable, and chain.
If it were me, I would go ahead and use the front hitch to slowly move the trailer. If the hitch broke, I wouldn't even bother to tell the manufacturer. Exceeding the ratings voids any warranty, it would make no sense to bother Customer Service with it!

[Lwiddis]

Exceed manufacturer’s specs by 44%....sure, all will be well...no problem!