Bodiak Front Hitch

boogie_4wheel wrote:
Lost ground clearance will depend on vehicle and hitch manufacturer.

The Bodiak is a nice idea, but I wouldn't buy one. Have a hitch mounted winch? Then you can't use your tow hooks to attach to when using a snatch block.

Own a 3rd Gen Dodge? The tow hooks are not direct-frame mount. They are mounted to a bracket (also holding the front bumper in place) that is bolted to the frame. Shock load the hitch and you could misalign the front bumper/tow hooks/hitch, and have the possibility of the bumper contacting the front fenders.

Direct bolt on for me. I was going to fab up a hitch similar to the Bodiak (in terms of location, but mount behind the hooks then decided against it because of the not-direct-frame) but I ended up with a Curt (purchased used locally). It hung down below the plastic air dam. I cut it up and welded it so that it protrudes just below the front license plate mount and gaining me 2.5" of ground clearance.

I owned a 2006 3rd generation Dodge 2500 diesel 4x4 and mounted the Bodiak right on the tow hooks and had no problems with loading up cargo hitch
at all. No cutting of the fascia either.. Two thumbs up for Bodiak here!!

I have a Curt on a 2005 GMC 2500HD 4WD. It mounted using existing holes with longer bolts. Same holes used to mount the tow hooks. Very solid.

It comes out just under the air dam so I did lose some ground clearance.

I have a Bodiak on my 2008 F250 that is rock solid, no wobble or problems at all. I don't remember what I paid as it was bought years ago when I first got the truck.

Rich
BunFest Express II

I have the Curt front mount on our GMC. I've lost a little clearance, sits under plastic air dam. Quick easy install using factory holes. Solid as a rock.

Lost ground clearance will depend on vehicle and hitch manufacturer.

The Bodiak is a nice idea, but I wouldn't buy one. Have a hitch mounted winch? Then you can't use your tow hooks to attach to when using a snatch block.

Own a 3rd Gen Dodge? The tow hooks are not direct-frame mount. They are mounted to a bracket (also holding the front bumper in place) that is bolted to the frame. Shock load the hitch and you could misalign the front bumper/tow hooks/hitch, and have the possibility of the bumper contacting the front fenders.

Direct bolt on for me. I was going to fab up a hitch similar to the Bodiak (in terms of location, but mount behind the hooks then decided against it because of the not-direct-frame) but I ended up with a Curt (purchased used locally). It hung down below the plastic air dam. I cut it up and welded it so that it protrudes just below the front license plate mount and gaining me 2.5" of ground clearance.

towpro wrote:

Bodiak did offer to charge me actual shipping to save me a little money.

Amazon = free shipping...

2010 Ram 3500. I have a Draw-Tite from Amazon for $130. Bought 8/18/14. Remove tow hooks and bolt the receiver between the tow hooks and frame. Longer bolts are included.

Not understanding the comments about lost ground clearance. The receiver comes out at the plastic cowling under the license plate. The hitch itself is a drop hitch turned upside down, so the ball is actually higher than the license plate.

I did call them earlier this year asking about the hitch on my 06.
I was looking because the 2wd has low ground clearance, and your not supposed to drill the frame, which is required for the other hitch.

Bodiak did offer to charge me actual shipping to save me a little money.

Ease of use and install is why I was looking at the Bodiak, no drilling holes and can be transferred to another f250 if need be very easily. I think Bodiak only does direct sales, but I am curious if anyone has picked one up cheaper than the $238, and how.