Front Hitch receiver F-250

[time2retire]

I am looking at putting a Curt front hitch receiver on my 2008 F-250 super duty.

From my previous beach buggy life in the 80's I still have a Hamburger's (Pt. Pleasant, NJ) custom made aluminum cooler/rod holder rack. I had 2 square receiver tubes welded to the front frame of my truck for easy attachment and removal.


Instead of welding new receivers on my F-250 I was thinking about just buying a Curt, 500 lb. capacity front hitch receiver. 4 bolts to the frame and it's on.

The thing I am worried about is the sway and give with a single attachment point. Is the hitch receiver snug and tight with the different implements you can use with it?

[GAR2]

One thing worth noting on the curt single front hitch, read the install directions on etrailer.com and watch their install video. On the ‘02 there are brackets that bolts on to the front main bolt for the leaf spring mounts in which the nuts have to be removed— they are an absolute bear to get off! (Especially at a home shop as opposed to on a lift at a garage) But that was the ‘02 under bumper application. I believe the ones that mount where the fog lights go you have to pull bumper and they use the frame horns where bumper mounts if I recall correctly.

[GAR2]

A little different twist , I bought a curt under bumper front hitch for my ‘02 F350, modified to a triple, and built my own custom valance/air dam. Lots of work involved— but use it for my 17,500lb. winch and snow plow for drive way at home. There’s lots of possibilities if your into custom / DIY. My truck has the blocker beam- not sure about your newer Ford.

[mr_andyj]

While it is nice to use cables to add security this is not necessary for your light load.

Rather, use one of the many hitch anti-rattle items out there. Etrailer dod com has them in the shape of U-bolts that simply tighten up everything.

I have seen motorcycles carried on a single 2 inch receiver down bumpy dirt paths and they held perfectly.

I have a friend that regularly carries 200 lb load on a front tray on both RV and his minivan depending what he drives. No issues.

[AidenJ]

Sent you a PM.

[jimh406]

As someone noted, the hitches made for later model trucks is pretty low to the ground. If you already have a rack that uses two tubes, I’d probably go that route.

[ticki2]

NRALIFR wrote:
Add some stabilizing turnbuckles from the tow loops to the outside corners of the front rack like this. It will be rock solid then.



:):)

I use a similar method for my front mounted spare . Like a rock .

[Fisher_Bill]

The dual support is ideal but I have the same Curt receiver on the front of my 2006 duramax and I've been ok with a clamp like this https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=anti+sway+bike+rack+clamp That I found through the link Buzzcut1 posted. I use a similar clamp on the bike rack on the back of our fiver and it does help the sway (depending on the weight of your load)
I carry a 3500 propane generator on the front and use some of the ratchet straps to hold and to stabilize the unit to the truck frame/body.

[time2retire]

jaycocreek wrote:
Looking at a front receiver for my truck,I noticed both Curt and Draw Tite had tow hooks on the hitch, which would make it easy to snug it down as pictured above with turnbuckles...

Assuming your Curt hitch your looking at does not..

I think attaching the the turnbuckles to the tow hitch defeats the purpose of stabilizing the implement. Wouldn't you want the hooks attached to the truck?

[jaycocreek]

Looking at a front receiver for my truck,I noticed both Curt and Draw Tite had tow hooks on the hitch, which would make it easy to snug it down as pictured above with turnbuckles...

Assuming your Curt hitch your looking at does not..

[NRALIFR]

Try to find some turnbuckles with a forged body, rather than the aluminum body in my picture. Those eventually stripped out and I replaced them with some that are more heavy duty.

:):)

[time2retire]

Great info guys. I had thought about the turnbuckles and that's what I'll try first. The lock nut will be plan B. Thanks

Rick

[Kayteg1]

Not sure what year body style changed, but I had front hitch on 2006 F350 and it was mounted under tow hooks, so easy job and worked quite well.
For 2017 the hitch is mounted under the frame, so quite a task to fish all the bolts and than not only required removal (or cutting) lower trimm, but hitch scrapes steep driveways, or high curbs. I use it for short platform with generator and have to pay attention where I drive.
In the past, I used rear hitch on motorhome for PWC carrying, so I added 2 more receivers on the sides with additional bars.
That not only stop any rocking of 500 lb PWC, but added security.

[VoodooMedicineM]

I have a 05 F 350 dually diesel and I had a hitch mounted where the fog lights used to be. I bought one ofthese to carry the 500 Harley I have.

[NRALIFR]

Add some stabilizing turnbuckles from the tow loops to the outside corners of the front rack like this. It will be rock solid then.



:):)

[Buzzcut1]

They make a locking hitch pin that is threaded, a spring loaded nut fits inside the tube of whatever you are going to insert into the receiver. I use them and no sway at atl to the tray or bike rack

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Locks/Lets-Go-Aero/63232.html?feed=npn&gclid=CjwKCAiAp5nyBRABEiwApTwj...