Forum Discussion

mrad's avatar
mrad
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2020

Need help on front hitch on TV

My wife and it are in the process of selling out TT and purchasing a 5th wheel. We recently sold our Ford excursion and purchased a 2013 GMC 3500 Duramax. Some of the 5th wheels we are looking at do not have a rear storage rack or rear receiver hitch. My question is, if I would put a front receiver hitch on my truck and put a bike rack on it, would it interfere with the cooling system on the truck
Tow Vehicles
  • bobsallyh's avatar
    bobsallyh
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2020
    I have used front bike racks since 1974. !974 Ford PU, 1984 Dodge Passenger Van, 1995 Dodge Cummins PU, and a 2003 Dully Crew Cab Dodge Cummins thru now with absolute no problems. Now keep in mind, bikes weren't covered.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 15, 2020
    I’d still go for a bike rack on the back bumper of the 5ver, but no it won’t hurt to pack bikes on the front of the truck. Other than getting covered in bug guts every time you travel. Yuck
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2020
    is it possible to access the frame and have a welding shop put the receiver in and add the bike racks? Might have to 'customize' rear body work to do, but would be a better option I think.
  • Flashman's avatar
    Flashman
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2020
    I have a simple bolt on - from a company called Bodiak. Fits great on my Ram. They may make one for a Chebby. Good for over 300 lbs.
  • Bessie-Hunter's avatar
    Bessie-Hunter
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2020
    I have one on my 2012 3500HD with two bikes and have no problems with cooling pulling my Riverstone.
  • mrad's avatar
    mrad
    Explorer II
    Aug 16, 2020
    Hank85713 wrote:
    is it possible to access the frame and have a welding shop put the receiver in and add the bike racks? Might have to 'customize' rear bodywork to do, but would be a better option I think.


    I'm not sure. It has an enclosed underbelly and no part of the frame is visible
  • hornet28's avatar
    hornet28
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2020
    This is a grille guard/hitch I built. It takes the place of the factory tow hooks. As you can see it's well braced and has been put to the test. I have a 12,000 lb rated winch that plugs into the hitch that has been put to use and strained


  • GaryUT's avatar
    GaryUT
    Explorer II
    Aug 16, 2020
    Hank85713 wrote:
    is it possible to access the frame and have a welding shop put the receiver in and add the bike racks? Might have to 'customize' rear body work to do, but would be a better option I think.


    A couple of companies make bolt on front receiver hitches that fit.

    https://www.etrailer.com/fmr-2013_GMC_Sierra.htm

    Gary
  • badercubed's avatar
    badercubed
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2020
    I had a front hitch on my 2015 F-250 gasser that didn't affect anything at all while towing a 10k trailer.

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