Using front hitch on truck to park trailer

[Svichera]

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!

[nickthehunter]

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]

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]

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]

Would a WD hitch work on the front to distribute the weight to the rear? 🙂

[ktmrfs]

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]

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]

Bodiak Hitches Now that's pretty cool!

[Bisker]

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]

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]

A company called "BODIAK " makes a full line of front hitches using existing holes or tow eyes for most trucks ! DIY

[SprinklerMan]

I have a plow set up on my excursion , I made up an adaptor that fits where the plow mounts and raises up and down with the plow pump . Never used it on the camper , but I move equipment trailers around quite often .

[jfkmk]

I have a front receiver I installed to mount my bike rack when towing our camper. Never thought of trying it to park the rig next to my house, but I might give it a try!

[pasusan]

Svichera wrote:
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!

Yes. Our trailer lives in a bank barn and we must get it up a hill and into a smallish opening. We wanted to save our transmission so installed a front hitch. It works very well.

[kearlms]

I have one on my TV but never used it to park TT. I have a Chevy where the front end drops considerably from the back so I don't know if I could even get the jack up far enough to not hit the ground.