Front receiver hitch on F-150

[Sodo]

I plan to add a front receiver hitch to my pickup. I found one from CURT that does not satisfy me. It's too low, and too far under the bumper. For me it would be always full of dirt. I sure as heck wouldn't drive with a receiver-mounted winch in the CURT unit.

I used photoshop and put the receiver where I want it, except about 8 inches off center. Pretty sure I can get structure to the frame.

This pic is from the CURT website, but I photoshopped another receiver higher where I want it (equal to height of the REAR receiver).

I mocked up the structure behind the bumper with 2" x 2" cedar. Not sure how I'd get it in there if it was welded, I think it has to bolt together.

Has anybody seen a good way to do this on an F-150? Any other comments about front-mounted receivers?

 

[two_bit_score]

Ranch Hand has a replacement bumper with a trailer hitch in the center of it.

>>>The Summit Series Front Bumper Replacement still provides superior protection similar to the Legend while offering an alternative style with reduced weight.

This bumper is designed and ideal for half ton trucks. It is frame-mounted and is one-piece fully welded construction. The main body of the bumper is manufactured from diamond plate steel and the grille guard portion provides wraparound headlight protection. The punched plate grille insert is specifically designed to match the make and model of the vehicle – no expanded metal used. Most pre-2014 Summit Series Replacement Bumpers allow for the optional patented H2R (Hidden 2" Receiver). In some applications, factory fog lights and tow hooks can be retained.<<<<<

Summit Front Bumper - Quality Ranch Hand Product

.

 

[Sodo]

Hmmm never thought of that. Seeing them I don't think I want to change the look of the truck that much, just want a receiver. Plus I bet it's $600-800. I think I can build this in a half a day, just gotta get a good plan.

 

[TMGT]

I built one for a customer about a year ago for his '14 F150 with the 5.0L . It came out where you want but centered, I should have the dimensions and pictures somewhere at the shop.

It was one piece and could be installed with only minor removal of some plastics and sandwiched between the tow hooks.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I had one on a 1961 4wd Chevy. Very slick for parking boat trailers. Mounting it offset to the left (driver side) gives you better perspective on both rear corners of the trailer as you are pushing it back.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I had one fabbed for my 2007 Jeep Commander. I used it for my winch. I made a winch cradle that also had a 2" receiver. So I could connect a trailer when using the winch. Then I could winch stuff up onto the trailer.

I now have a 2014 F150 and have been considering a front receiver for it.

 

[Sodo]

GP I would do the same but have a 2" receiver on my trailer for that.
TMGT I'd like to see pics. My current desire is that its kinda 'hidden'. I don't really like the 8" off center but dont think it makes much difference.
Pat I would have chosen the driverside hole for my wooden mockup but the R side hole is blocked (steel) which I can cut out.
Thanks all you guys for feedback. I bought 2x2x3/16 for the structure, thats about where I'm at so far.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I haven't looked closely at that area of my truck but looking at your pictures, I think I would make up some plate to bolt to the inside of the frame rails and then weld the cross piece of 2 inch tube to those plates then bolt it to the frame rails. If a one piece receiver can't be made to go in place, then weld some plate in the middle of the cross piece to bolt the 2 inch receiver piece at a 90 degree angle.

Just thinking out loud here.

 

[Sodo]

GP that's in general what I will do. Trying to think of a way to use existing holes on frame rails,& not welding on the frame. Probably will use the towhook bolts on the frame bottom but they won't be sufficient. Getting some support at top of the frame will be necessary but haven't decided how yet. I might drill the frame though. May have to build "nut-holders" to extend to access existing holes.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I just went out and looked
My bumper is a little different so I could have the receiver centered. Anyway it looks like you could make 2 "L" shaped brackets, attach to the bottom of the frame rails where the tow hooks are and run the other leg of the L up the inside of the frame rail. Drill for bolts through the side of the frame rail.

You could bolt the tow hooks right back on, sandwich in the bottom of the L bracket between the hooks and frame rail, as mentioned by TMGT.

I haven't determined yet whether or not a complete one piece receiver can be put into position to be bolted on the rails. May have to have the actual receiver portion bolted as previously mentioned.

I probably won't do mine until fall.

 

[GPintheMitten]

P.S. I would avoid welding to the frame if possible.

To do this right, it would probably be worth the trouble to remove the bumper or at least the plastic parts.

TMGT, I too would like to see pictures and or comments about my ideas.

 

[Ford850]

Sodo,
I'd check into getting the side license plate mount for the Ecoboost models, either new or from a salvage yard. That would give you the full center opening to work with.

 

[TMGT]

Sorry they are upside down, have to work off my phone right now. It bolts in using existing holes and doesn't require the removal of the bumper. For the license plate holder I just made a simple plate that pinned into the receiver when not in use. The guy I built this for uses it to mount a large cooler and fishing gear.

 

[TMGT]

 

[TMGT]

Pictures aren't showing up for me, might need to just email them to you.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I see your pictures.

 

[GPintheMitten]

TMGT, nice job. What are the two large holes on the pictures? (Not the ones that bolt to where the tow hooks go). Are they for an additional mounting point / bolts?

 

[BukitCase]

I put a pair of front receivers on an F250 4x4 years ago - think I mentioned that when you were looking at lumber racks -

A buddy of mine was gonna build a house, he found a 36 foot trailer house for a good price, paid for it, but didn't realize it had been set in place BEFORE the bridge across a 20 foot deep creek had been finished (they added a guard rail) -

Wouldn't have been a problem, but at one end of that bridge, the road did a 90* turn - near side of the turn was a 20 foot drop, far side was about a 10 foot BANK

My buddy was cryin' about it one day, and it dawned on me there might be a way - told him my idea (I'd never seen one before, so I'm claimin' it )

He said he'd pay for putting it on my 4x4 if it worked - it did, and HE did :thumbsup:

I put DUAL receivers on mine, for just some of the reasons already brought up - lined them up with the frame rails, found some un-used holes, bolted heavy angle to frame and welded receivers to the angle - there was a small fascia piece between the bumper guards, the receivers just cleared them.

The amount of control using a front hitch is so incredible, I doubt I'd ever be without one again - by having them on BOTH sides, you can pick which side of a load you need to see better, and use the appropriate receiver.

Back when we were still messing with horses, we'd just picked up a 36 foot trailer load of hay, the center aisle of the barn was at right angles to the driveway (downhill a bit, 90* turn with about 6 feet to spare) - we got home just as it started to rain

Disconnected the trailer, turned truck around, hooked up front hitch, pushed about 10 ton of hay and trailer down the drive, jack-knifed the trailer and into the barn, dead centered in one try. Almost took surgery to wipe the grin off my face...

Can ya tell I'm a fan of yer plan??!? Steve

 

[TMGT]

TMGT, nice job. What are the two large holes on the pictures? (Not the ones that bolt to where the tow hooks go). Are they for an additional mounting point / bolts?

Yes the larger holes are extra mounts, I believe they tied into two of the bumper mounts. They are oversized to allow for alignment, I'll try to look for my drawing/ notes on it tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Sodo]

I put a pair of front receivers on an F250 4x4 years ago - think I mentioned that when you were looking at lumber racks ,,,,,,,,,,, Can ya tell I'm a fan of yer plan??!? Steve

I'm a fan of folks who would need surgery to wipe a grin off their face!

My offset will be about 8 inches. Do you think it's useful to have 2 receivers, only 16" apart?