Community Forums

DEG503 · 03-04-2009, 11:48 AM

I have a 40' 97 Monaco Executive that I just purchased used in Jan. It is proving to be a fantastic coach/bus/rv/camper(I'm new to this so I'm not sure what the correct term is). But to the point, has any one out there seen/done a front hitch? Of course there are the clearance issues, the gen slide etc. . . but before I put to much thought into it I thought I'd throw it our there to the experts.

Dutch Star Don · 03-04-2009, 01:15 PM

What do you want to use it for....bike rack or boat launching? How you're going to use it will be important.

Our Time · 03-04-2009, 01:17 PM

Never seen a pusher with a front hitch. It would require numerous supports to bypass the generator slide. If you elect to do it, make sure you properly prepare the coach for welding. You just can't connect a ground and start welding.

Route 66 · 03-04-2009, 01:20 PM

Frequently, front mounted hitches are for flag pole holders.

JCM · 03-04-2009, 07:03 PM

Some people just find it easier to launch their boat or like to have something on the front to pull their motorhome.

DEG503 · 03-05-2009, 03:25 AM

I will occasionally pull my ski boat (about 4000 lbs) and I thought it would be a lot easier to launch at a ramp with a front hitch. I would only use it at VERY slow speeds for short distance at a launch.

Route 66 · 03-05-2009, 04:01 AM

If the front hitch is mounted to a generator slide, then a flag pole mount would be about the load limit.

If there is no generator slide, then maneuvering a trailer would be possible, IMHO.

Dutch Star Don · 03-09-2009, 01:27 PM

DEG503......From personal experience, I'll tell you that it would be much easier using the rear hitch to launch. The large coaches have such a long rear overhang that the rear wheels never even get close to the water.

I think you would also find that it would take a ton of fabrication to make a hitch that would fit around the generator and front slide.

Good Luck

Spikester · 03-09-2009, 04:10 PM

DEG503, Good news, I have a front mount CL III hitch mounted on the front of our coach for the expressed purpose of launching and retrieving out 18.5' runabout. Bad news, is my generator is not on slides, permanently mounted up front, so the front hitch assembly is mounted directly to the bottom of the frame rails. Was done as an aftermarket installation as part of the original purchase. Hole was cut in the front bumper/cap for "stinger" to slide into the receiver, when not using I have a hitch mounted license plate holder that slides into the receiver that covers up receiver. Also when camped I use it to hold a mount for a 24' flag pole. I would think any good hitch mounting business could fabricate a CL III hitch for you that would suit your needs. Works exceptionally well for launching and retrieving our boat, I would not do it any other way. Our past 2 coaches have also had front mount hitches on them expressly for boating.

If you would like some pictures of my mount, let me know via private and I will forward them on to you.

Spike

DEG503 · 04-14-2009, 08:46 PM

I think based upon what y'all have told me, I need to pass on the idea of a front hitch. As was mentioned, the generator slide is the killer. No problem launch from the rear hitch, I was just looking for a lazy way out!

David