Adding Front Receiver Hitch

[jbenoit28]

We are looking at adding a front hitch to our Excursion 4X4 to carry bikes and other things. There are two kinds for our truck. One is behind the bumper (receiver hole is located through an existing opening in the bumper), the other is under it. We want to keep our fog lights, so the under bumper is our choice. Our concern is if the bike rack will contact the ground when we are pulling in and out of driveways etc.? Has anyone done this and had any issues?

Thank you,

Joe

[Hipshot]

I had a front receiver hitch and 5 bike rack on a 2008 Silverado. I carried 3 bikes with no problem. I have a pretty good dip coming out of my subdivision. It is enough that my toad hitch with a 4 inch drop will sometimes scrape. But I never scraped the front hitch on the Silverado.

[Bubwheat]

I have a Curt front receiver hitch on my 2008 Tundra. It bolted into the holes for the tow hooks and used the same bolts, really easy install. From the ground to the bottom of the receiver, it's 11 inches. I have never had any problem with clearance.

[milasman]

I have a front hitch on my E-450, no problems.

[jbenoit28]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I will measure the height in the front of my truck to compare. Did any of you have the type that mounts under the bumper, not behind it?

[Bubwheat]

Originally Posted by jbenoit28

Thanks for all the quick replies. I will measure the height in the front of my truck to compare. Did any of you have the type that mounts under the bumper, not behind it?

My hitch is under the bumper.

[milasman]

Same here.

[jbenoit28]

I have 13.5" under my bumper. Thanks for the info guys. Looks like I'll be ordering the Curt under the bumper hitch next week.

Joe

[milasman]

Bought mine from Draw-Tite.

[Bill n Jan]

We installed an under the bumper receiver on our Tundra. Were we ran into trouble was the bike rack it’s self. Our old bike rack the bikes road on there cross members and the bikes would swing as we drove down the road. There a little rubbing damage to the bumper. We stopped at a bike store and bought a new bike rack were the bikes tires are in a cradle. It worked out a whole lot better.
We also have good clearance under the rack also.

[jbenoit28]

I just learned that the Curt under the bumper front hitch, doesn't fit a 2005 Excursion. The blocker beam bolt pattern is different. I'm returning it for the other type that goes behind the bumper. Seems like it will be more involved of an install, but it doesn't seem like I have a choice now. One concern is that the bikes will be carried higher now....hope to keep them out of my field of view.

[Bubwheat]

Originally Posted by jbenoit28

I just learned that the Curt under the bumper front hitch, doesn't fit a 2005 Excursion. The blocker beam bolt pattern is different. I'm returning it for the other type that goes behind the bumper. Seems like it will be more involved of an install, but it doesn't seem like I have a choice now. One concern is that the bikes will be carried higher now....hope to keep them out of my field of view.

Try this one out from JC Whitney, they say it's specifically for your vehicle.

Hidden Hitch

SKU #: JCW- 470563
Manufacturer #: WAGX470563

[VanDiemen23]

A lot of the time the lowest point is not the hitch, but the tires on the bikes. A dip will peel 'em right off.

[GSBri]

I have had a front receiver on my truck and camper and now on my truck (f250 die) and 5th to carry our two mountain bikes.
My observations:
• on the current truck I had to cut four inches out of the rack stem to avoid any clearance issues
• I remove the saddles to improve the view
• the bikes do block some of the headlights so best not to travel at night.
• this position is great for service and cleaning bikes
• lots of people ask mr how I set it up

We do lots of trail riding and this setup lets you drive to the trailhead and avoid double handling if you had the bikes on the trailer.