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Old 03-15-2009, 09:58 AM   #1
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i just thought i would do a follow up post. i installed a front mounted "hidden hitch" receiver on my truck today. i intend to carry the kids bikes up front. the install on ford trucks was easy and fast. you just remove the bumper and tow hooks, place the hitch on the frame and then bolt everything back together. it pushes your front bumper out about 1/4". if you have factory flood lights you must remove them and not reinstall them. i did'nt have them. the receiver cost from $149-$210 depending on where you get it from and shipping. there are two types, get the one that does not look like a coventional hitch. those hang low like a snow plow frame. the good one bolts to the frame behind the tow hooks and the receiver comes out where the front licsense plate is. i'll post some pictures when i buy the bike rack and i'll put bikes on it...slowly but surely getting ready for the season to start.
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Old 03-15-2009, 10:13 AM   #2
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Nice - be sure to post pictures!
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Old 03-15-2009, 11:14 AM   #3
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i will. i'm sure they make it for other brand trucks.
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Old 03-15-2009, 11:47 AM   #4
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I'm concerned you took the tow hooks off, Now what so you use to hook that Chevy up that came to your rescue.

We don't carry more than two bikes but I would like to see pictures.
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Old 03-15-2009, 11:58 AM   #5
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Nice tweak Ed! Â*My brother-in-law has been doing this on his GMC for the past three years.Â*Â*
Now it he could only haul the bikes at the same time as his Jayco.Â*Â*Â*At least the F250 can handle both at the same time.


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Old 03-16-2009, 02:04 PM   #6
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don,

the tow hooks get re-installed. this way i can tow chevys while in reverse so i can see the embarassing look on the chevy owners face.

al,

your right about overloading a gmc. but at least it will make the front end squat like the rear end while towing. kind of like a leveling kit., and when the chevy breaks his family can peddle up to the next rest stop.
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Old 03-16-2009, 02:50 PM   #7
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The one thing holding me back from installing a front receiver on my F250 is losing the fog lights. With our constant drizzle and fog around here I like having them. Is there a re-locate kit or option mentioned for the fog lights when installing the receiver?
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Old 03-16-2009, 04:15 PM   #8
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patrick,

after looking at my set-up again i would say there is no way to mount the factory lights, but you could definitly mout aftermarket style lights. they would have to be not as deep as the factory lights. i'm going to pick up a bike rack this week and then i'll post pictures with measurements of the fog light area.

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Old 03-16-2009, 11:18 PM   #9
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Thanks Ed.
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Old 05-04-2009, 12:14 AM   #10
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I have often thought of using the front mounted hitch. On a 15oo mile trip how dirty will the bikes be? I don't think you can cover them up front.

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Old 05-04-2009, 06:38 AM   #11
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I'm trying my bikes up front they take way to much of a beating hanging off the back bumper.
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Old 05-04-2009, 02:15 PM   #12
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i finished installing the front hitch. when i put the bike rack in i noticed it was sitting a little high.(in my line of sight) so i custom made a drop hitch. it lowered the whole unit 14". i could have just cut the top of the bike rack down, but it was too expensive to do that to it. i'll take pictures tuesday night and post them. i'm very happy with the results.
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Old 05-04-2009, 02:33 PM   #13
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I had a 2.5" square receiver hitch installed on front of my Ford F-350.

Now I can use my motorcycle carrier front or back of truck and can tow another trailer by installing 2" ball mount in carrier tube, or could install 4 bicycle carrier into 2" receiver of motorcycle carrier. Will post pictures soon - need to paint it first.
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Old 05-21-2009, 12:10 PM   #14
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We carry 4 bikes on the front and it works great for us.



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