# 1
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Hi George, I received your email and didn't realize it had been a year already. I'm afraid I don't have anything to say that you want to hear but I will tell you anyway. I spent about a week researching this hitch and read numerous reviews about it and how easy it is to install with installation times of 30 minutes to an hour, so finally I bought one. I read the instructions when I got it, looked simple enough. I've been building cars and motorcycles most of my life, a few hot rods and drag raced Harley's for 8 years, and I had to fabricate a lot of parts on the drag bike splus I've been a CNC Machinist for 30 years, and having just retired this project was on my list of things to do NOW! Well its been a year and the hitch is now sitting in the corner of my dining room. Either I have a Jeep Cherokee that is an odd ball or its just my crappy luck. In the directions it says to use the fishwire for putting in cm-sp1 and the bolt. I can supply pictures if you want but there is no access hole anywhere near big enough to get the sp1 spacer in the frame and the end of the frame isn't open either as the directions suggest. Apparently its either butcher the frame with a hole big enough to these spacers in, which I really don't want to do, or try to sell the hitch for whatever I can get and say the hell with it, except I really need that front hitch. I realize most people are very happy with your product, but I'm sorry to say I'm not at all. You asked!
Product fit as advertised. It took us longer than expected to install, but overall I'm very satisfied.
# 2
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I chose Draw-tite because they are built very well and this one is no different. The welds are done well and I have no fear that this product will serve me well. The install wasnt to bad for a DIY type like me and the fit was excellent, only took a few hours. Knowing that I can now be pulled out of a bad situation or pull someone else out is comforting with the help of a hitch mounted winch. The Price was right and etrailer shipped it out fast although packing could use a smaller box . Oh yeah, UPS sure tested the toughness of this receiver ! . Great product and great service from etrailer
Hitch went on well, no missing or incorrect hardware. One bolt (RH front) was a little tricky, ended up pulling the bumper away a little to get it started, but not a big deal. Thickness of materials and welding are good. Had to notch the air dam plastic piece in three places, easily done with tin snips and a utility knife. Very happy overall. Tucks up in tight, doesn't hang down, not even noticeable. Now I have a winch mount, but even more importantly I have a really good pull point on the front, which these Cherokees lack. Would certainly recommend.
# 3
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I bought this after years of struggling to get a race trailer in the backyard. When I decided to move it about 12 feet to the right, I knew there was no way my F350 4X4 crew-cab could make the tight turns that would be required. After being able to position it on the first try, I realized I should have bought it 20 years ago. The installation took two tries. Not sure if it because I’m 66 or trying to do it by myself. The key for me was to hook a couple of straps to it, unbolt it, and then put the bumper on the engine compartment. The first attempt was by trying to do everything from the backside. Once I removed the bumper completely, I was able to do everything from the from, so I was not completely blind in installing the two side bolts. The straps not only made it easier to reinstall it, they were useful in pulling up on side to level it. I will be buying my son one for his 2016 F150 4X4
Package shipped and arrived quickly. Install was relatively easy, but took longer as the bolts were actually larger (7/8") - and I did not have a shallow socket for it that was also 1/2" drive for my torque wrench. I also needed remove the grill cover to have enough throw to tighten back on the bumper after the hitch was bolted on (which blocked access from the bottom). I would recommend getting some 9/16" shank carriage bolts to help align and secure the front flange while tightening the sides to the frame. I used a floor jack on level pavement to raise the hitch into position. Overall - it looks great and functions well. Very stout and strongly built with superb welds and finish. This will make getting smaller trailers into tight spaces MUCH more easier and less of a headache/embarrassment. Plus it's also another point for recovery as an option for 4x4 or overlanding, and I also added a step to the front of it which makes accessing the back of the engine bay easier.
# 4
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
A good install! A bit of trimming for my application , but the bolt holes lined up perfectly. This front hitch was not specifically for a Lexus GX 460 but I decided to try it. There is a small area of lower bumper plastic that had to be trimmed. The hitch was pushing up against it before it was high enough to be in place. Upon trimming that area, it went in perfectly. If trimming the lower plastic is not for you, probably best to pass. However for my use, it works well. It is a stout piece, very strong. I added a pic with a red line to show where the trim needs to be.
Installed on my 2012 Lexus GX460. Perfect fit once I cut the center section of the lower plastic area for it to fit. Also had to trim the bottom splash guard and bend in the L brackets that hold it on. Took me about 2 hours. Very happy with the outcome. Now can mount snow blade for the driveway clearing…or any other hitch items.
# 5
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
This fit my Ford 2023 E-450 (cutaway) perfectly. I had measured the frame of previous year E-450’s and didn’t see any difference so I gambled and ordered the 65053 which fit. Installation was straight forward with modification and fitting of the splash guard taking 50% of the time. Fit and finish was good except at the front of the receiver itself. Unfortunately that’s the only two inches of the whole hitch that show and had weld splatter and sharp bits under the paint. This took a bit of filling to smooth out which I then repainted. Attached are photos installed on my 2023 E-450.
Easy installation, nice sturdy hitch that fits on the front of our C- Class RV to haul our electric bikes. Highly recommend it.
# 6
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I bought this receiver to add front mounted 'accessories' on my 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. I plan on using this to add an extra bicycle rack, a cargo basket, a receiver mounted winch or other 'accessories' needed for my Jeep when I take my family camping. It will also be useful for "front launching" a boat or parking a trailer in tight spots. It took me about an hour to install, although I had already previously removed the lower wind deflector cowling, so did not have to spend time removing it or cutting it for a finished look. Detaching and moving the top trim panel between the grill and the bumper is a must to facilitate the installation. The receiver fits pretty close, although you do have to manipulate it to get the holes to line up with the frame. Follow the instructions and do not tighten any of the bolts until you get it lined up and all the bolts in loosely, then torque it down. As noted in the instruction sheet, the driver's side of the receiver does not sit flush against the frame, there is about a 1/4" to 5/8" gap. The instructions say to use the extra split washers (in the kit) as filler, but they would just rattle around loose in there and provide any benefit, so I omitted them. Once tightened down, the receiver tube was not parallel to the ground, it is slightly higher in the front, sloping towards the rear. It is not off enough to affect my intended use, but may be bothersome to those with type 'A' attention to detail. Overall a good product that will add a lot of flexibility to my Jeep~
Relatively easy install. Just have to be mechanically inclined. We use the hitch to carry a fish rack/cooler on a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. So far so good.
# 7
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
After a year of having this on my truck I can say that I wish I did it sooner! The installation is easy as can be. The hitch is super handy as both a tow point and also as a kind of skid plate/bumper. I have contacted multiple ecology blocks and other objects in my truck, the hitch is the first thing to touch so nothing on the truck gets damaged! This is a super strong, affordable, and versatile addition to any vehicle!
VERY Easy install - not quite centered but that's no biggie - Used it already to fine tune the travel trailer into it's tight parking space. Also will be used for carhauler/utility trailer parking and canoe hauling and bike hauling and winch mount - Multi use deal! ; )
# 8
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
We live just south of Buffalo and Put this on our '11 Honda Ridgeline with a snowsport plow and a week later it snowed, and snowed and snowed... 5 feet in 24 hours and it's still snowing.... It's not good.... It's AWESOME! Not one driveway or even our street is clear... Except ours. It was easy to put together , easy to install and works exactly like it's advertised! It's November and it paid for itself already. Communication with etrailer was exceptional. We could not be happier with the whole setup.
Needed a front hitch for a 2006 Ridgeline Honda truck. I found it on etrailer.com and a better price for same hitch on another online store. As I talked with the customer service agent, I was also offered a discount which was quite a surprise. Shipping was very fast. Had it installed on my truck so I could attach a mounting hitch and snow blade. I am extremely happy with this hitch and etrailer.com.
# 9
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Fits perfect and works just as I needed it to. I use it for my SnowSport plow set-up on a 2022 Gladiator Sport Max Tow. I’ve been using front receivers for this same plow for the last 24 years. It’s been used on 5 different trucks and this front receiver mount plow is the BEST. *** When installing on a Gladiator(possibly the Wrangler as well), the front plastic trim below the bumper needs to be cut for receiver clearance. I wanted a tight and “factory looking” install, so I took my time with a vibrating cutter and very sharp utility knife. After trying to put it back in place, the hole is not just square, it’s shaped more like. “T”. I suggest you make small adjustments/cuts as you go forward. It may take several times fitting and cutting to get it right and tight, but in the end it does look like it came that way from JEEP. On the Max Tow package, there is also a metal skid plate that does not get reinstalled. Unfortunately that piece is where the back of the plastic fascia mounts. I ended up securing it with some long heavy-duty zip-ties and it’s worked well for a year now. Just an FYI for those installing the same receiver on their same vehicle.
Product shipped and received on time. I'm very happy with the packaging. Hardware was included with instructions to install the hitches I purchased.
# 10
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
One problem with the front of many vehicles is the inability to find an attachment point, whether for the front of a canoe on your roof or for a tow strap. A solution is to install a front hitch receiver with or without tow loops. A front hitch receiver then offers the ability to install a variety of other helpful devices such as a winch or bike rack greatly increasing the utility of your vehicle. I installed the Curt Front Hitch Receiver C31033 on the front of a 2013 Dodge Durango. I was happy with the results. Some points to note in this application are that the hitch receiver is completely hidden behind the front air dam requiring cutting a hole through the plastic molding to enable inserting a hitch or other device. Further, the tow loops, while accessible, are also completely behind the air dam, so unless you further cut openings for the tow loops, a straight line pull would push up on the air dam. The provided bumper trim diagram only indicates cutting access for the hitch receiver, not the tow loops. Other observations during installation are that two of the "square hole spacers" had to be trimmed by 0.25" on one end due to a restriction inside the frame which otherwise would not allow the bolts to be aligned with the holes drilled in the required locations. Also, the trim diagram for the underbody panel supplied with the directions while detailed and specific, would not have worked in my application. I found it best to trim a little bit of plastic off at a time while fitting the panel in place multiple times to obtain a custom fit. Finally, plan on drilling at least one new attachment point for the underbody panel due to restrictions introduced by the hitch receiver.
The only problem was in the unreal expectation of a quick installation. I took this to a mechanic in my parish - it took him three hours working with an assistant. But it looks fine! Installed on a 1012 Durango CREW.
# 11
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
The hitch was easy to install. The only issue is who ever welded it put the front ring on and it's turned to one side. It functions fine but bothers my OCD.
Quality hitch and the excellent service all the way around I'm used to getting from etrailer over the years. Installed on my 2016 Sierra Denali 2500HD, note instructions say on first line down that it does not fit the Denali trim due to extensive fascia cutting required; actually it was quite simple with the aid of a 4-1/2" cutoff disk and a sawzall. Installation is much easier with two people. See attached pics for actual material removed, note the lower fascia need not be cut for the hitch to fit through the hole. Maybe more work to install than the Curt hitch, but well worth the additional ground clearance.
# 12
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
This was one of the easiest accessories I’ve installed on my Tundra. It is a front receiver hitch so I don’t use it very often. Mostly just for bike racks when towing a trailer, but when you need it you need it.
Straight forward and perfect fit on my 2008 Toyota Tundra!!
# 13
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Delivery was super fast, instructions and instructional video was excellent. Installed my new part in less than 40 minutes
Install went perfectly. It all bolted up just how the instructions said it would. The hardest part was navigating your tools in the tight spaces. Having the deep sockets as suggested is definitely worth it. I was also able to utilize a cordless impact wrench and it helped a ton. This will work great for our bike rack.
# 14
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
The Curt front receiver fit perfectly on my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, the welds on the horizontal hitch bar all had to be trimmed back with a grinder for the washer nuts to fit properly! A little bit of spray paint and you can’t tell the difference!
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7 v8 fit perfectly went together easily with new snow plow.
# 15
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I'm off to overland in Texas and wanted you to know that the hitch and winch carrier are perfect. Using quick connectors, I can use ir on the front and rear. Removing it also saves on gas. It works great with a moulded number, saving on buying a specialized steel bumper and other expensive attachments. I like that I can still have all the internal mud guards and brush cover without having to take them off and not be able to have them on. Awesome!
This is a high quality hitch that fits the Gladiator perfectly. The hardest part of the installation was removing and reinstalling the push fasteners on the plastic air dam. While the hitch fit is perfect, the instructions for cutting the plastic air dam leave something to be desired. I finally had to eyeball the location for the hole and then found that the suggested utility knife simply wouldn't cut the plastic air dam. An oscillating saw solved the cutting problem easily and the best guess location worked out. Am I happy with the end result? You bet! Would I do it again? Absolutely.
# 16
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Very easy to install. works great for bike rack and generator box.
After struggling with the answering menu, Steve Z. was instrumental in locating a hitch to fit my van which was not specifically identified in any data search. Weird year, 2005, of popular Chevy Express van, my luck! Using manufacturers dimensions I purchased #31016 on 12/21 and it arrived on 12/24. It's a very well built, USA built, unit. It arrived rapidly, but was missing half of the mounting hardware. The remainder of the hardware was rolling around in the box. Zip lock baggie ripped apart spilling them. I used a hydraulic jack to elevate hitch into place, and an additional jack to push the drill up to drill the 6 mounting holes necessary. No factory hole alignment. All the nuts for the bolts were lost in transit, but by a Christmas day miracle, I found 2 metric nuts to fit supplied bolts that survived the delivery. I will acquire, and install remaining missing 4 tomorrow. The installation went smooth and easy using this technique. It took around 3 hours with much of the time searching for hardware.' Thanks Steve Z. and etrailer. .
# 17
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Added to use with a front winch. The install was not too difficult and the included instructions were spot-on. On my F250, the front tow hooks add to the strength of holding the hitch to the frame. On the F250 you do lose the OEM fog light location, but I used the wiring to add/relocate after-market fog lights. The set up has already proven helpful, pulling me out of a snow back while plowing. Just what I needed for some summer off road camping as well.
Great product! Fit perfectly on my 2005 F350. Instructions were easy to follow and it's possible to do it singlehandedly. Thanks trailer!
# 18
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I buy practically all my towing accessories from etrailer. One of the reasons why is that you can tell that they take the feedback of their customers seriously. I read a lot about previously shipped products having fell out of the box in certain areas. etrailer heard that feedback and my shipping box was reinforced in just the right areas that were talked about getting punched through in shipping. The tech notes video on the 2012 F-250 applied exactly on my 2016 F-250. All the measurement specifications were correct as well. This is a job that can be done by one person, albeit you'll have to be careful. Your second set of hands can be jack stands, as it was in my case. If you take your time in positioning everything - installation will be a breeze. I do agree with previous reviews - it would be nice to have a second fishing wire as it does get stretched out when pulling the first bolt through. That, or a heavier duty gauged wire - that's just a small detail however. If you're really concerned about it, you can buy a secondary fishing wire at around 5 bucks. I spent more time taking out and putting back in body clips than I did with the install of the hitch receiver hardware. I really like the way it looks and I'm excited to use it.
I plan on installing it tomorrow, however first impressions are not good. The box it item was shipped in was extremely damaged. Torn, ripped and taped up on all sides. The delivery person said that due to the sharp edges and the face it wasn't secured in the box (lose) led to the damage. It appears the item was not packaged properly. I just hope all the parts are there. More to follow.
# 19
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I have had the front receiver hitch installed on my 1996 Suburban for about a year now. I have a 12000 lb winch installed using that receiver hitch. I have gotten stuck twice and had to use the winch to extract the truck. Very glad that I have the front receiver hitch as it made putting on the winch very easy. Also useful for mounting a receiver mount bicycle rack to the front as well.
Product was shipped promptly and arrived a few days later. Packing was good for a heavy item with pointy edges, no issues breaking out of the box. Installation on a lift took about 30 minutes on my 1999 K2500 Suburban. The bolts were long enough to allow for my tow hooks that were already in place. A bolt stringer to pull the rear bolts from the top (inside the frame) is provided along with nuts, the other four just replaced the stock bolts that I had that mount from the bottom into tapped frame metal through the tow hooks. Curt makes great quality stuff. Clearance was reduced a little but I'm not concerned about it.
# 20
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
The hitched arrived three days early and I was able to install it in less than 2 hrs with a little help from my wife and a floor jack. Perfect fit!! No shimms necessary Vwrry happy.
Detailed information provided to ensure correct selection of equipment for my pickup. Great support service. Quick delivery with updates available along the way. Installation was as advertised. No surprises..
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