# 1
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Thank gooness eTrailer was able to recommend a local hitch installer! Evidently somewhere along the line shipping or possibly the factory the receiver got "tweaked" and the installer couldn't easily line up the holes to install the bolts holding the receiver to the truck frame. I didn't ask about what type of "tuning" was required but suspect there were likely some hydraulics and chains involved. Great installer, without a lift and special "tuning tools" and experience, there's was NO WAY i could have installed the hitch with jack stands and conventional tools-thank you etrailer for sourcing local installers! Also I had to buy a separate ball and hitch as my rear hitch was significantly larger (and too lower in the front) when installed in the front receiver. Using a smaller hitch enabled me to easily move and disconnect from the trailer. Other than the unexpected "tweak" somewhere either in mfgr or likely shipping, I've been very pleased with the Draw-tite receiver. Excellent installation instructions with some clever installation methods.
UPS was rough on the box but everything still lined up without having to pry but was snug on the back bolts. Install was very straight forward and did it myself in my driveway in just about 90 minutes from pulling the air dam to putting tools away. Used my floor jack to support the hitch in the center and started with the front bolts on both sides and then pivoted the hitch into position for the back bolts and then snugged up all four mounting bolts to the 110-ftlbs torque spec. Hints. made sure that front of the hitch was just a a hair pointed up from level before tightening down all of the mounting bolts. I pulled the air dam completely off and then lined it back up in position lying on the hitch so I could marked it, so I knew exactly where I would need to trim it and then used my Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel to trim it to fit. Then bolted it back into position and was done. I'll try and update this post once I take some pictures other than the shipping box
# 2
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
was sent a hitch for a 4 wheel drive when I ordered a hitch for a 2 wheel drive and company wants to charge $xx.xx to return after sending the wrong hitch. after contacting Nicole in chat mode she says they don't carry the 2 wheel drive hitch. so my only choice is to eat $xx.xx to return a defective product that did not fit my 1998 ford F-150 light duty 2 wheel drive
The trailer hitch itself is well made and overall excellent quality. The only reason it didn't get 5-stars is the same reason mentioned by many others. The directions leave something to be desired. A couple of extra diagrams would have made the job easier to figure out. That said, it was about a 2-hour install. One detail for my 2002 F-150, I would recommend removing the plastic bumper skirt. The extra 15-20 min to remove and reinstall it will save a significant amount of struggle trying to jam bolts and wires through the front of the frame rail, install spacers, and make the install much easier. Also, having an extra person to help hold the hitch in place while installing the bolts will make the job smoother. You can do it yourself, it's just more work and struggle. Overall, a great product. I'd buy it again.
# 3
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.
# 4
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
im very satisfied with my front receiver. ive used it as a recovery point,to move trailers, and as a mount for bike rack and cargo holder. if i had a winch platethat would be very handy too. etrailerhad a fair price, quick shipping, and overall great customer service. i would use them again andrecommend to a friend as well.
# 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"
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! ; )
# 7
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.
I have not installed the hitches on my truck but they look to be well made and will replace the OEM hitch just fine assuming it fits. I did lower the rating because of the shipping. BOTH hitches came by LTL UPS Freight and BOTH hitches were delivered out of their boxes. The had ripped through the side or end of cardboard box. UPS carried the hitches up to the garage and then placed the boxes over them. I am hopefully that all the hardware and instructions were delivered. After I get them installed in a couple weeks we'll see how the rest of the story goes.
# 8
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I am not sure that installing this hitch could have been easier. I did it on the ground on my driveway, sloped, by removing my tow hooks and supporting the receiver on some blocks and bolting it in place directly into the frame. The hardware fit perfectly in alignment and thread size etc. We've mostly used it to carry bicycles when towing, though once placed a trailer with it also. Strong, fully functional and as noted easy to install.
Haven’t had a chance to use the front hitch on our Nissan Frontier year but the installation was quick and easy. I was all set to knock the installation out in 20 minutes until one of the split lock washers failed and had to be replaced out of my spare stock. Also an additional note: the hitch showed up heavily scratched despite the packaging having been in good condition. Maybe some more careful handling at the warehouse is in order.
# 9
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Front hitch was received in a timely manner. The Hitch itself does not line up with the bumper of my 2002 Jeep Wrangler X. It is close but no cigar. Will have to make some type of adjustment to align the bolts. This I thought was a bolt on installation. Disappointed but will keep the hitch. Hitch is to be used to move trailers and to mount winch that can be used on the front or rear of wrangler.
Perfect for what I need. Can adapt it for many different uses from winching, cargo carrying, bicycle carrier, or any other use my tinkering mind comes up with.
# 10
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!!
# 11
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
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.
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.
# 12
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Road tested 4000 miles & off-road, Solid, Great ! I always wanted a front hitch, it is rad ! We had a great experience across the board. Ordered the front hitch mount and had a mechanic (Weld Tech/San Diego) install it, because they already had our van to install their lift kit. They charged me one hour labor. I can see that it fits well and is solid. We went on a 4000 mile adventure with a small motorcycle on the front hitch. etrailer has been a good source for for a few things now.
I own a 2003 Ford E-450 RV cutaway and wanted a front hitch to carry our bicycles since our rear hitch is used for a trailer. I originally tried to mount the equivalent Curt front hitch, because of its cheaper cost, onto the vehicle. However, the Curt hitch wouldn't work because it can't adequately accommodate the slight downward hump in the truck's frame. This hump can barely be seen between the two hitch mounting bolts. The hump is on both the left and right side frame rails on my vehicle. If your frame is not totally flat (has even a small hump) you cannot use the Curt hitch. The Curt's small indentation on its mounting flange will not adequately accommodate the frame's hump. This Draw-Tite hitch, 65001, mounted perfectly on my vehicle and the installation procedures I used were exactly as depicted in the etrailer video for the E350 van. In the video, the technician uses a rotary file to expand the rearward holes to allow the insertion of the bolts. I had to do the same thing and bought a rotary file for my drill at my local home improvement store for less than $3. I did not have to use the rotary file on the forward holes. In addition, I have the larger Roadmaster front sway bar and steering stabilizer and as you can tell in the photo, there is plenty of room for the hitch.
# 13
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.
# 14
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.
The hitch installed easily on the front of my truck and has given me more versatility in using my truck. In the summer I carry 3 bikes on a hitch rack when I go camping. I also hook up a 12000 lb. winch when needed. Sometimes I use the front hitch when moving my boat. This is a very sturdy and reliable hitch. Etrailer customer service is excellent.
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