# 1
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.
# 2
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I installed this on the front of a 2018 F350. Fit an finish is great. Install was easy and directions simple to follow. Having another set of hands was very helpful, else it would be a balancing act I imagine. No drilling needed except for the cutout in the valence. My use is a cargo basket for four bikes and a kayak rack when pulling my fifth wheel. I have a receiver splitter that allows me to have both the basket and Yak rack mounted at the same time. Load up the toys and go...
After a year, I don’t know how I survived without this thing. I have had bikes, crates, and a motorcycle on my front hitch and it performed perfectly. I wish I could give it more stars.
# 3
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Do not follow the instructions for cutting the air dam. I cut mine 3" wide and 3 1/2 " tall. It was still a little wide. It goes without saying "you can always enlarge it but can't make the hole smaller." The poor instructions kept me from giving it 5 stars. I was able to put black silicon around the cut. Other than that it went on fine and seems to be sturdy. I chose the curt because it was lower and a bicycle rack would not stick up as high,
Delivery was quick, a really easy installation I did myself. Perfect for carry rack, spare tire, winch and moving my trailer!
# 4
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
I went with this hitch since I have an after market front bumper. I wasn’t sure if it was going to fit but since this hitch was a bolted connection it gave me 2 options to have a chance it would fit. One I received the package the box was damaged but all the hardware had been taken to the hitch, so everything was there. I installed the hitch by myself and took me about 2 hours but that was due to the aftermarket bumper and dealing with that hardware at the same time otherwise the install went smooth. Tha last phot is to show this hitch worked with this bumper.
Mounted this hitch about a year ago and really like it. We pull a fifth wheel camper so this affords us the ability to haul our bikes or kayaks(tall T stand) up front. Was easy to install and looks good to boot.
# 5
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.
# 6
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Great customer service and product.
The quality and fit is exceptional. So much so that this is the third hitch assembly I've purchased and installed. This one was for my brother in-laws 1999 F350. I also put a 10k winch on a slider that works perfectly with this assembly. Other vehicles I purchased and installed assemblies on are a 2011 F350 and a 2016 Class C motorhome. Very happy.
# 7
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Unfortunately the item I wanted wasn't in stock at etrailer, but I had time before I wanted to install the item, a front mount hitch. The vendor was on time with supplying the hitch and etrailer shipped the hitch in a timely manner. It arrived yesterday evening and I installed it today. I've installed three front hitches, all from etrailer Curt and Draw-Tite I believe over the past few years. Two this year. The first picture is the front hitch on a 1998 E-450 class C motor home, the second picture is on a 2002 Ford F-350 pickup truck.
The video explaining the install was very helpful, thank you! One additional step, which I had to do, REMOVE the front bumper. Four bolts, and it is off. This makes the removal of the front leaf spring nut MUCH easier, esp. if working alone. Now the disappointing part. My winch, which is a Re-Con, Brute force (17,500 lb rating) was half a hole short from being able to pin. I removed the winch carrying handles and the front licence plate. This allowed the stinger to slide forward in the receiver the extra little bit. It now fits fine. I have other vehicles the winch mounts on, so I elected to go this route and it will be fine. It is a bit of a pain, but only will have to deal with it once or twice per year. I just threw the plate in the front window in case I get pulled over. My truck has towing loops which extend through the bumper, so I can not slide the plate to the side of the winch.
# 8
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! ; )
# 9
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Works good with my snow plows.
I just had a chance to finally get it mounted to my truck. The fit is perfect. I have never had any issues with anything that I’ve ever gotten from etrailer.
# 10
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Great product,easy installation and dealing with etrailer has been a real good experience.
# 11
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.
# 12
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Shipping was fast and packaged good with no scratches. I modified my 2010 Tundra skid pan for oil filter changes before mounting. Replaced all 4 OEM tow ring bolts using anti-seize with new longer M12-1.25 X 40MM class 10.9 zinc finished hex cap screws along with new M12 X 24MM OD HARD WASHERS and torqued all 4 to 79 ft/lbs. Mounted new Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack and it fits in front without using the hitch extension. All went together as planned and can now take E-Bikes with us while pulling our camper. We are happy campers!
Primarily bought the front receiver hitch to haul our 2 e-bikes. Did that because it was easier than hauling them inside our camper. And didn’t trust them bouncing around on the back bumper of the camper. Hauled the bikes that way on several camping trips. Easy as pie and I could keep an eye on them the whole trip.
# 13
EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
Easy to install. Works perfect to hook up car trailer to front of rv when camped for days at the track.
It's holding up a Thule rack well. The rear is freed for a motorcycle.
# 14
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.
# 15
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!!
# 16
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.
# 17
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. .
# 18
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
How it was received; either is was mail destroyed or UPS did this in the process. No telling what parts are missing, waiting for UPS to come pick this and E-Trailer to send out replacement. I thought these product would be packaged better from the factory for shipping resilience.
Of the many hitch receivers I have purchased, the front mounted ones have never failed to surprise me of their usefulness! From bike racks, to carrier for coolers, to my chainsaws, gas and oil, they make it work. Recently while cutting wood for a hunting lease engagement, I put a second ball on the front and used it to drive a 16' trailer up a hill to get the wood where it was needed for offloading. Backing it up had resulting in damaged trucks, trailers and numerous attempts. Using the front hitch it was a one and done deal! Love it! I have even used it to pull trees over when felling. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the uses! If you have ever thought about it, just stop and order! You won't regret it!
# 19
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.
# 20
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
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"Very fast service. Shipped out an hour after I ordered it.Thanks!!"