Can Bike Rack Be Carried in Front Mounted Receiver of Motorhome on Ford E-450 Cutaway Chassis

Published 03/07/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1166)

$589.15

Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(167)

$220.94

Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(290)

$191.59

Question:

Is it possible to mount this rack using a front hitch on a Class C motorhome using a E-450 chassis? We flat tow a vehicle with the motorhome and I was wondering if the front was an option for this rack instead of trying on mount on the back of our towed vehicle.

asked by: Rob H

Expert Reply:

As long as the front mounted receiver you're using has sufficient capacity to handle the combined weight of the rack (around 80 lbs as a 4 bike or 50 lbs as a 2 bike) and the bikes, it should work fine for you. Keep in mind however that carrying bikes on the front of the vehicle could block the headlights. The rack will extend roughly 46 inches from the face of the hitch, so it will be sticking out quite a bit.

You don't mention what model year your E450 cutaway chassis is, but we offer a Draw-Tite # 65053 front mounted receiver that fits 2008-2017 model years that has a 500 lb tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of downward force that can safely be applied to hitch). The # 65001 fits 2000-2007 models, and has the same capacity.

I've linked to installation videos and instructions for the hitches I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L